Author: Beverley Brenna
Publisher: Red Deer Press, MG
Genre: MG, Contemporary
A new middle grade novel from the author of the Michael L Printz Honor Book, The White Bicycle Harris Olson is a boy dealing with a load of guilt. Three years ago he was in a tragic car accident with his parents. He can't shake off the feeling of being responsible, though of course he was not. The memory returns from time to time —— until a crow comes tapping at his window one morning. A crow whom he lets into the house without intending to, a crow who somehow manages to cheer up not only Harris, but a lot of other people he cares about.
In this moving story, Beverley Brenna expertly demonstrates that sadness isn't something that needs to stay with you, that positive experiences can repair the tough things that occur in life. When Harris opens his window for the crow, he also opens himself up to a gradual healing and in the process learns how others also can overcome the dark feelings that often drag them down.
The back cover reads, "In this moving story, Beverly Brenna expertly demonstrates that sadness isn't something that needs to stay with you, that positive experiences can repair the tough things that occur in life." Very well put. It does all that, without stooping to silliness (as a story with a crow in it very easily could have) and it does so with well-drawn characters. The character arc, and especially the gruff but loving grandfather who eventually helps assuage Harris' guilt and sadness in a touching, well-handled scene, is written skillfully. The eccentric teacher's own preoccupation with personal issues provides a great foil.
- PW