Owl Girl

by Mary Atkinson

Holly's stuck at the lake for summer vacation. Usually, she loves the lake. But not this year. This year, Mom and Dad aren't staying. She's not going to have any fun. Her older brother Nick won't play with her, and Gram never lets her do anything.
When Holly hears the ancient and mysterious call of an owl, she's certain he's calling just to her.

105 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2015

About the author

Mary is a former teacher and educational consultant who now works full time as a published poet and writer for children and young adults. Her poetry as appeared in children's magazines and anthologies and she's published widely in educational markets. She holds an MA Ed from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College, Montpelier, VT.

Reviews

[Angela Kidd Shinozaki]

I won this book in an author giveaway. But my only bias is how much I have always loved owls. Thus I was very intrigued by the concept. This is for the next step chapter book crowd. Think readers of Junie B. and Magic Treehouse. But this story is much more thoughtful and thought-provoking. It’s for that young reader who is ready to be more independent, not just in reading but in life. Holly’s on a quest to find an owl while dealing with her parents’ possible separation, her grandmother’s rules, and her sick dog. She learns the delicate balance of nature and the power of love.

[Kirsti Call]

This book is the perfect book for a 7 or 8 year old who longs to be treated like a big kid. I loved Holly's authentic voice and how she discovers the good in her grandmother by the end of the story. The book covers tough topics like separation, divorce, anxiety, and family relationships in a light and easy to understand way. This book will evoke discussion about what it means to be grown up and how to show someone that you love them.