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Set in 1936, at the height of the Great Depression, Bird in the Box is described by the writer equally "mostly a book almost the power of the human spirit, and of how one human being'southward triumph brought glory to and so many people." This moving novel weaves together the story of three different children in Elmira, New York: the sassy Hibernia, the daughter of a reverend, whose mama ran away to New York City correct afterward she was born with dreams of being a jazz singer; Willie, who lives with his abusive, boozer begetter Ready in 1936, at the elevation of the Great Depression, Bird in the Box is described by the writer as "mostly a volume almost the power of the man spirit, and of how one man's triumph brought celebrity to so many people." This moving novel weaves together the story of three different children in Elmira, New York: the sassy Hibernia, the daughter of a reverend, whose mama ran away to New York City right after she was built-in with dreams of being a jazz singer; Willie, who lives with his calumniating, drunk father and his suffering mama while he dreams of being a boxer like his idol Joe Louis; and Otis, an orphan whose parents were killed in a tragic blow, and who keeps their memories live by remembering his father's riddle-jokes. All three children idolize Joe Lewis, the Brown Bomber. As Otis' ma tells him,
"When Joe Louis fights, it's more than than merely throwing punches, Otis. That male child'south fighting for the pride of Negroes. When he loses, every colored man loses a little slice of his own pride."
Andrea Pinkney captures the unique phonation of each of the three narrators, whose lives converge at the Mercy habitation for Negro Orphans, where Willie'southward mother sends him to escape the corruption of his tearing fathers. At Mercy, he becomes friends with Otis, equally the 2 bail over Otis' Philco radio. Hibernia meets the boys while singing with the church building choir at a special holiday functioning for the orphans. A stray cat the boys proper name Bird joins their ersatz family, and before you know it, they're all gathered by the radio listening to Joe Louis' title fight. By using bodily transcripts from radio broadcasts of Joe Louis' boxing matches, Pinkney provides an immediacy to her descriptions, every bit we can experience the excitement of the children listening to the matches on the radio.

This book is filled with appealing characters, from the three children to the supporting bandage, from the strict Reverend to the kind Lila, who works at the orphanage. Pinkney skillfully weaves in historical information about Joe Louis, a key figure in African-American history, and as Pinkney describes him in her author's note, "a potent and beautiful symbol of hope." The author's note includes biographical information on Joe Louis, as well as information on her bang-up-grandfather, an amateur boxer in Elmira, New York, who was the model for the character of Willie in this novel.

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May 02, 2011 Ari rated information technology liked information technology

While Hibernia is annoying, she has a distinctive voice, in contrast to Otis and Willie, whom I kept mixing upwardly. The voices of Otis and Willie blended together. I knew that ane of them had scarred hands and that the other was an bodily orphan but I could rarely think who was who. Furthermore there was no character development, no growth in maturity and Otis was a saint. Every bit it was Otis and Willie had to grow upward fast, simply then their growth stagnated. I'chiliad not even sure why Hibernia was in the sto While Hibernia is abrasive, she has a distinctive voice, in dissimilarity to Otis and Willie, whom I kept mixing up. The voices of Otis and Willie composite together. I knew that ane of them had scarred hands and that the other was an actual orphan merely I could rarely remember who was who. Furthermore there was no grapheme development, no growth in maturity and Otis was a saint. As it was Otis and Willie had to grow up fast, but so their growth stagnated. I'thou not fifty-fifty sure why Hibernia was in the story to exist perfectly honest. She wasn't living at the orphanage and I call back her character would have been more interesting if she was actually an orphan and set up off to pursue her dreams. I wasn't thrilled by the dialogue and descriptions either. Phrases such equally "[i]t's every bit if a mighty hand is yanking the room to its feet." (pg. 253) and "Carmen turns her vocalization in popcorn blips. I backflip the melody into flatted riffs." (pg. 228) made the book seem like information technology was trying to hard to exist creative with words. I don't even know what a 'flatted riff' is. The flashbacks were potent and I didn't empathize why the story couldn't just start at the starting time instead of a year later, as a teaser information technology was rather ineffective. Finally the narrative would abruptly end at points and never be revisited such as when *SPOILER, highlight to read*: The boys go the radio dorsum from the bleach man. I refuse to believe the bleach man wouldn't know it was them, and so why was no mention made of their penalisation?*Terminate spoiler*

Occasionally the creative wording/descriptions worked well such as when Hibernia "put pepper on that tune." (pg. 227). I loved the details most the radio though. I really did get the impression that this was the "Golden Age of Radio" the commentators had personality and information technology was easy to encounter through the writer'southward words how the radio programs afflicted the listeners. The variety of programs was shown ranging from jazz music, to of grade, the Joe Louis fights. The other historical tidbits gel quite well with the fictional characters, places and events, there is a real sense of time and identify. The illustrations were lovely, simple but expressive. The simply character who became fully fleshed out (in my stance) was Lila, the orphanage worker. She was a doll, tough when needed just e'er ready to give the children a hug, she has a tough by just doesn't wallow in low. Although I would like to know why she randomly showed upward at Hibernia's church building...

