by Gillian Perdue (Author), Barry Reynolds (Illustrator), Gillian Perdue (Author), Barry Reynolds (Illustrator)
Adam's Starling tells the story of a nine year old boy who is finding life difficult. At home, no-one has any time for him.
At school things are even worse - a gang of bullies has singled Adam out for punishment. Life is becoming increasingly difficult for Adam. But then a scruffy little starling comes into Adam's life. This is Adam's secret, his own special friend. But can Adam's defend his small friend against the bullies? Will he find the courage he has needed all along?
Format: Illustrated
Pages: 160
Publisher: O'Brien Press
Published: 01 May 2001
ISBN 10: 0862786851
ISBN 13: 9780862786854
Children’s book age: 7-9 Years
beautifully told
-- Woman's Wayall the elements in this story blend perfectly in a carefully measured way that make it a compulsive read
-- Irish Examinerdeserves another look
-- Evening Echostill as relevant today
-- Books Irelanda perceptive and very moving story which will resonate with many readers - bullies and the bullied. An excellent opportunity for discussion of this emotive subject
-- parentsintouch.co.ukThis story has tremendous potential for classroom use. An extremely thought-provoking book that would be an easy read for most 9- to 11-year olds.
-- Janet McGonagle - Children's Books in Ireland * Children's Books in Ireland *What an impressive debut! ... This book convincingly captures life's hassles. Perdue is exceptionally good on Adam's various relationships ... (her) handling of the Adam/Grandad scenes are not only brilliant, they are also genuinely moving, and the starling plot is never allowed to become tweety-sweety. My nine-year-old thought it fantastic.
-- Niall MacMonagle - The Irish TimesThis book is touching and sometimes sad. It would be great for children aged 8 upward.
-- Teenage reviewer Catherine O'Mahony, iQ magazineThis is a good story told with much lively dialogue and it will sustain children's interest through thirteen quite meaty chapters.
-- The School LibrarianSensitive study of a shy and insecure boy who, in the protection of something smaller and weaker than himself, manages to finally confront the boys that constantly pick on him at school.
-- Books IrelandAdam's Starling belongs on the shelf of any home with school-going children ... The bonding-with-animals theme makes this an appealing book, crashing through age and gender definitions in a warm-hearted way.
-- Evening Heraldgentle novel which confronts a serious problem in a sensitive and honest way.
-- Bisto Award judgesThis is an intelligent, instructive book heavy with intent.
-- Eileen Battersby - The Irish TimesIts sensitive, imaginative treatment of the now cliched theme of bullying makes it a great stocking-filler
-- The Sunday Independent