Someday Birds

Description: Ideal for fans of "Counting by 7s" and "Fish in a Tree, " Pla's acclaimed debut novel is a beautifully written tale about 12-year-old Charlie, who must endure a cross-country road trip with his siblings to see their father, who is undergoing major surgery. Illustrations.

Brief description:

Sally J. Pla is the author of four acclaimed novels--The Someday Birds; Stanley Will Probably Be Fine; The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn; and Invisible Isabel--and a picture book, Benji, the Bad Day, and Me. She is an autism/neurodiversity advocate who has worked as a business journalist and in public education. She lives with her family in Southern California, not too far from the ocean. Visit her online at sallyjpla.com.

Review Quotes:

"Sally J. Pla's heartwarming debut novel zings with humor, spot-on characters, and a poignant exploration of the effects of war." - Edith Hope Fine, author of UNDER THE LEMON MOON

"A truly wonderful, unique story. This celebration of family, individuality, and nature will remind you to always be on the lookout for wonder." - Wendy Mass, New York Times best-selling author of THE CANDYMAKERS

"Sally J. Pla does a wonderful job of weaving humor and humanity into this tale of one boy's triumph." - Cammie McGovern, author of JUST MY LUCK and SAY WHAT YOU WILL

"Readers will genuinely be captivated and touched by Charlie's soft and sensitive demeanor and amused by his ponderous exploits across the country. A strong addition to most middle grade collections." - School Library Journal

"This has all of the possible/impossible elements of successful middle-grade fiction...Readers who enjoyed Sloan's Counting by 7s (BCCB 9/13) will be the ideal audience for this. " - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"The Someday Birds is a raw, funny road trip story that reminds us that even the most literal-minded people can occasionally be sucker-punched by a miracle." - BookPage.com

"A triumphant debut with the resonance and depth of an instant classic. " - Nerdy Book Club

★ "Pla gives us a memorable hero in this lyrical and funny book." - Shelf Awareness (starred review)

"Achingly real...Charlie's unique voice and his quest to understand the world around him will resonate with readers dealing with their own pain. Hopeful, authentic, and oddly endearing." - Kirkus Reviews

★ "Offering a mixture of suspense, mystery, tragedy and humor, Pla's story captures both the literal and figurative meanings of journey." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"[A] colorful adventure with a lot of heart...Like a harbinger of spring flitting through a gray sky, The Someday Birds is a welcome arrival." - Common Sense Media

"A delight from beginning to end." - Booklist