Bird in a Box left more questions in my mind than answers except when it came to the importance of radio during the 1930s. Storylines were abruptly ended and the three children had interesting backgrounds but remained flat with no development. I don't much about the 1930s merely all the facts seemed to exist in order to me, the town of Elmira, New York came to life. A boondocks that was filled with people who wanted to piece of work simply couldn't find jobs and yet still mustered upward the cheer to DRESS Upwards (I mean that in the best of means) for church. Personally, I wish the story had actually taken identify in the more exciting New York City but at least Elmira adult a presence in my listen (and I could sympathize Hibernia's frustration with the town). A hit or miss read I think

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Apr 06, 2011 Doret rated it information technology was ok

The story takes identify in 1936,during the eye of the corking depression. The three master characters, are 12yr old Otis, Willie and Hibernia. At the get-go the three take withal to meet. All of them are fans of Joe Louis. The author enterwines some of the fights throughout the story. With and then much going incorrect the slap-up fighter gives the iii someone to promise and believe in.

Hibernia lives with her father a reverend. Her mother left to follow her dream to sing at the Savoy. Willie is forced to leave

The story takes place in 1936,during the centre of the slap-up low. The three primary characters, are 12yr old Otis, Willie and Hibernia. At the starting time the three have yet to meet. All of them are fans of Joe Louis. The author enterwines some of the fights throughout the story. With and then much going wrong the smashing fighter gives the three someone to hope and believe in.

Hibernia lives with her father a reverend. Her mother left to follow her dream to sing at the Savoy. Willie is forced to leave home afterwards a terrible incident with his abusive father. Soon Otis must go alive at Mercy Home For Negro Orphans as well. That's where the two come across.

The chapters alternate between the iii characters. Sometimes this tin can be tricky, especially when dealing with more then two characters. The author runs the risk of non developing the characters or storylines enough. Afterward one characters scene would end, I'd still have questions. When the story returned to that item graphic symbol, it was already onto something new.

After the last awful see with his father, Willie goes to alive at Mercy. When he arrives Lily, the adult female working at that place, tells him he needs some salve. The adjacent time Willie appears there'due south drastic modify without an explanation. The relieve didn't work. This happens more than and so once. It felt similar I was missing of import parts of the story. Hibernia'south father is gear up in his ways and very strict. Yet one day he simply decides to open up and talk about Hibernia'southward female parent. Over again, I wondered about the why of this.

The characters voices were blending together. I think office of it had to exercise with the curt chapters, but I had a difficult time distinguishing between Otis and Willie.

Pinkney has a great torso of work. All the books I've read past her I've loved. I went into Bird in a Box (a book I was really looking forward to ) wondering non if but how much I would enjoy information technology. So I was surprised, that information technology merely didn't work for me.

Bird is Box is being very well recieved by other bloggers. It also got a starred Kirkus review

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Jan 10, 2015 Marla rated information technology really liked it

I really enjoyed reading this book, equally every affiliate showed unlike perspectives on the same state of affairs (Hibernia, Otis & Volition). The book started off slightly confusing, however, once I plant connections between all iii characters, it was easier to sympathise. This book definitely emphasises a lot on racism and no freedom to practice what you lot wish (Bird In a Box). I recommend this volume to anyone that likes to read stories about racist issues and the correct to receive freedom. I also recommend this b I really enjoyed reading this book, as every chapter showed dissimilar perspectives on the same situation (Hibernia, Otis & Will). The book started off slightly disruptive, notwithstanding, once I found connections betwixt all three characters, it was easier to sympathise. This book definitely emphasises a lot on racism and no freedom to exercise what you wish (Bird In a Box). I recommend this book to anyone that likes to read stories most racist issues and the correct to receive freedom. I also recommend this book to anyone that likes to read about friendship and potent connections that are formed through tough times. ...more

Aug 31, 2011 Due north rated it actually liked it

Hibernia, Otis, and Willie accept turns narrating this curt novel prepare in 1937. The iii young characters refuse to be defeated past hard circumstances and as things move along their stories beingness to intertwine. In the background is the blossoming of jazz on the radio and the rise to fame of boxing star Joe Louis.

Nov 08, 2018 Denise Smith rated it really liked it

Information technology started slow but gained momentum once I realized there was a connection between the chief characters.
As unlike as we seem there are things that demark us.
The history facts at the end were very interesting and I'm not a big boxing fan. It started tedious just gained momentum once I realized there was a connection between the main characters.
As different as nosotros seem at that place are things that bind us.
The history facts at the finish were very interesting and I'm not a large battle fan. ...more

Mar 27, 2011 Edi rated information technology it was ok

I really do think MG books can and should develop characters.

