Kestrel Takes Flight

“McCullough’s skillful use of contrast between Kestrel’s past and present drives the novel’s powerful poetic imagery… Fans of Jamie Sumner’s Deep Water and Megan E. Freeman’s Alone will likely admire Kestrel’s bravery.” – Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW
“McCullough’s moving verse novel elegantly holds space for Kestrel’s conflicting emotions as the summer progresses. Kestrel’s spare, honest first-person narration lays bare the intensity and complexity of her feelings… . Well-realized secondary characters (including canine ones) support Kestrel as she moves from fear (of dogs, of freedom, of Grandpa) to belief in herself and what she’s capable of.” – Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW
“In this tender verse novel, Joy McCullough explores complications of love and loyalty, reminding us that—with great courage and true friends—we have the power to redefine ourselves, our homes, and the kinds of families we want to create.” – Megan E. Freeman, bestselling author of Alone
“What a beautiful story, and what a subtle unraveling of a young girl’s understanding of abuse and what home should really feel like.” – Nicole Melleby, author of Lambda Literary finalist Hurricane Season
“A layered story about found family, the desire to be understood and valued, and how nature can help us find the courage to soar.” – Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor-winning author of Red, White, and Whole
“McCullough chronicles one tween’s reckoning with religious faith and overcoming fear in this empowering verse novel… . Accessible text portrays the protagonist’s shift from frightened nervousness to steadfast self-confidence, resulting in a deeply introspective offering.” – Publishers Weekly
“McCollough offers a tender look at a girl and her mother as they slowly begin to build a life outside the shadow of an emotionally manipulative elder. Kestrel’s relationship with her grandfather is handled thoughtfully, showing the complicated mix of love, loyalty, and fear that can exist in families… . An accessible and heartfelt story about emotional control, resilience, and finding a path forward.” – School Library Journal
“The sparse verse effectively conveys Kestrel’s anxiety and gradual realization … An accessible and appealing exploration of coercion, autonomy, and finding one’s voice.” – Kirkus Reviews

Joy McCullough writes books and plays from her home in the Seattle area, where she lives with her husband and two children.

She is the author of the middle grade novels:

• Across the Pond
• A Field Guide to Getting Lost
• Not Starring Zadie Louise
• Code Red
• Kestrel Takes Flight
• Basil & Dahlia

She also authored the middle grade series Team Awkward and the picture books:

• Harriet’s Ruffled Feathers
• Champ and Major: First Dogs
• The Story of a Book

Her debut novel, Blood Water Paint, was longlisted for the National Book Award and was a William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist.

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