From School Library Journal
Gr 3–6—Soledad and Ming, two sisters from the Philippines, live in Louisiana with their evil stepmother, Vea. All Sol and Ming have is each other and their stories. Both girls inherited a lively imagination from their mother, Mei-Mei. When she was alive, Mei-Mei wove enthralling tales about her magical sister, Jove, who traveled around the world. The girls cling to tales of Auntie Jove as a hope of escape while living in a dreary apartment with miserable Vea. Sol worries for her younger sister as Ming begins to believe Auntie Jove is a reality, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Can Sol save her sister from the depression caused by her own stories, or have they done irreparable damage? Is there a way for Sol, Ming, and Vea to understand one another and be happy in their own reality? Readers will become engrossed in the enchanting plot propelled by delightful narration. This book will appeal to a broad array of readers, as it has a little bit of everything—fantasy, realism, sisterhood, friendship, suspense, and humor. VERDICT A charming and affecting novel about sisterhood, the magic of imagination, and perseverance.
– Tiffany Davis, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY
“Praise for Blackbird Fly: Each character in Kelly’s debut novel is portrayed with remarkable authenticity. The awkwardness and intense feelings inherent to middle school are palpable. Children’s literature has been waiting for Apple Yengko―a strong, Asian-American girl whose ethnic identity simultaneously complicates and enriches her life.” -Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Kelly deftly captures the tumultuous emotions of a preteen who is forced to grow up faster than other girls her age.” -Kirkus Reviews
“A smart, sensitive, and resilient heroine who is authentic and relatable in her strengths and imperfections. This poignant novel would make for a particularly fine read aloud; expect visceral reactions. This is a must-read for those kids cringing at their own identities.”
-Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Will resonate with any student in middle school who has felt different and ostracized. The author has skillfully captured the various characters that populate Apple’s school.” -School Library Journal (starred review)
“Writing with acute sensitivity and sometimes painful realism, debut novelist Kelly skillfully captures the betrayals, tentative first crushes, and fluctuating emotions of middle school… a true triumph.” -Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A delightful debut. Through her love of music, Apple starts to soar like the eponymous blackbird of her favorite Beatles song.”
-Los Angeles Times Book Review
“Kelly’s sophomore novel is both hopeful and heartfelt, but strong emotions are only part of the successful equation here. Told in Sol’s true voice, the direct dialogue brings the diverse characters to vivid life.” -Booklist (starred review)
“An enchanting plot propelled by delightful narration. This book will appeal to a broad array of readers, as it has a little bit of everything-fantasy, realism, sisterhood, friendship, suspense, and humor. A charming and affecting novel about sisterhood, the magic of imagination, and perseverance.” -School Library Journal (starred review)
“This stirring and original story ends on a credibly hopeful note while remaining firmly rooted in reality, and readers who have embraced Sol will be cautiously optimistic for her future. Sol’s central struggles are gripping. Fans of Rita Williams-Garcia’s family may particularly enjoy spending time with Sol.” -Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Kelly balances the bleak and the beautiful in a novel about the multilayered bond between sisters. Kelly’s strong heroine offers hope in the face of loss.” -Publishers Weekly
