What do you think?
Rate this book
Why the Birds Fly Back
You’re not in control when you’re in the Traverse, but it does respond to the things you ask for.
After spending the entire summer at her great aunt’s house in Ocala, Florida, Marsha Claire Swallowtail cannot wait to go home to Maryland. Her excitement is short-lived, however, when her parents drop an unexpected bomb on Marsha and her three siblings: they will not be returning home to Maryland. Her father had decided, after having a disturbing prophetic dream about his sick twin brother, that the family would be moving back to Ocala, the Swallowtail ancestral home. Now, Marsha must come to terms with being the new girl in town, not to mention the fact that she has been having strange dreams of her own––dreams where she finds herself in a parallel world called the Traverse. These dreams have revealed Marsha’s troubling family history, the mystery of a missing deed to long-disputed land, and a family tree in danger of going up in flames. Marsha must overcome her fear and anger and learn how to communicate with her ancestors in order to find the truth and help save her family.
Akosua LauraJeanne Faye Harvey is an educator, writer, and medium whose work explores the intersections of ancestry, culture, identity, and community. A passionate storyteller, Akosua channels her experiences as a Black woman and educator to challenge, uplift, and inspire. With a background in physics and science literacy, her unique perspective aims to blend intellect and artistry in a way that is accessible to young minds, offering a voice that is both authentic and impactful. Akosua’s works are celebrations of resilience, creativity, and the transformative and healing power of words.
After spending the entire summer at her great aunt’s house in Ocala, Florida, Marsha Claire Swallowtail cannot wait to go home to Maryland. Her excitement is short-lived, however, when her parents drop an unexpected bomb on Marsha and her three siblings: they will not be returning home to Maryland. Her father had decided, after having a disturbing prophetic dream about his sick twin brother, that the family would be moving back to Ocala, the Swallowtail ancestral home. Now, Marsha must come to terms with being the new girl in town, not to mention the fact that she has been having strange dreams of her own––dreams where she finds herself in a parallel world called the Traverse. These dreams have revealed Marsha’s troubling family history, the mystery of a missing deed to long-disputed land, and a family tree in danger of going up in flames. Marsha must overcome her fear and anger and learn how to communicate with her ancestors in order to find the truth and help save her family.
Akosua LauraJeanne Faye Harvey is an educator, writer, and medium whose work explores the intersections of ancestry, culture, identity, and community. A passionate storyteller, Akosua channels her experiences as a Black woman and educator to challenge, uplift, and inspire. With a background in physics and science literacy, her unique perspective aims to blend intellect and artistry in a way that is accessible to young minds, offering a voice that is both authentic and impactful. Akosua’s works are celebrations of resilience, creativity, and the transformative and healing power of words.
195 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2025
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 23, 2025
As someone who has a sibling in the hospital currently, the idea and urgency of being close to family was beyond relatable. This novel allowed me to sift through present and past emotions regarding my own family! It also reminded me of moments between my dad and brothers and me with my mother which I’ll be sure to share with my own children one day.
When some of the characters hugged, it felt like I was being embraced as well. What a great heart warming book by an amazing woman and author I have the privilege of calling my best friend. Hoping this becomes a series! I can only imagine what Ocala has in store for the caged, the called, and the connected Swallowtails!
When some of the characters hugged, it felt like I was being embraced as well. What a great heart warming book by an amazing woman and author I have the privilege of calling my best friend. Hoping this becomes a series! I can only imagine what Ocala has in store for the caged, the called, and the connected Swallowtails!
Displaying 1 of 1 review