Nightbird

by Alice Hoffman

Twig lives in Sidwell, where people whisper that fairy tales are real. After all, her town is rumored to hide a monster. And two hundred years ago, a witch placed a curse on Twig’s family that was meant to last forever. But this summer, everything will change when the red moon rises. It’s time to break the spell.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magical Realism, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Audiobook

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2015

About the author

Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The World That We Knew; The Marriage of Opposites; The Red Garden; The Museum of Extraordinary Things; The Dovekeepers; Here on Earth, an Oprah’s Book Club selection; and the Practical Magic series, including Practical
Magic; Magic Lessons; The Rules of Magic, a selection of Reese’s Book Club; and The Book of Magic. She lives near Boston.

Reviews

[Julie G · Rating 3 out of 5]

As my daughter and I finished our read-aloud of this book today, she gave me a sharp, meaningful look and said, “Be nice, Mom, when you review it.”

She knew my face had turned several shades of green during the last 4 chapters of this implausible and contrived middle grades novel.

I looked at her and said, “I'll give it whatever rating you choose, but you know I must be avenged somehow, for this waste of my time!”

She patted my arm and said, “I know, Mom. But, three stars for now, to be polite.”

Okay. I'll mind my manners. I think.

I chose this book for my 12-year-old for the Massachusetts portion of our Kids Read Across America project, and as far as history goes, the novel gives the feel of the state of Massachusetts nicely, and the story started strong with a compelling mystery. . . that degrades ever so quickly.

By midway through the novel, I was talking to the book:
Are you kidding me?
Oh, puh-leeze, like that would ever happen!
Oh, God, for real?

I'm not talking about magical realism here, people. I'm talking about PLOT.

I felt like Chris Martin of Coldplay while reading this, because I kept crooning to the pages: And it was all yellow. . .

Because everything was yellow: everyone's eyes, the moon, the clouds, the grass, the leaves (it wasn't even autumn). And what wasn't yellow was red or pink. And everyone clambered and the wind sighed and the grass always swayed and we knew exactly what was going to happen next and nothing was the least bit realistic, and not because it was magical.

This was saccharine to the point of being nauseating, but just as I wrote that sentence, my daughter appeared in the doorway, with her hands on her hips, casting warning looks at me again. “Mom, are you being nice?” (She's a preteen and she's terrifying).

Uh-oh. Okay, back to nice. Here was a sweet passage from the book, before it all headed south for me:

Let's count fireflies,” my mother said.
It was an old game with us and we reached two thousand before we gave up. There was so much light in the world we knew we would never be able to count it all.

[Shelby *trains flying monkeys* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alice Hoffman wrote one of my favorite stories.

I was hoping that magic would strike again.
This is not a bad book though. Just an okay read for me. Maybe I'm too old for the target audience. It is a mid-grade book so that could explain the choppy short sentences and the jumping around in the story line.
I just got bored, but then I'm fully aware that I'm a jaded reader.

The town of Sidwell believes in magic. Flying monster men that steal little things from the townspeople.

Legends abound in the small town and when "the monster" starts leaving graffiti around the town the townspeople decide to go monster hunting.

Twig and her next door neighbor friend try and get to the bottom of the mystery and just failed at entertaining. By the end of the book..I just didn't care.

[Wendy Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pleasant enough fable, but ultimately a rather slight one. While I liked the premise of the story (somewhat similar to another MG I read recently), I wonder if the author, who is a well-respected writer of adult fiction trying her hand at children's for the first time, underestimates her audience a bit. There are few surprises here, whether in plot or characterization or emotion--and if a book doesn't thrill you or inspire you or move you, that's a rather sad state of affairs.

I did enjoy a few moments here and there, particularly at the end when it's revealed that the statue of her brother has hidden feathers, but with this book's rather uncomplicated story and style, I think it's one probably best suited for reading with young children. I'm glad that something that happens towards the end that SHOULDN'T have happened was reversed, however. Enough of the "cure" tropes and troubling messaging.

I read this one on audiobook, and the excellent narrator Jenna Lamia does her best to infuse Nightbird with wonder. But for me, the magic was really only in her interpretation, not necessarily in the story itself.

