Every Bird a Prince

De: Jenn Reese

Narrado por: Hope Newhouse

A girl's quest to save a forest kingdom is intertwined with her exploration of identity in Every Bird a Prince, a gorgeous middle-grade contemporary fantasy by Jenn Reese, the award-winning author of A Game of Fox & Squirrels, perfect for fans of Josephine Cameron and Barbara O'Connor.

The only time Eren Evers feels like herself is when she’s on her bike, racing through the deep woods. While so much of her life at home and at school is flying out of control, the muddy trails and the sting of wind in her face are familiar comforts.

Until she rescues a strange, magical bird, who reveals a shocking secret: Their forest kingdom is under attack by an ancient foe - the vile Frostfangs—and the birds need Eren's help to survive.

Seventh grade is hard enough without adding “bird champion” to her list of after-school activities. Lately, Eren’s friends seem obsessed with their crushes and the upcoming dance, while Eren can’t figure out what a crush should even feel like. Still, if she doesn’t play along, they may leave her behind…or just leave her all together. Then the birds enlist one of Eren's classmates, forcing her separate lives to collide.

When her own mother starts behaving oddly, Eren realizes that the Frostfangs—with their insidious whispers—are now hunting outside the woods. In order to save her mom, defend an entire kingdom, and keep the friendships she holds dearest, Eren will need to do something utterly terrifying: Be brave enough to embrace her innermost truths, no matter the cost.

©2022 Jenn Reese (P)2022 Macmillan Young Listeners

Reseñas de la Crítica

2023 Nebula Awards - Nominee, Short-listed

Heroes in two worlds!

Two good storylines. One of fantasy heroes and then the complexities of tween sexual orientations.

Refreshing Exploration of Inner Truth

Jenn Reese is an amazingly gifted author. Her ability to explore complex themes in rich fantastical settings take my breath away. Every Bird a Prince is a beautiful coming-of-age story about the daily battles waged in the lives of young people.

Eren Evers is most content when riding her bike through the Oregon woods near her home. In the glorious landscape, she can forget the pressures of middle school and simply be herself. She does not have to worry about finding someone to be her "crush" or about others' expectations. AN early morning encounter with an injured bird sends Eren on a momentous journey of self-discovery. Recruited by the bird prince as a "champion" to fight a malevolent foe, Eren soon discovers that the greatest enemy is within herself. SHe enlists the help of popular Alex and learns that not everything is as it seems.

I love how Reese melds fantasy and reality in her books with such tremendous skill. She paints a glorious depiction of THe Resplendent Nest, (the bird princes's realm), while simultaneously making the autumnal woods spring to life with sensory detail. THe imagery in this book is so compelling and immersive.
I would have dearly loved a book like this growing up. With so many books featuring romantic relationships for middle graders, I was never able to find novels that addressed this issue in some way. I always thought there was something inherentlyh "wrong" with me because I never was interested in dating, either. I loved Eren so much and related to her on so many levels. This book was so very refreshing, like a cup of sparkling apple cider, and I loved that Eren was able to discover her true identity. Louisa, Alex's sister, was also such a refreshing character. I cannot adequately describe the joy in finding a book for young people that expressed feelings I myself had at Eren's age. I have never encountered a book that dealt with the issue of self-identity for children that was so accessible. As someone who still wrestles with questions about this issue, (I am 38 years of age), I enjoyed encountering a book that was so honest and beautifully written.
All the characters are compelling and fun. I loved the bird princes and the way the Resplendent Nest realm comes so vividly to life. THe Frostfangs are such terrifying villains, and I love how they communicate with the characters in their own voices. Every Bird a Prince beautifully depicts the inner battles that we all encounter daily; the struggles to be ourselves when external pressures seek to mold us into what we are supposed to be. "Stay anchored in your truth and you will not fall".

Hope Newhouse is a superb narrator and evokes Eren's feelings with stellar grace. I loved her depiction of Prince Oreteetee and the other birds as well as her portrayal of Louisa. SHe has a mellifluous voice that is easy to enjoy, and she brings this novel vividly to life.

Every Bird a Prince is thoroughly recommended. If you enjoy stories of imperiled magical lands, epic battles and engaging characters well-seasoned with a journey of finding yourself, then you are in for a nourishing meal as wholesome and comforting as a bowl of vegetarian chili.
I also recommend Reese's extraordinary novel entitled A Game of FOx & Squirrels.
Happy listening, and God bless you all.