Bird Brain
by: Joanne Levy
March 12, 2024 Orca Books
192 pages
I have never had a pet, but I have always wanted an animal familiar. If I had to guess, mine would likely be some sort of feline. I’d hope for a big cat, but likely would get more of a homebody. I myself am something of a house cat if we’re being honest. For Arden, the protagonist of Joanne Levy’s Middle Grade novel Bird Brain, a cat or dog as a pet would be ideal. Yet somehow, she ends up with a bird. And it isn’t even hers! She’s bird sitting Ludwig, an African Grey parrot, for her Uncle Eli while he’s away doing scientific research.
Arden tries to make the most of it by reasoning that a bird is better than no pet at all. Maybe if she takes extra special care of Ludwig maybe she can really have her own animal one day. Besides, Ludwig is a pretty good listener. As Arden struggles with a mean girl trying to kick her off the quiz bowl at school and her best friend not truly grasping what’s going on, Ludwig seems to not only listen to Arden but also to understand her.
Bird Brain deals with some important themes for middle schoolers, including bullying, peer pressure, and personal responsibility without feeling too preachy. In addition, Arden is from a single mother household. Plus there’s a lot to learn about birds and science presented in a fun way. It’s also short enough for more reluctant readers to manage on their own. One small warning though, it may lead your kids to reopen negotiations on obtaining a pet. Prepare yourselves.