An audiobook was provided by the publisher for review.

[Magrat Ajostiernos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un cuento de verano lleno de magia y tartas de manzana protagonizado por una niña cuya familia esconde demasiados secretos.
Si os gustan las historias atmosféricas os encantará este libro (y todos los de Hoffman), tiene maldiciones, brujas, amistad, hechizos y una pizca de amor. Eso sí, es muy previsible e inocente, una historia infantil/juvenil dulce y tierna.
Me hubiera leído mil páginas más, disfruté muchísimo de la ambientación, de ese pueblecillo y de sus personajes (cozy por mil) :)

[Maria Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seguramente sería un 3.5 por cierto detalle que creo sobraba, pero esta autora me ha conquistado. Me encanta su pluma, exquisita, y la magia con que envuelve sus historias. Es más, si ahora tuviese otro libro de ella, lo empezaría sin dudarlo. Por cierto, creo que debo añadir que este cuento es juvenil.

[PorshaJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a feel good book. And this is one of those books. This is my first Alice Hoffman book and not my last. But I realized and finally admitted something while reading this.....I love magical realism in books.

This is the story of Twig, her brother James, and the town of Sidwell. The family, specifically the men in the family, have been cursed. A long time, a witch placed a curse on the family that would follow many generations of the family. The men in the family are born with wings and can fly. But this is all meant to be secret from the town of Sidwell. But sometimes, a secret this big can't be hidden. But Twig just wants to find a way to break this curse.

I listened to this one via audio. It's a short story geared towards middle grade students. I selected this book due to how short it was and figured it would give me an idea about the author. And I was totally hooked on the story. Yes, it was at times a bit predictable. But that did not detract from the story for me. Life is hectic right now, and I just wanted something I could listen to and relax. And yes, it brought a smile to my face.

The narrator was great on this audio. I was so happy to see I have another audio on hold right now by this same narrator. But the most surprising and wonderful thing....at the end of the book, a recipe was read for pink apple pie. Twig's mother is a baker and is known for her pink apple pie and the recipe is in the book. But in the audio, the entire recipe is read. I don't know, being a food fanatic, I found this to be such an added bonus. And I will be making this pie. FWIW, its an apple pie with strawberry and raspberry jam. Perfect!

[Paula Soper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that I would follow Alice Hoffman to hell and back just to be able to read her books. Luckily, I only had to come to the NCTE conference to receive an ARC of this new book.

It's written for middle grades, which doesn't often work for me. But her books are sweet, loving, lovely, and magical. I'm gushing, aren't i?

I would recommend this book to anyone, especially a 12 year old girl, who believes (or wants to believe) in magic, friends, and family.

Warnings? Not a one. If a person doesn't believe, or want to believe, in magic, he or she doesn't deserve to read this.

[Mansuriah Hassan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slim novel aimed at younger readers (my estimate is that it suits readers around ages 8-14). Although adults like me should find much to enjoy too. It is about a young girl who is forbidden to make any friendships, as her mother is fearful of their secret getting out into the small community in which they live. Well... Read it, if you want to know about the secret.

What follows is a wonderful story about magic, curses, friendship and love. Beautifully written, light and engaging. The writing is simple with the perfect balance of sadness and hope creating a heart warming tale.

The ending felt a little rushed and stilted though, I felt that a lot of information is told very quickly which I felt I would rather have experienced them as a few scenes. However I am glad for the happy ending. Despite some of the tough times the main character went through and the rough mix of emotions she feels.

There was little doom and gloom about the characters' situation even if no one was exactly over the moon about it. It has some great messages for the younger readers as well, that is, conservation and friendship being the two key points.

Overall, if you like young-spirited tales of fantasy with a good sprinkling of magic, you'll enjoy this book. This is definitely the kind of book I would be happy to pass over to my daughter.

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com

I thought this book was soooooo good.

Twig and her brother James live with their mom. She owns an orchard that has pink apples.



