When Eagles Fall

by Mary Casanova

After being sent to work with her father in Minnesota, young Alex gets stranded on a small island with a wounded eagle and must manage to keep the other animals at a distance while trying to find a way to get back to her own home. Reprint.

Genres: Young Adult

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2002

About the author

Mary Casanova is an award-winning children's author of novels and picture books. Many of her books stem from her life on the Minnesota-Canadian border; yet some of her stories have taken her as far away as France, Norway, and Belize for research. Whatever the setting for her books, Casanova writes stories that matter--and stories that kids can't put down.

Her book awards include: American Library Association "Notable," Aesop Accolades by the American Folklore Society, Parents' Choice "Gold" Award, Booklist Editor Choice, and two Minnesota Book Awards. Her books frequently land on state children's choice book master lists across the country. "The greatest reward for me," Casanova states, "is when a young reader tells me she or he loves one of my books. For me, it's all about communicating writer-to-reader through a character and story."

Casanova grew up in a family of ten children in St. Paul, Minnesota. In a bustling camp-like atmosphere, Casanova found that writing became her voice. "Words are my paintbrush," she explains, "my way of exploring the world around me."

Now, with 19 books published and many more under contract and forthcoming, she divides her time between writing and traveling. Nationally and internationally, at schools and conferences, Casanova shares her love of writing and reading with children and adults.

Her newest novel, The Klipfish Code, makes use of Mary's on-site research in Norway. The story explores an important facet of Norwegian history through the experiences of Marit, a 12-year-old Norwegian girl who finds a way to fight against the 5-year Nazi occupation of Norway. Marit and her brother Lars are separated from their parents (who are working for the Resistance) and sent to live on an island with their gruff grandfather and school teacher aunt. During the course of the story, Marit's aunt is one of the Norwegian school teachers that gets sent to a concentration camp for refusing to integrate Nazi propaganda into her classroom. With potential danger waiting every turn, Marit finds a way to help the Resistance and eventually reunite her family.

Mary's series, Dog Watch (Simon and Schuster) is based on her northern Minnesota village where dogs are allowed to roam free—as long as they don't get in trouble. If they get in trouble, they earn a sticker on their page at the village clerk's office; too many stickers and a trouble-making dog must remain at home. "I never know where the next story will come from. It’s a delight when the stories come right from this corner of the world I call home." She makes her home in a 100-year old house on Rainy Lake with her husband, Charles, and their three "above average" dogs and spends free time with their horses, Jay and Midnight.

Reviews

[Harlyn Rengel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! She is so brave trying to get that baby eagle I bet she felt very sad when she dropped it, her dad kind of is a bit of a brat but he is still kind, I would never be mean to my dad! Alex. I love that name for both girl and boy!! I can’t believe she drank with her friends I would never drink at age 13!! And poor Jonathon, getting cancer at such an early age😔 I feel bad for them.

And then her dad burned down the playhouse that Jonathon died in because of too many memories 😢it was really smart that she burned that cabin though for someone to find her!! Love this book! Good job again Mary!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl who has been sent to her dad by her mom after Alex almost died from under age drinking at a party. Her dad works to save Eagles, at first Alex has an awe full attitude about being with her dad, then she sets out to save a baby eagle in a nest she saw with her dad alone without her dads permission. Alex gets caught in a storm after she saves the Eaglet, but will she come back from the storm?

This book would be great for all readers, especially readers who love adventure!

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing and one of the best books I have ever read in my entire life.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Now I have Minnesota checked off on the 50 states challenge at the library.

[Ella]

I meet Mary myself and she is a amazing writer!

[Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed Hatchet, you should enjoy this one too.

[Missmath144 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex feels lonely and betrayed after her brother dies, her father burns down their treehouse in his sorrow, and her parents divorce. When she is sent to spend some time with her father in Minnesota, where he is employed working with eagles, she learns a lot about herself and her relationship with her family.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dream child turns to sarcasm. Huh.

*
I would have loved this book when I was younger. It was a good read for a kids chapter book.

[Una · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up in Northwestern Minnesota I enjoyed reading about a lake that I had fished on with my Dad. I liked learning how eagles are branded.

[Jennifer Ficenec · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 10 year old daughter and I read this at the same time. We both could not put it down.

[Judy E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex attempts to rescue an eagle but becomes stranded herself.