A Secret Shared

Patricia MacLachlan's 'A Secret Shared' is a beautiful and profound story, told in verse, about the complexities and enduring strength of family. It centers on Nora and Ben, whose younger sister Birdy's innocent curiosity with a DNA test uncovers a long-held family secret: Birdy was adopted. The narrative gently explores the children's journey to understand this truth, the meaning of family, and the power of love that binds them. This book is ideal for children aged 8-12, offering a sensitive and heartwarming exploration of identity, honesty, and the different ways families are formed.

Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan paints a moving portrait of what it means to be a family, the power of love, and the importance of bringing the truth out into the light, in this beautiful and profound story about adoption. Nora and Ben's younger sister Birdy loves to keep secrets. She surprises her family more than once: She hides a kitten in her room. She writes a beautiful poem. One day Birdy watches her mother spit into a tube, ready to send it off to find out more about herself and where her family came from. Birdy spits into a tube, too, when no one sees her. But when the test results come back, they are a surprise. Birdy is seemingly not related to Nora and Ben's parents. But if she is adopted, how could that have happened without the children knowing? Nora and Ben must learn when to keep a secret, and who to go to for help--and eventually, how to solve this secret for the entire family.