She makes pies, pink cider, cupcakes etc. I want some of each at this moment right now! :)

Twig's mom left their dad, left the city and doesn't go out with anyone or have people over. Poor Twig doesn't have any friends either. You see years ago there was a curse put on Twig's family by a witch (Agnes Early) who's heart was broken by one of their descendants. This wasn't intentional by him, it happened to be a war thing. Anyhoo, Agnes put a curse on the family. Here is said curse:

••••••••••••••

The men of the Fowler family have carried the same curse ever since Agnes Early put a spell on the one she was meant to marry. That man was my four-times-great-grandfather Lowell.

What he did to hurt her so, I didn't know, but I knew the effects on our family. This is the secret we kept, which divided us from all others. Agnes Early set her spell to work, and ever since, the men in our family have had wings.

••••••••••••••

Yes, the men all have wings. Twig's brother James has wings. He's smart as a whip and has taken online courses and could go to any college, but can't leave the house... only he does leave.. he flies in the night..



There is also someone going around leaving graffiti all over town and on rocks in the woods saying: DON'T TAKE OUR HOME AWAY! They have some rare black Saw-Whet Owls in the woods and some of the jerks in the town want to cut down said woods for crap no one needs. I'm not sure if there are really black saw-whet owls but here is a picture of a cute one in real life :)



Some new people move into the house next door where the witch lived many years ago. There are two girls named Julia and Agate. They become friends with Twig even though her mom doesn't want that to happen. The whole family is really nice right down to their collie :) They happen to be descendants of Agnes.. oops.

They eventually all help Twig find a cure for the curse, help the owls, find out what happened to the witch, and a few other things... but... I'm not telling you any of that.

This was a great story and I'm so glad I took the time to read it. The author also put a surprise recipe of Pink Apple Pie in the back of the book so I'm going to add it here, I hope you enjoy and if anyone makes the pie.. I want a piece brought to my house :)

PINK APPLE PIE



PASTRY INGREDIENTS:

1-1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
4-1/2 tablespoons cold water

You can also use two premade 9-inch crusts bought at the market. Or see below for crumble-top variation

FILLING INGREDIENTS:

6 to 8 medium apples
1 cup seedless strawberry jam
3 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam

MAKING THE PASTRY:

Preheat oven to 375. Butter a nine-inch pie plate.
Sift flour into the bowl. Mix in butter (with your fingers!), smooshing it into the flour. Add sugar and mix. Add cold water a little at a time (you may not need it all). Mix until it forms a dough.

Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in fridge for 20 minutes.
Remove dough from the fridge. Let stand at room temperature for a few minutes if necessary until slightly softened.
Divide pastry into two balls and roll out with rolling pin. Put one crust into the pie plate and form to the plate's size. Save the second for the top of the pie.

MAKING THE FILLING:

Peel, core and slice apples. Mix in strawberry jam and place the apple/jam mixture in pastry in pie plate. Dollop with spoonfuls of raspberry jam.
Cover the apple mixture with second pastry crust. Pinch crusts together with wet fingers around the sides.
Pierce top of pie with fork (you can make a design if you'd like) to release air as it bakes.
Bake for approximately 40 mins at 375.

*VARIATION CRUMBLE TOPPING*

If using this topping, make half the pastry recipe above (3/4 cup flour, 6 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2-1/4 tablespoons cold water). This will make one crust. Fill the crust as above, then add topping.

1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar

Mix the flour with cut-up butter (with your fingers!) until it forms crumbs. Add sugar and mix. Sprinkle on top of pie.
Bake for approximately 40 mins at 375.

The End!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, delicious, mystical, tender coming-of age story by an author I’ve been wanting to read for a long time. I listened to the audible version with my children on a road trip, and given it’s target audience, the plot is somewhat simplistic, so I look forward to reading some of her more acclaimed adult novels.

'Nightbird' is the story of a lonely 12 year old girl who lives with her mother and her winged brother, a product of the "Fowler family curse." It is a story of friendships developed, fears overcome, pasts and futures colliding. It has beautiful fantastical, mystical and magical elements. It is infused with the beauty and the tastes of the Berkshires. The message of the book is kind and loving. I would recommend this book especially to girls aged 8-14.

