Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia Perez is as much a novel about finding sisterhood and friendship as it is about social activism and justice. As four strangers come together under a common cause, they all realize they are not as alone as they thought. There’s Ofelia (Cuban American) who is trying to escape from under her parent’s protective thumb and is an aspiring journalist. There’s Aster (African American) a girl that loves to cook and has been homeschooled by her grandfather as her mother is stationed overseas. Then there is Cat (Latino) who is trying to find her place in the world, having been overshadowed by three older sisters. And finally, Lane (Caucasian) who just moved to the small Florida town to live with her grandmother while her parents deal with a messy divorce.  All four of the girls are at a time in their lives that they need someone their age who understands, and they all find that in their little group that is brought together under something more than coincidence.

As you can tell, there is a lot of diversity in this group, which makes this an enlightening read as well. The author does a wonderful job catching the individual voice of each girl and what she represents. Each girl brings something different to the table as they try to set right a wrong from the past. The evolution of their friendship seemed genuine and not trite. Throughout the summer they learn not only about themselves but about justice and loyalty and most importantly sisterhood and friendship. 

Review of an Advance Reading Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Kokila

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  1 religious exclamation. 

Violence/Gore:  Story (fairy tale like) of a girl that was locked in a tower, tortured and then beheaded, no details given. 

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

Divorce; Death of parent; Racism.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None