Birdspell

Shortlisted for the 2022 Mrs. Dunster's Award for FictionCorbin Hayes has felt alone for as long as he can remember. His mom's illness means lost jobs, constant moves, new schools and friendships that never get to grow. There's a gap in his life that's been waiting to be filled. So, when a classmate offers Corbin the talking bird she can no longer keep, he's stoked. But when things begin to spiral out of control, Corbin can no longer get his mom – or himself – through the dark period. At his lowest moment, he's forced to do the one thing he fears the most. "Corbin's bipolar mother is often unemployed, and their apartment has no furniture, and sometimes no food. When his classmate offers Corbin the bird she can no longer keep, he's all-in. When his mother overdoses and Corbin can no longer get her - or himself - through the darkness, he discovers his neighbours aren't the unfriendly bunch he thought they were. Maybe this bird has a bit of magic in him. Birdspell features celebrated author Valerie Sherrard's trademark blend of humour and warmth. It's a book about mental illness and poverty, but also hope, and the reminder that friends can be found anywhere."-- Provided by publisher A Twelve-year Old Boy Copes With His Mother's Mental Illness With The Help Of A Talking--and Possibly Magic--bird, And Friends He Finds In Unexpected Places.