For discussion questions, please visit: http://www.book-chatter.com/?p=507 .

[★Tinja★✮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was mostly just sweet and innocent. I loved the writing, it has the same vibe as Practical Magic with the lush descriptions, I especially adored the ones about the pies and other sweets even though it had me drooling. BUT there wasn't any suspense at all despite of a curse AND a monster !? I was deeply disappointed over that.
Still I liked it quite a bit and the ending was great

3.3+ Stars 💜

[Maria Espadinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magia para Gulosos

Monstros, Segredos, Amizade, Maldições, Amor... por entre trincadelas de tarte - uma tarte de maçã rosa com receita e tudo!
Yammy, Yammy... ;)


Para terminar e satisfazer um pedido da minha amiga Celeste, aqui fica a receita da espectacular, carismática e aromática:

TARTE DE MAÇÃ ROSA

A maravilhosa doceira Mary Flanagan ajudou-me a criar uma deliciosa tarte de maçã rosa com duas coberturas diferentes, incluindo uma variação com cobertura de crumble. É melhor quando partilhada com um amigo. Mas não o é tudo?

Ingredientes para a Massa:

1 ½ chávenas de farinha
¾ de chávena de manteiga
¼ de chávena de açúcar
4 ½ colheres de sopa de água fria

Pode igualmente usar duas placas de massa já pronta compradas no supermercado. Ou ver a variação com cobertura de crumble*.

Ingredientes para o Recheio:

6 a 8 maçã médias
1 chávena de compota de morango sem grainhas
3 colheres de sopa de compota de framboesa sem grainhas

Preparação da Massa

Aqueça o forno a 190 ºC. Unte uma forma de tarte com cerca de 23 cm de diâmetro.
Peneire a farinha para uma taça. Misture a manteiga (com a ponta dos dedos!), embebendo-a na farinha. Junte o açúcar e misture. Junte a água fria aos poucos (pode nem sequer precisar). Misture até formar uma bola.
Envolva a bola em celofane e leve ao frigorífico durante 20 minutos.
Tire a bola do frigorífico. Se necessário, deixe à temperatura ambiente durante alguns minutos até amaciar levemente.
Divida a massa em duas bolas e estenda com o rolo. Forre a forma com uma das partes e corte à medida. Guarde a segunda parte para cobrir a tarte.

Preparação do Recheio

Descasque as maçãs, retire os caroços e corte em fatias. Misture a compota de morango e deite a mistura de maçã/morango na forma forrada com a massa. Cubra com colheradas da compota de framboesa.
Tape a mistura com a segunda parte da massa. Com os dedos húmidos, una as duas metades a toda a volta.
Pique com um garfo a tampa da tarte (pode fazer um desenho se quiser) para libertar o ar enquanto coze.
Coza durante aproximadamente 40 minutos a 190 ºC.


*Variação: Cobertura de Crumble

Se usar esta cobertura, prepare metade da receita da massa acima indicada (3/4 de chávena de farinha, 6 colheres de sopa de manteiga, 2 colhe­res de sopa de açúcar, 2 ¼ colheres de sopa de água fria). Isto dará uma porção para forrar a forma. Encha a forma como dito atrás. Depois junte a cobertura.

1 chávena de farinha
½ chávena de manteiga à temperatura ambiente
½ chávena de açúcar

Misture a farinha com a manteiga cortada em cubos (com a ponta dos dedos!) até formar grânulos. Acrescente o açúcar e misture. Espalhe por cima da tarte.
Coza durante aproximadamente 40 minutos a 190 ºC.

[Rana Heshmati · Rating 4 out of 5]

بال‌های جیمز و جغدهای کوچک من رو یاد اسکلیگ می‌انداختن و شاید همین یکی از دلایل دوست داشتن کتاب بود. 🥺💙
پرکشش بود (اینقدر که من یه روزه خوندمش، با اینکه خیلی کار داشتم.) و برای گذران وقت و 'خودت رو در رمان نوجوان غرق کردن' خوب بود، اما نه بیشتر.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tender, masterfully portrayed, tons of heart....and a little bit of magic!

