Rare Birds

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Adore the cover on this book!

I recently read Rare Birds by Jeff Miller and I have to say, it's easily one of my favorite reads this year! This middle grade book had all the feels, and the author did an amazing job tackling the heavy subject matter.

The story follows twelve-year-old Graham, who feels like his entire life is one big waiting room while his mother waits for a heart transplant. While waiting in Florida for the summer, he meets Lou at the hospital and together they embark on an adventure to find the endangered Snail Kite, which resides in the local gator-filled swamps.

The writing was amazing and very well-paced. The setting and bird watching plot were both excellently done. Rare Birds managed to be both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, making it impossible not to be invested in what happens next. I found myself rooting for Graham and Lou throughout the book as they searched for something that would give them hope during such a difficult time.

The characters were relatable, especially Graham and Lou. They complemented each other well throughout their journey as they searched for the rare bird. Overall, I can't recommend this book any higher – it's definitely worth reading if you're looking for a beautifully written middle-grade book that will make you feel all sorts of emotions!

ARC Via NetGalley