"Set in Vermont, the story is fleshed out by thought-provoking forays into the ethics of hunting and the powerlessness of children in determining their home lives....Unusual and poignant—full of the depth and contradictions of life."—Kirkus "A tender tale that reminds readers that families come in all forms and that the greatest rewards come from opening oneself to all that life has to offer."—Booklist "A compelling narrative of coping, loss, and learning to trust."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books “Dayna writes the inner thoughts of animals better than anyone I know, and I’m sure readers are going to fall in love with Rufus the fierce and lovable great horned owl, just like I did! This sweet, funny story of a prickly girl and the owl she helps rescue is a perfect tale of outcasts, friendship, falconry, and the families we create.”—Tui T. Sutherland, New York Times bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series "I love this story of falconry, family, and finding your way in a big, scary world. Reenie and Rufus absolutely stole my heart!" —Kate Messner, author of Chirp and the Ranger in Time series
Description
"A perfect tale of outcasts, friendship, falconry, and the families we create."—Tui T. Sutherland, New York Times bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series
In the vein of Barbara O’Connor’s Wish, a moving, poignant animal rescue story told in alternating perspectives about a down-on-her-luck girl who rescues a baby owl, and how the two set each other free.
Great horned owl Rufus is eight months old and still can’t hunt. When his mother is hit by a car, he discovers just how dangerous the forest can be.
Reenie has given up on adults and learned how to care for herself—a good thing, since she’s sent to live with an aunt she’s never met in this emotional coming of age story. Yet this aunt has a wonderful secret: she’s a falconer who agrees to help Reenie catch an injured passage hawk in the wild and rehabilitate it.
When Reenie traps bedraggled Rufus, his eyes lock onto her heart, and they form a powerful friendship. But can Rufus learn to trust in the outside world and fly free? And can Reenie open her heart enough to truly soar?
- Dual Perspective Story: Told in alternating chapters from the point of view of Reenie, a girl who has given up on adults, and Rufus, a baby owl who has lost his mother.
- A Heartwarming Found Family: When Reenie is sent to live with her falconer great-aunt, she doesn’t expect to find a home—or a kindred spirit in an injured owl.
- Falconry and Wildlife Rescue: Discover the world of falconry as Reenie and her aunt work to rehabilitate Rufus and teach him how to survive in the wild.
- Perfect for Animal Lovers: Fans of Barbara O’Connor’s Wish and stories about the powerful bond between kids and animals will soar through this moving tale.
Genres
Released2021
LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperCollins
ISBN9780358378587
SellerHarperCollins
About the author(s)
Dayna Lorentz is the author of Of a Feather, the Dogs of the Drowned City trilogy, and the No Safety in Numbers trilogy. She has worked in and around the foster care system, most recently as a law clerk in the Vermont family courts, but she only just started exploring the sport of falconry. Dayna lives in Vermont with her husband and two children.
