Seabird
by Michelle Kadarusman
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Pub Date Sep 09 2025 | Archive Date Aug 05 2025
Publisher Spotlight | Pajama Press
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Description
“Kadarusman beautifully brings Kartini to life with clarity and empathy in a story that’s educational without being preachy and is a superb pick for readers interested in history and activism.”—Kirkus Reviews
Inspired by the true story of a nineteenth century feminist.
Seabird follows Kartini’s early teen years as a young noble girl. Confined to the family home in preparation for an arranged marriage, Kartini’s desire for freedom ignites as she fights to have a say in the decisions that shape her life.
In late nineteenth century Indonesia —then known as the Dutch East Indies—a Javanese girl from a noble family is confined to her home before her thirteenth birthday, where she must remain until she is married. Removed from school and the outside world, Kartini writes to her former Dutch schoolmate, Lesty, who has returned to the Netherlands. With Lesty’s support Kartini begins to challenge the role expected of her, and that of girls and women in her community. Determined to gain her freedom, Kartini bravely battles prejudice and tradition stirring change for her family, and for her country.
Michelle Kadarusman shows us that no matter how powerless you feel, your voice can have great impact. By virtue of writing down your dreams and ideas, you can inspire generations to come—as Kartini continues to do through Kartini Day in Indonesia.
Advance Praise
"A first purchase for all libraries wishing to inspire readers to make their own path rather than follow the trail."—School Library Journal
"Kadarusman beautifully brings Kartini to life with clarity and empathy in a story that’s educational without being preachy and is a superb pick for readers interested in history and activism." —Kirkus Reviews
“In this fictitious depiction of Kartini, a quietly resolute visionary and Indonesian icon, Michelle Kadarusman brings to life the struggle between tradition and progress and the courage of a girl who dared to stand up against the sequestering of women to fulfill her own dreams." —Wendy Orr, author of Out of the Valley of Horses, Swallows Dance, and Nim’s Island
"Seabird is an enchanting feminist story of a young woman in the late 19th century Indonesia. By advocating for change in her family and her community, Kartini inspires change throughout the world." —Linda Trinh, award-winning author of The Nguyen Kids series
"Seabird is a charming story of friendship and fortitude, highlighting the challenges facing a young woman who desires freedom from traditional views of the role of women. The correspondence between two friend who are experiencing different cultural upbringing is both heartfelt and enlightening." —Anne O'Brien, author of Spirit and Grit!: Women Entrepreneurs Who Blazed the Trail
“This book is a beautiful testament to the power that one voice, one woman, can have to change the course of history.”—Sidura Ludwig, author of SWAN: THE GIRL WHO GREW
