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This book was very cute, and the world was pretty well built. The tone of it was sort of confusing--it felt pretty formal, and didn't mesh for me in the way I normally like--but that may also be a side effect of me like. Not having read an MG book in about 100 years. I think if you've got a kid who likes birds, or animal stories in general, they might really like this. As an adult, some of it seemed a little weird (as like a person who cannot turn their brain off, the sort of Biblical allegory seemed to really hit me over the head and I wasn't sure I was super comfortable with it) but obviously the message is positive and it doesn't go much further into that allegorical territory that I possibly just made up. ( )

#1 read for the April 2010 Dewey's Read-a-thon. Very cute, also loved the cover and inside drawings, I think I won't ever look at your normal birds again without picturing them with swords and bows! ( )

Audiobook review: Considering this was researched and written by an 11-year-old, this is a sophisticated effort. But the audio edition has the unfortunate effect of highlighting the more overwrought lines: "We shouldn't be fighting; be friends. Let peace and friendship be among us again!" Ugh. An interview with the young author is included. ( )

Turnatt, the Hawk Lord, has captured many woodland birds. He controls many Raven soldiers, who have recently turned the Cardinals and Blue-Jays against each other. With this new rivalry, survival for some birds has become harsh. But, as legends are told of an ancient bird named SwordBird, hope begins to spread. Milton, a young Robin slave, volunteered to trick the lead Raven in going out, and to let the slaves escape. He flew to Flame-Back and Skylion, leaders of the Cardinals and Blue-Jays. Soon, both tribes unite to help stop Turnatt from causing further damage to the forest. They learn that magical Leasorn gems are needed to summon SwordBird. At the cost of his brave little life, Milton succeeds with help in getting a stone. Evil Turnatt has been defeated, and all birds are united once more.
"SwordBird" was honestly a very comical book. Even the villains had their little scenes that would make me laugh inside. I love how the author showed so much emotion throughout each bird, throughout each moment. The book had its moments, though, where things seemed to suddenly speed up. Some scenes to take a sudden turn, and new characters popped up from nowhere. Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book. It still amazes me how well such a young person could write, using that much detail. I really hope she keeps up the good work!! :) ( )