Bird In Me Flies, The

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the heavy weight of a parent's illness or death, or when they feel their personal dreams are at odds with their family's expectations. Based on the life of artist Berta Hansson, this verse novel explores the life of a young girl in early 20th-century rural Sweden who finds solace in art while her mother suffers from tuberculosis. It is a quiet, profound meditation on how creativity can be a lifeline during periods of intense grief and isolation. While the subject matter is somber, the book is ultimately a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It is best suited for middle-grade readers who are ready for a sophisticated, emotionally complex story that validates their inner world and their desire for independence.