You'll fall in love with Twig, Twigs mom, James, Julia, Agnes, Miss Larch, Colin, Mr.Rose, and Flash (the owl), etc., and the wonderful storytelling!

Perfect enjoyable book for Middle school kids! I adored it! --(I'm 62 years old). My eyes got a little 'teary' a couple of times!

Its a joy to read an uplifting thoughtful book with inspired insights --remembering that sometimes 'dreams' really do come true.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It only took 5 months to read, lol! It wasn't because it was uninteresting but rather it takes a lot to coordinate a family reading with our busy schedules. My 10 year old daughter rated it a 5 and I rated it a 4. She says it was always keeping her interested and wanting to know what happens next. She was never bored. It's a great family read. I wish I had a copy of the authors book The Red Garden because there were some similarities between that story collection and this one. However, my memory is not obliging me with the specific details. Great story that's fun, magical and mysterious! Highly recommend for age 8 and up.

[megHan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For my readers who are searching for the same things I searched for, Nightbird is a book of hope, for the lonely, the friendless, the girl who is different, the boy who has secrets to keep. In it, magic can be found in unexpected places, right next door or scrawled on a piece of paper hidden in an old desk. It takes place in a summer when everything changes, when the moon is red, when friendships are forged, and when love can be found at your own front door."
~Alice Hoffman, Dear Readers

I couldn't sleep last night and decided to give this book a go. I started at 11:30 ... and finished it around 1:30. I was so tired, but every time I put the book down, I would lay there thinking about the story, and would end up picking it back up again. This is definitely a book I would have picked up when I was younger and there's a few lessons to be learned inside.

I really liked this story - in fact, it's one of the best books I've read so far this year. It is truly moving - one minute you're laughing, the next crying. There some spooky moments, some breath-holding moments, and even some moments when you want to scream out loud to watch out, or even to cheer. It was exciting and fun and I think any child that believes in magic should experience this book (and some adults, those ones that have forgotten over time that magic exists, should pick it up, too).

The characters are awesome, and there isn't one in it that I don't like for one reason or another. They are relatable and not what you first expected and you just can't help but feel the way they feel during different situations. My two favorites are Twig and Julia.

"I think that evening was the beginning of my feeling lonely, a feeling I carried folded up, a secret I could never tell. From then on, I didn't cry when I was disappointed. I just stored up my hurts, as if they were a tower made of fallen stars, invisible to most people, but brightly burning inside of me."

The town of Sidwell just seemed like an awesome town and was very well described. When the author speaks of the woods, I felt like I was walking through them. When she talks about the people in the town, I felt like they could be people I knew. My favorite place in the whole town was the garden they created together.

I also loved hearing about the baking that Twig's mom did - and how much it was loved by this small town. (I even garnered a few things to try myself - you don't need to supply recipes, as long as you supply an idea.)

I don't know if the author plans on writing more about Sidwell, but I do know that she has written a lot of books that look just as good as this one and I can't wait to experience her other stories. :)

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Please remember that this review is my opinion, based on my personal impressions of the book.

[Cookie M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of the audio book version, listened to on Chirp.com.

I love Alice Hoffman's lighthearted stories the best! As far as I am concerned she invented Modern American magical realism.

"Nightbird," A story for middle grades and up about a town with a curse, A monster, closely joined and protective townspeople, and children who believe in their own powers to right wrongs from centuries ago all add up to a delicious read. Young Jenna Lamia's skillful narration adds the right age appropriate voice to the story.

This would make a great after school or bedtime listen for parents and kids together, with a cup of warm apple cider and a slice of pink apple pie. The pie recipe is given in the last chapter with very clear instructions.Another fun thing to do together!

[Susana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc provided by Random House Children's through Netgalley

Release Date: March 10 th




First of all...I usually inhale Alice Hoffman's novels
I love her writing style. I am crazy about it.

Of course I normally read her adult fiction stories which have a whole different depth _ although I do love her YA story Green Heart _, that I felt was missing here.

I don't know if the middle grade audience will appreciate this novel: From time to time it has Alice Hoffman's trademark writing style _ which for younger readers probably won't make all that much sense _ but which I love!

