Little Bird Lands

by Karen McCombie

Interest age: 10 to 14
Reading age: 9+

Published by Nosy Crow, 2020

  • Adventure
  • Around the world
  • Chapter books
  • Historical
  • Travel
  • Mobility/wheelchair

About this book

This compelling sequel to Little Bird Flies is set in the 1860s and charts one family’s journey from Scotland to America, in search of a better life. Fifteen-year-old Bridie MacKerrie, her younger brother Lachlan and their father flee their home following false accusations of murder, theft and kidnapping. After living in New York for a time, they are keen to find a permanent home, so travel west to Hawk’s Point, Michigan, where Mr MacKerrie has secured work and lodgings.

Although the copper-mining settlement is small and shabby, the MacKerries create a comfortable home and quickly make new friends. However, the town is dominated by some rather unpleasant residents, including aggressive Mr Nathaniel, who runs the general store, and the arrogant mine manager, Mr Eriksson, who keeps his reclusive young wife hidden away.

Convincing characters and a captivating plot combine with strong themes of discrimination, friendship and forgiveness to create a fascinating historical novel. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War of 1861-1865, it also comments on the treatment of the Native American population, who were displaced and forcibly relocated to reservations to make way for the influx of European immigrants during this period.

About the author

Karen McCombie is the bestselling author of 90 books for children and teenagers, including the series Ally's World, You, Me & Thing and St Grizzle's School For Girls, plus novels The Girl Who Wasn’t There, Catching Falling Stars and The Pearl in the Attic. Originally from Scotland, she lives in London with her husband, teenage daughter and beautiful-but-bitey cat. Karen does a lot of her writing on her laptop at a local garden centre cafe, since it has more cake and passing dogs to say hello to than her writing office at home...

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