Ehrlich, Esther. Nest. Fiction. Wendy Lamb/Random, 2014. 327p. $16.99. 978-0-385-38607-4. PLB $19.99. 978-0-385-38608-1. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 5-9.
Chirp is an 11-year-old bird watcher. Set in 1972, she lives in Cape Cod with her parents and older sister Rachel. Chirp’s comfy “nest” is disturbed when her mother becomes seriously ill, and each family member tries to cope with the devastation. As Chirp struggles, she makes a friend for life with Joey from across the street, whom she had overlooked until she needed him and he needed her. Together, they escape through adventures. Ehrlich’s writing is thoughtful, genuine, and grabs the reader and squeezes tight.
Sheila Dickinson, Richmond PL