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Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.
Nest is Esther Ehrlich’s stunning debut novel. Her lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish Nest, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you.
Praise for Nest:
"A poignant, insightful story of family crisis and the healing power of friendship."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred
"A stunning debut, with lyrical prose and superbly developed characters. . . . [Readers] will savor Nest and reflect on it long after its conclusion."—School Library Journal, Starred
"Ehrlich’s novel beautifully captures the fragile bond shared by Chirp and Joey and their growing trust for each other in a world filled with disappointments and misunderstandings."—Publishers Weekly, Starred
"Chirp’s first-person voice is believable; her poignant earnestness is truly heartrending. Ehrlich writes beautifully, constructing scenes with grace and layers of telling detail and insight."—The Horn Book
What authors are saying about Nest:
“Nest sings with heart and emotion. Simply gorgeous.”—Jennifer L. Holm, New York Times bestselling author of Turtle in Paradise
"Nest speaks to the heart. I wanted to put my arms around Chirp and never let go."—Holly Goldberg Sloan, author of Counting by 7s and I'll Be There
"I loved the book! It's so tender and touching and real. Chirp is a marvelous character, and Joey's just plain lovable. I worry about him. Congratulations. The book is absolutely splendid and I hope everyone in the world notices."—Karen Cushman, author of the Newbery Medal, The Midwife's Apprentice and the Newbery Honor, Catherine, Called Birdy
“A remarkable work. Esther Ehrlich’s characters stand out so real and true: Chirp’s friendship with Joey is tender and moving, and truly unforgettable. One can see Cape Cod and feel Chirp’s love for the birds wheeling overhead. I wanted this story to go on and on. What a brilliant future this author has. I can’t wait to read her next book.”—Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery Honor–winning author
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Creators
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Publisher
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Awards
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Release date
March 3, 2015 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781101925553
- File size: 248420 KB
- Duration: 08:37:32
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 830
- Text Difficulty: 4-5
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Reviews
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Narrator Jenna Lamia emphasizes sixth-grader Chirp's eagerness and na•veté as her concerns turn from spotting a red-throated loon to coping with her mother's recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Lamia captures the flat exhaustion in Chirp's mother's voice, the strain in her father's, and the fluctuating emotions in her teenage sister's. The story's Cape Cod setting provides opportunities to create vivid voices for the tight-knit group of locals, including a few Boston accents for regional flair. Lamia's vivid performance contributes to the characterizations, particularly Chirp's emotional journey, without sacrificing intimacy. Set in the early 1970s, this is technically historical fiction, but it will appeal to any listener who enjoys realistic portrayals of family life. A.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine -
Starred review from July 14, 2014
First-time author Ehrlich’s achingly realistic depiction of family love and loss is set on Cape Cod during the early 1970s. Chirp Orenstein’s mother, Hannah, is a vivacious, talented dancer until a leg ailment forces her to slow down. When Hannah is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she falls into a deep depression, fading to an almost unrecognizable shadow of her former self. No one—not Chirp, not her older sister, not their psychiatrist father—can make Hannah feel better. Chirp keeps her sadness and feelings of helplessness to herself except when she’s with her friend Joey, a neighbor who spends a good deal of time trying to avoid his violent father and seems to understand what Chirp is going through. Ehrlich’s novel beautifully captures the fragile bond shared by Chirp and Joey and their growing trust for each other in a world filled with disappointments and misunderstandings. Allusions to songs and trends of the era and references to Chirp’s strong Jewish heritage accentuate and ground the story. Ages 8–12. Agent: Susan Golomb, Susan Golomb Literary Agency.
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