Spellboda

Spellboda is a YA book about a boy named Trevor who discovers that he has a special gift and can hear/talk to animals. A Spellboda only discovers their gift once they are ready and when an animal is in danger and needs help.

Trevor has a turbulent relationship with his father after his mother's death. He is isolated at school as he refuses to talk to anyone, including his father, causing further friction at home. The school agree for Trevor to do some volunteering work at the local bird sanctuary to try and help his mental health. Trevor loves being with the birds of prey and it is here that he discovers his gift. A family of Peregrine Falcons have been stolen, leaving one of the fledglings behind. Using his special gift it is down to Trevor to try and recover the other Falcons and help release the fledgling back into the wild.

This was such an enjoyable read. I loved reading about Trevor, a boy with selective mutism, who had the weight of the world on his shoulders; a father who was so caught up in his own grief that he could not be the parent Trevor needed him to be. But with the distraction of a mystery to solve and a budding friendship between Trevor and Midge, Trevor's whole world opens up making it meaningful again.

As an adult I got totally caught up in the story. I think this book would be suitable for the younger range of YA, 12-13 year olds who are confident readers. However, for older readers this would be a nice cosy read that can be enjoyed by all.

The author does hint that the ending is just the beginning, so I am really looking forward to finding out what adventure Trevor and Mitch will embark on next time.
Many thanks to J C Clarke for providing me with fond memories of my own childhood reading, although Spellboda trumps anything I read in my teens.