"A life affirming verse novel about a young girl’s struggles with bullying, self-esteem and her grandmother’s dementia. "
September 2026 Debut of the Month
This extraordinary heartwarming debut, from the winner of David Fickling Books’ Search for a Storyteller competition, is written in a highly accessible and attractive format with a combination of lyrical verse, letters, assorted notes and fact boxes, interspersed with delicate and evocative line drawings by Sophie Burrows, so that each page turn brings something new.
The layout and design are as exemplary as the writing, which allows Pear, a ten-year-old girl who is finding life hard, to tell her story. She struggles with self-esteem, despite her many talents and the support of a loving home. At that age, the bullies at school who make fun of her appearance can inevitably dominate. The teasing, the feeling of inadequacy, the self-consciousness which often centres itself on one physical characteristic is so relatable.
She then must adjust to moving house so that they can support her beloved grandma who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. That means a new school and trying to make friends again but unfortunately, she meets the same cruel classroom jibes. But things change for the better when rescue dog Piglet arrives to be cared for while his owner recovers from being injured in a fire.
Pear had always wanted a dog and the two of them bond immediately, and the emotional support she gets from this encourages her to take pleasure in playing her violin once more and to talk to a potential friend when she joins the school orchestra.
The portrayal of Pear’s lovely relationship with her grandma and their musical connection and the distress she feels as the Alzheimer’s worsens and grandma has to be moved into a care home, is very sensitively handled and I think it will help other children to understand more about this cruel disease.
Pear’s growth and development over the course of the novel is extremely moving and I am sure I will not be the only reader to find themselves in tears at some point. But this isn’t just a sad story; it’s a story of hope, love and bravery as much as it’s about the sadness, loss and change that comes with an illness such as Alzheimer’s.
We are left with confidence that Pear has found herself again with the help of music, friendship and unconditional love. With so many relatable issues to discuss, this would be an ideal class reader and also one that many families will bond over.
Packed with emotional depth, vivid characters, humour and heart that will be perfect for fans of Matt Goodfellow, Megan Grehan and Coral Rumble.
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
the best books for 9-12 year olds · the best books for teenagers
When I’m not liked by others I forget I like myself, too. Does that ever happen to you?
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed When the Birds Wake Up and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
When the Birds Wake Up features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Stories about Family and Friends, Animal Stories, Stories in Verse, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
When the Birds Wake Up was written by Jessica Mary Ellis and published by David Fickling Books
When the Birds Wake Up has 233 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
