Axel loves birds. The way they live, where they nest, and where they go is so easy to understand. And for Axel, who is autistic, there is a comforting simplicity in that. But when a tornado comes through and damages not only Axel's house, but also the nest of a local pair of bald eagles, even simple things become complicated. Like the way his father, who he hardly ever sees, shows up to repair the house. Or the way that everyone comes to help when they discover an abandoned eaglet. The world is full of mysteries, secrets, and things that transcend rules -- the love of an extended family, for one!
A sweet meditation on the complexities of family, depicting the way that behaviors are far from fixed, but instead can bend when needs arise. Myers is an excellent builder of characters, creating memorable protagonists in this gentle story which is about people doing good things and helping each other. I did find that Axel gets on my nerves from time to time, but his is a fine sympathetic portrayal that articulates his confusion as he is presented with new situations in a way that was insightful and helpful to the reader.
No comments:
Post a Comment