However during most of the novel, I found that there were one too many short and clipped sentences. Something that I am not crazy about. I found myself occasionally wondering if the author thought she would "lose" her readers, going full ~I am Queen of Metaphors~ style.

Then the character development is practically zero....which is something that the author normally does..to an extent, but in this case, with this story, and these characters, I didn't found that that worked.

Once again I am left with the feeling that the author may have underestimate her readers.
I have read complex and marvellous middle grade stories, and if I were to compare this book to those, I am afraid Nightbird would come out lacking.

Also that magical/ fairy tale vibe that Alice Hoffman uses to describes first love, is here, and its very "insta"..once again, something with which the author normally works, but in this case we're talking of a middle grade book.
Of course I have to mention that that part is not heavily handed, and that the characters in question are about seventeen years old. But even so, I wasn't crazy about it.

So why three stars?
The writing _ despite my complaints _is above average.
The concept of this story was really good, despite the fact that it ends being developed in a somewhat simplistic manner.
Finally and most importantly because this novel is very adamant about friendship. Especially girls friendship. And we don't have enough stories of those.

[Tatevik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A promising start downgraded to a loosy ending by the unbelievable motives and actions of the characters. I believe I wouldn't even continue reading the last 100 pages be it a copy, not an audiobook. Giving three stars for the captivating and promising beginning of the story.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In Sidwell, tales of a monster are being spread. Twig knows that there's no monster, only a curse that was placed upon her family two hundred years ago. Everything will change as Twig races to find the monster while protecting her family's secrets, and after one last summer, nothing will be the same again.

Nightbird is an enchanting story of friendship and family. Monsters and curses. I enjoyed reading this book and found that I couldn't put it down. The book is full of twists and mystery that keeps you coming back for more. The writing flowed effortlessly from the pages, spinning this tale into something remarkable.

The entire time I was reading the book, I found myself craving summer. Maybe it's because it's currently the dead of winter, but Alice's descriptions made me think that if I just opened my curtains, I would find a warm sunny day instead of the cold grey one I knew was really there.

It was fun to watch Twig grow from a girl who felt no one cared for her to Theresa, a girl who had many friends and discovered that people cared for her after all. As this is a middle-grade book, I feel the lessons taught in this book are ones important for any child of that age to learn.

This is my first time reading Alice Hoffman and now I know I need to look into her other books.

I give it 5/5 stars.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had very strong themes of friendship and familial love. The characters were all likable and while the rules the mother had in place were stifling, it was to protect her family.

Everything flowed well and the small town feel was cozy. It was a gentle read, with a touch of magic to it. Nothing too horribly scary.

I would recommend this for middle readers and above. 4 solid stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It tells such a lovely tale of love, friendship and trust. It is magical and heart-warming. Nightbird is like the less scary version of Neil Gaiman's Coraline. It is well written and I absolutely adore the characters in the story. Just imagine the Disney version of Harry Potter and Maximum Ride! Recommended for those who love magic, mystery, curious children and flying humans.

[Dov Zeller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one felt formulaic. Everything one expects to happen in a YA novel happens in this one with a bit of forced feeding, like "here's your vitamins." It was cute I guess, and has pie, so it's hard to fully dislike. (Pie with vitamins.) But there were moments where I considered not finishing.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verdict: For a smooth Sunday afternoon.

The reason why I thought Sunday afternoon is because it’s a light and nice way to end your week before Monday comes and drags you from your bed. It’s a book that made me feel happy, and that’s not what I’m usually drawn to in a novel...

And isn’t it refreshing to read a story mainly about friendship and sibling love, rather than romance?

While it’s middle grade, I found it akin to Peace and Conflict by Irene Sabatini – a book anyone could enjoy. A child narrator doesn’t necessarily limit the novel to a child audience, and this didn’t strike me as a young person’s book. It has a young voice and a nice lack of swearing and adult behaviour, but it’s certainly not a simple or dull or immature story. Its family fun rather than a kid’s novel.

