A Home for Bird

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is navigating the shift from childhood to adolescence and struggling with the changing landscape of their friendships. This Newbery Medal-winning story follows Miranda, a sixth-grader in 1970s New York, who begins receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future. As she unravels the puzzle, she must also navigate her best friend Sal suddenly pulling away and her mother's upcoming appearance on a game show. It is an ideal choice for a child who feels like the world is becoming more complex and harder to decode. Through its blend of science fiction and mystery, the book explores themes of independence, redemption, and the invisible threads that connect us all. It is perfectly suited for ages 9 to 14, providing a sophisticated yet accessible look at growing up and the importance of looking beyond the surface of the people around us.