Elijah Clearwater is growing up on a small farm with his grandfather. He's half Irish and half Indigenous and he's also growing up with Cystic Fibrosis. He's the shortest in his class and dealing with a school bully - so - perhaps the least likely superhero ever - or - perhaps not. Thirteen days before his 13th birthday Elijah has a series of vivid dreams that hint of an ancient legend coming true through him...
Elijah Clearwater is growing up on a small farm with his grandfather. He's half Irish and half Indigenous and he's also growing up with Cystic Fibrosis. He's the shortest in his class and dealing with a school bully - so - perhaps the least likely superhero ever - or - perhaps not. Thirteen days before his 13th birthday Elijah has a series of vivid dreams that hint of an ancient legend coming true through him...
THE CROW CHILD
The Crow Child is a book that intrigues the reader from the first page. Beshore's prose is smart, straight forward, and advanced. Her story telling is excellent in the way it draws the reader in and keeps them eager for more. While there is mild trigger warnings such as bullying, war violence and illness, it is written in a way that evokes compassion and understanding. There are good morals and lessons taught, scattered throughout the book, and people of all ages will find themselves captivated and thoroughly enjoying it.
One of the most enjoyable parts of this book was how likable and relatable each character was. While they retained distinct personalities and purposes, each one was interesting and real in the way that the reader can picture them all in their heads. Each character gave purpose and momentum to the story and played their part exceptionally. Each chapter was engaging and the pacing throughout the story was steady and quick. Furthermore, the expert way that Beshore navigated between the past and present timelines added an extra element to the plot and to the main character, Elijah. The juxtaposition between timelines was expertly placed, and the story never felt choppy because of it. Everything continued to flow and gave the plot an intensity and suspense that made this book all the more interesting.
There are few books that manage personal topics and cultural folklore the way that this one did, and it was a complete delight to read and be immersed in two different worlds that find themselves woven together. One prevalent theme throughout the book that is important for all middle grade readers to know is this: that no matter who you are, what life has handed you, or what you'e been through, each child is capable of a great and powerful destiny. All that needs to be done is to dream of it, and then chase it with all they've got.
A wonderful story that is worth recommending, time and time again.