In fact, it’s imaginative and charming. I noticed it was described as modern folklore which I didn’t realise was a thing. But now they mention it, yes. That’s the perfect way to describe it.

I do have a minor quibble. I wanted to connect more with James and Agate, who were the older siblings of our main character and her new best friend. The couple are a big part of the story, but not the narrative, if that makes sense. We hear a lot about them, yet we spend very little time with them. Maybe the story isn’t about them really, but I know the ending would have been a tear-jerker if I had felt a little more for James. I just didn’t know him well enough.

A few events didn’t happen the way I expected. This was mostly great and kept the story at a brisk pace, but sometimes it felt anticlimactic. When Agate first meets James, we assume she realises something extraordinary, but we don’t see how she deals with it. After that moment, everyone seems okay with such an oddity. Another reveal also took me so off-guard I didn’t know whether it was brilliant or terrible. I still haven’t decided.

In truth, you could probably write a book about what’s not included in this story. And I would read it. I’d love to read James’ point of view of the whole scenario. After all, a book has a limit to what it can include, and this one in particular had a subtle way of building the novel.

But I wasn’t blown away either, which is why my review is rather short. I enjoyed the ride and I felt happier after reading it, but it won’t be going on my favourite novel list and I don’t feel particularly inspired by it either. It’s just quite nice, like a piece of apple pie.

Source: NetGalley.com
Blog:ScookieReviews

[Lisa B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts

Twig lives in Sidwell with her Mom and brother. Their family has a secret - a curse placed on the family many years ago that only effects the men. They’ve spent all their lives hiding this secret. What will happen when the truth finally comes out?


There are many different reasons that I look forward to reading a book. Perhaps it is next in line for a series I am enjoying. Maybe that much anticipated third book of a trilogy. Or another new story from a favorite author.


But what to think when one of my favorite author of adult stories decides to change things up and write a book geared toward middle grade readers? Will the foray into a new genre be successful?


Coming from Alice Hoffman, the only answer can be a resounding Yes! I found Nightbird to be truly magical. The reader can’t help but fall in love with Twig. She is like an young girl who just wants to fit in, but can’t due to the family secret. She is loyal to a fault and will do anything to help her brother James.


This was just a delightful read. Very uplifting, a bit of a mystery, with focus on family, friendship and the power of believing that doing the right thing will win out in the end. A great story for young and old alike.


Many thanks to Random House Children’s, via Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from this book as I'd read some variable and negative reviews. I was preparing myself to read something that might not live up to my expectations for a wonderful magical Alice Hoffman novel. I'm always open minded though and never judge a book by its cover or reviews. I was rewarded by a lovely magical read!
The book is about a girl named Twig, her family, life and a curse. Twig is living a complicated isolated life due to secrets that have to be kept. The story follows her journey as she tries to live a more fulfilling life, help her family and embrace the magic that will help her do so.
A wonderful magical tale for readers young and old.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have liked the other books I’ve read by Alice Hoffman, but it’s possible I bought this book because the back says “Fairy tales are real in Berkshire County.” The Berkshires in Massachusetts are a couple of hours from my home. They are magical: Tanglewood, Shakespeare & Co., Williamstown Theatre Festival, to list just a few places of surpassing beauty and, yes, magic.

In this enchanting MG novel 12 year old Twig is lonely, but she lets a new girl in, even after a girl from that family cursed her family centuries ago. This is delightful. I bought this from The Book House on 4.29.16 for $7.99

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always loved Alice Hoffman's work, particularly the magical element in her books. This one's a YA novel. I bought it knowing that, both to enjoy a Hoffman book that was a little lighter than some of her recent adult books, and to vet it as a book my 11-year-old granddaughter might like. It scored well on both counts. It is clever, easy to read, and intelligent. When I winced at how pat the ending was, I had to remind myself of its target audience.

My granddaughter will enjoy this. I've bought it for her in hardcover, hoping, of course, to further her love of reading books in their hardback flesh.

[Ilona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and unexpectedly lovely book that i definetely recommend to anyone who loves a simple, magical tale about friendship and a little mystery ☆

[Liliana Rio · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5***