Review of The Bird Ride

[2sosmilee]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Bird Ride" by Wade W. Bergner.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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The Bird Ride by Wade W. Bergmer is a great asset to schools, daycares, counseling offices, hospitals, and any other place where children and adults may need a lesson in gratitude. This book is nicely written, along with illustrations to guide the reader on a journey of self-acceptance with the aid of a mysterious bird that appears at the right time to the protagonist, Wade.

The author explains that this book was written as a cathartic means to heal some childhood pain that was inflicted due to having a learning disability. As he passed through childhood into adulthood he not only carried this pain but desired to find a way to heal any pain that also may have been inflicted upon other children. He expresses that a learning disability should not define who a person is or what the person can accomplish in life. Adults should try to re-focus attention on to a child’s strengths and not their learning disabilities. “I found myself wishing I could loosen her burden and share this lightness that I was now feeling.” (17) Bergmer creates a simple story of curiosity and adventure to tell deliver the deep message of self-discovery, self-acceptance, gratitude, and inclusion.

The sentence structure and pacing of the reading are average. The plot is simple for elementary school-aged children to comprehend; however, the wording and sentence structure may be a bit too daunting for younger elementary school-aged children to read independently. The term, “low-level thoughts” could have been explained clearer. “She was caught in the world of repeating the low-level thoughts that she’d learned throughout her life.” (17) This term can be interpreted with varying meanings. A footnote or in-text explanation would be helpful. However, this would be a good read-aloud for any age. The story also encourages discussion and provides nine discussion questions and one activity. The illustrations help aid the text in visual clarity.

I rate The Bird Ride a two out of four stars. The theme of the book is great; however, I don’t feel as if the execution of the book is as clear as the message. If the discussion questions are used to guide a clearer and deeper message of the book, then I feel as if the message will be delivered and discussed well.

I would recommend this book if it is read and discussed where children and adults may need a lesson in self-discovery, self-acceptance, gratitude, and inclusion.

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The Bird Ride
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