Dear Rachel Maddow was one of my favorite books of the previous year, so I was really excited for Kisner’s sophomore novel. It was a little slow to start, but I’m glad I stuck with it because it was such a delightful read. Laurel was such an utterly relatable character — insecure and anxious but not SO much so that you were hit over the head with it, but so strong in her passion for birds and her grandmother that I found myself not only rooting for her, but admiring her. I’m already looking forward to reading whatever Kisner writes next!

This was sweet. It felt a little like retro Nancy Drew, with the way the mystery was presented. It’s definitely a YA book that, despite some of the language, I would probably recommend to younger teens. Especially any kids who love birds. I loved Laurel’s reldationship with her grandmother. However, I found her mother to be an incredibly annoying character. I feel like this would would translate well into a fun quirky film.

Didn't spark for me quite the same way Kisner's 2018 release Dear Rachel Maddow did, but I thought it deftly tackled multiple plots - everything breezed right by, although that did make the ending feel a little flimsier and less rooted than the rest of the book. Overall, there was an importance to the issues without overdramatizing or adding gratuitous misunderstandings and twists, something I appreciated in Kisner's writing in the past. I liked reading Laurel's perspective, and I'm always drawn to passion in teen characters so her unironic interest in birding was delightful.

Laurel loves birds, her grandmother, and nature. But when her grandmother is out exploring and is hit by a car, Laurel blames herself for her grandmother's coma. Things don't improve when her mother decides to sell gram's house to developers. Laurel is grappling with guilt over her grandmother's injuries, frustration at her mother, on top of the standard drama of high school.

This is an okay book but not a fantastic book. Laurel isn't the only one who is confused - I, too, had difficulty following what exactly was happening and which plot line was the central focus. The story meandered more than necessary, but would still appeal to many teen readers.

I received a complimentary copy of the book through Netgalley for review purposes.

This book was received as an ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely love the message of this book and the struggles, trials, and trubulations Laurel went through to save her life, her grandmother, and the sanctuary that her and gran love. This book also got me curious about the science of bird calling and what will it take to identify this mystery bird and the power it possesses to turn Laurel's world upside down. There were also so many life lessons reflected in this book that it might change at least one person's viewpoint on life or at least it did mine.

We will definitely consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.