Chelsea Busby holds a copy of the book “Of a Feather” by Dayna Lorentz.
Submitted photo
Name: Chelsea Busby
Job title: Youth program specialist for the Jackson County Public Library
What’s the name of the book and author you are recommending?
“Of a Feather” by Dayna Lorentz (4.5 reading level/9 AR points)
What made you want to pick up this book in the first place?
The synopsis drew me in as well as the beautiful cover art.
Once you got into the book, what made you want to keep reading it?
The relationship between Reenie and Rufus. Reenie growing attached all the while knowing that one day, she will have to let Rufus go, Rufus believing he will never be able to be good at being a great horned owl and the bond that allows them to discover themselves and what they are capable of.
Once you finished the book, what did you like about it?
I liked that it showed realistic, hard struggles that some kids face in life, from families who are strangers in their own houses to families that struggle with a loved one who has a mental illness and the heartache and uncertainty that both of those things bring.
What is the book about?
It’s about a girl, Reenie, who had closed herself off from letting people in because she has never known consistency and an owl, Rufus, who is possibly the worst great horned owl in all the world. Reenie is thrust into living with an aunt she has never met after her mom is hospitalized yet again and her grandmother’s boyfriend puts her in danger. Rufus is a young owl whose mother is hit by a car while she is teaching him how to hunt. In a turn of events, Reenie and Rufus’ paths cross and an unlikely friendship is built. As Reenie navigates learning how to let others in, Rufus learns how to be a proper great horned owl. When it is time for them to part ways, they learn of the bittersweetness that comes along with saying goodbye.
Why would you recommend this book to others?
It does a really good job of portraying the feelings that go along with being uncertain of yourself and those around you and how navigating through those feelings can be. It also is a very heartwarming story that will bring a smile to your face.