"Historical fiction at its finest, a charming story of determination and kindness."
Abandoned as a baby, Birdie has happily grown up in Fitz Williams Children’s Home until her great aunt calls for her to live with her. Leaving her beloved carer. Mrs. Dudley, and the busy streets of 1950s Leeds behind, Birdie sets off for the sleepy village of Barrington Dale. What she encounters is far from the loving family home she was hoping for though. The village pit is closing, and racism whispers in every shadow. Running from bullies Birdie meets an underground pit pony whose life is even more miserable than hers, can her kindness and determination save them both?
A superb historical adventure with a delightful heroine. Having grown up in a home specifically for the illegitimate children of white women and Black Americans GIs, Birdie is initially confused by the cold reception she receives in the all-white village, even the aunt who summoned her is cold and distant. Alongside the reader, Birdie slowly begins to understand and recognise the prejudice that surrounds her. Not to be defeated though, Birdie’s zest for life and kindness will not be squashed.
The historical setting of a post-war Yorkshire village is admirably brought to life. Young readers will undoubtably be fascinated by the plight of pit ponies, whilst complex issues such as the nationalisation of the coal industry and the realities of life under the shadow of World War Two are handled sensitively and lightly enough so as not to be confusing.
Despite it’s often bleak setting, reading Birdie is like being wrapped in a warm blanket – warm, cost and entirely satisfying. Perfect for fans of Phil Earle and Michael Morpurgo.
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Birdie Bagshaw has never known her parents. Having grown up in a children's home for mixed race children in 1950s Leeds, now she has come to live with her great-aunt Mabel in the Yorkshire Dales.
From her arrival, things are strained, and Birdie cannot understand why she is treated like an outsider by the local children. When their bullying drives Birdie to hide in the nearby coal mine, she finds an unexpected rescuer in the form of Mr Duke, the last remaining pit pony in the village. As the weeks pass, Birdie forms a special bond with the spirited little pony. But his future is in danger, and Birdie comes up with a daring plan to save his life in return . . .
Cover art by Keith Robinson
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Birdie and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Birdie features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Historical Fiction, Animal Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Birdie is available in Paperback
Birdie was written by J P Rose and published by Andersen Press an imprint of Andersen Press Ltd
Birdie has 244 pages
£7.19
