LoveReading4Kids Says
Abandoned as a baby, Birdie has happily grown up in Fitz Williams Children’s Home until her great aunt calls for her to live with her. Leaving her beloved carer. Mrs. Dudley, and the busy streets of 1950s Leeds behind, Birdie sets off for the sleepy village of Barrington Dale. What she encounters is far from the loving family home she was hoping for though. The village pit is closing, and racism whispers in every shadow. Running from bullies Birdie meets an underground pit pony whose life is even more miserable than hers, can her kindness and determination save them both?
A superb historical adventure with a delightful heroine. Having grown up in a home specifically for the illegitimate children of white women and Black Americans GIs, Birdie is initially confused by the cold reception she receives in the all-white village, even the aunt who summoned her is cold and distant. Alongside the reader, Birdie slowly begins to understand and recognise the prejudice that surrounds her. Not to be defeated though, Birdie’s zest for life and kindness will not be squashed.
The historical setting of a post-war Yorkshire village is admirably brought to life. Young readers will undoubtably be fascinated by the plight of pit ponies, whilst complex issues such as the nationalisation of the coal industry and the realities of life under the shadow of World War Two are handled sensitively and lightly enough so as not to be confusing.
Despite it’s often bleak setting, reading Birdie is like being wrapped in a warm blanket – warm, cost and entirely satisfying. Perfect for fans of Phil Earle and Michael Morpurgo.
Amy McKay
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Birdie Synopsis
Birdie Bagshaw has never known her parents. Having grown up in a children's home for mixed race children in 1950s Leeds, now she has come to live with her great-aunt Mabel in the Yorkshire Dales.
From her arrival, things are strained, and Birdie cannot understand why she is treated like an outsider by the local children. When their bullying drives Birdie to hide in the nearby coal mine, she finds an unexpected rescuer in the form of Mr Duke, the last remaining pit pony in the village. As the weeks pass, Birdie forms a special bond with the spirited little pony. But his future is in danger, and Birdie comes up with a daring plan to save his life in return . . .
Cover art by Keith Robinson
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781839132414 |
| Publication date: |
3rd October 2024 |
| Author: |
J P Rose |
| Illustrator: |
Keith Robinson |
| Publisher: |
Andersen Press an imprint of Andersen Press Ltd |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
244 pages |
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J P Rose Press Reviews
'A captivating story of the profound and powerful magic of animals. I loved it' - A. F. Steadman
'A tender and touching story for animal lovers everywhere' - Hannah Gold
‘A future classic. A powerful novel about love, identity and finding your power in a world where everyone is against you... powerfully resonant today. A real triumph’ - The Bookseller Book of the Month
‘This book doesn’t just break your heart, it smashes it to smithereens, before delivering the most heartwarming ending I’ve ever read. I was glowing as I turned the final page’ - Nathanael Lessore
‘This is a story about family you didn’t choose, about a journey filled with hope and animals that never judge’ - Kereen Getten
‘A heartwarming story with the classic feel of Pollyanna crossed with National Velvet by way of The Railway Children... An absolute joy’ - E. L. Norry
‘A beautifully written, moving and hopeful story about family, friendship and belonging (and a gorgeous pit pony!)’ - Rashmi Sirdeshpande
‘A beautiful and earnest story about friendship and finding your home. Birdie and Mr Duke will steal your heart’ - Tola Okogwu
‘A beautiful story of friendship, heroism, and finding a place to call home’ - Maisie Chan
‘An utterly endearing and heartbreaking story of finding your place in this world. Birdie is fierce and lovable and she made me so proud’ - Efua Traore
‘I loved Birdie... her shining personality lights up the whole book’ - Tanya Landman
‘This is a book for anyone who loves ponies, and stories. Birdie is everything you want from a heroine, and everything you could wish for in a friend. I LOVED it!’ - Catherine Johnson
‘Compelling and beautiful... A complete joy from start to finish’ - Kate Foster
‘An instant classic, bursting with heart and humanity... full of northern heart and soul’ - Phil Hickes
‘A captivating and enthralling story... full of heart and hope from a superbly talented writer’ - Diana Anyakwo
