Leaving Birdsong

“It’s 1946, and 11-year-old Abigail is torn between the pain of leaving her familiar home and the excitement of moving to a new place, one her father assures her will provide them with a better life… . This is a beautifully written stand-alone companion to award-winner Woods’ The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA (2019). Abigail’s authentic voice supports the strong sense of time and place as she observes and seeks to understand her new surroundings: ‘Up North’s not perfect…But some things are mostly better…And even a little better is better.’ A quiet, powerful, textured novel that offers a window into the Great Migration.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Through Abigail’s heartbreakingly honest narration, readers witness the realities of discrimination and segregation through the eyes of a child trying to make sense of an unfair world. In Detroit, Abigail forms friendships with people whose experiences broaden her understanding of the world… . Concepts, such as segregation and lynching, are thoughtfully explored in a way that makes them accessible without diminishing their significance. Particularly compelling is Abigail’s introduction to affluent Black families, which further challenges her assumptions about race and social status. Through Abigail’s observations, this novel functions as a history book in narrative form and explores the complexities of the time with warmth and authenticity. This powerful historical novel explores racism, resilience, opportunity, and the search for belonging through the honest eyes of a young Black girl.” —School Library Journal, starred review

* “Woods’ uniquely perceptive young narrator provides strong pacing to the narrative as she chronicles her life in the Motor City through prose, poetry, and letters exchanged with her grandmother. The story takes readers to historical landmarks such as the Black Bottom neighborhood, the notable Gotham Hotel, which hosted notable Black figures such as Jackie Robinson and Ella Fitzgerald, and the Detroit Public Library, where Abigail encounters the first Black librarian she has ever seen. She also experiences the harsher side of the city, meeting homeless children who steal to survive… . This early middle-grade chapter book illuminates both the Great Migration and the Black experience in the North during the 1940s, making it a potential resource for a history class readaloud.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

“Woods adds texture to the tale by incorporating poems from Abigail’s journal and reflections on economic divides within Detroit’s Black community. An afterword briefly explains the Great Migration and the polio outbreak, which both feature in the story… . Capably explores tough topics and will speak to anyone who has ever felt newly out of place.” —Booklist

Brenda Woods is an artist and photographer with a bachelor of science degree from California State University.

Her award-winning books include:

• The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA
• With Just One Wing
• When Winter Robeson Came
• Zoe in Wonderland
• The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond
• Coretta Scott King Honor winner The Red Rose Box
• Saint Louis Armstrong Beach
• Emako Blue

Her numerous awards and honors include the Judy Lopez Memorial Award, FOCAL award, Pen Center USA’s Literary Award finalist, IRA Children’s Choice Young Adult Fiction Award, and ALA Quick Pick. She lives in Nevada.

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