Jan 07, 2020 Lily rated information technology really liked it

The book Bird in a Box covers the overall theme of boxing and the famed boxer Joe Lewis in Depression era New York Metropolis. The starting time of the book prepares the reader for the journey they will continue in the rest of the story, introducing them to iii main characters, Hibernia, Otis, and Willie. Bird in a Box is a story about how people can overcome their difficulties and discover purpose in their lives. It covers feelings of abandonment as well as pain and loss. The story is told in the indicate of vie The book Bird in a Box covers the overall theme of boxing and the famed boxer Joe Lewis in Low era New York City. The showtime of the volume prepares the reader for the journeying they will go along in the residual of the story, introducing them to three main characters, Hibernia, Otis, and Willie. Bird in a Box is a story most how people tin can overcome their difficulties and find purpose in their lives. It covers feelings of abandonment as well as hurting and loss. The story is told in the betoken of view of three African American children, each almost 12 years old, who were living in New York at the fourth dimension this story takes identify. All of the kids aspire to exist like Joe Lewis. At the cease of this story, I similar how the author answered some of the "suggested" questions that were presented in the book, but I would accept liked to see the story keep. Equally an avid reader, I did not recollect this book was particularly impressive. There are many parallels between the rebellious nature of children and the spirit of persistence, implying that "even when life beats you downwardly, you yet take to get up and fight." The story focuses on the idea of ​​having an idol throughout history as Joe Louis is the kids' idol. In the book, Joe Lewis represented the hope of the African American customs at the signal where they were considered 2d-class citizens and were being condemned. To conclude, I think all kinds of students would savour Bird in a Box, the story delights the reader and create a whole world new world that is relevant and accessible to anyone who chooses to read information technology. ...more

May 16, 2018 Sharon rated it actually liked it

This book is shelved in the juvenile section of our library, but is one that adults will besides appreciate. Set during the Great Depression and featuring three children who become connected partly through love of radio and boxing/ Joe Louis. Hibernia listens to Harlem'due south Savoy Ballroom music on the radio and aspires to sing in that location. Otis listens constantly to the radio which reminds him of his parents and Willie, recovering from tragedy, loves battle. You won't forget this book. This book is shelved in the juvenile section of our library, just is one that adults volition too capeesh. Set during the Cracking Depression and featuring three children who become connected partly through love of radio and boxing/ Joe Louis. Hibernia listens to Harlem's Savoy Ballroom music on the radio and aspires to sing there. Otis listens constantly to the radio which reminds him of his parents and Willie, recovering from tragedy, loves boxing. Yous won't forget this book. ...more than

Apr 27, 2019 Gina rated it liked information technology

I had some annoyance with the narration, peculiarly with the overuse of weird similes, but information technology really captured the excitement of everyone caring about a fight and a fighter and listening over the radio.

A middle form novel set in the Peachy Depression post-obit three African-American characters who are interested in singing and boxing. The book identified some major historical figures like Joe Louis, Duke Ellington, and Madame CJ Walker. It takes place in Elmira, New York.

Jan 06, 2020 Eileen Winfrey rated it really liked it

A skillful read-alike for kids who liked The War That Saved My Life. Three children during the Depression escape their heartfelt troubles by listening on the radio, especially to broadcasts of Joe Louis fights. Friendship and hardship and love.

Feb nineteen, 2020 Erin Powers rated it really liked it

This book tells the story of three unlikely friends that run into during the Not bad Low. The three children are able to encounter and get friends because of the boxer, Joe Louis, which binds them together past their race and civilization.

Jul 14, 2017 Erica marked it as to-read

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The voices of the two boys are confused in my mind, their stories have blended together. I'one thousand having a hard time relating to the girl but I'd like to understand her perspective by the cease of the book. The voices of the 2 boys are dislocated in my mind, their stories have blended together. I'g having a difficult time relating to the girl but I'd like to understand her perspective past the end of the book. ...more

Jul xxx, 2018 Shawn rated information technology actually liked it

Very proficient historical fiction targeted for eye schoolers / junior high kids.

Aug 22, 2018 Laura rated information technology liked it

Enlightening perspective on Joe Louis and his impact throughout America through a fictional story told from the view of 3 children.

Oct 04, 2018 Jacquie rated information technology really liked information technology

Fantastic book! Loved how the book switched dorsum and forth between characters and their lives.

Feb 13, 2019 Erin rated it really liked it

A great pick for heart class historical, realistic fiction. Likeable central characters and compelling events volition draw readers in. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, likewise.

Mar 19, 2019 Jessica rated it actually liked it

This is a sweet historical fiction about 3 kids who honey Joe Louis. Would be skilful for anyone who wants historical fiction and maybe is interested in boxing.

Jul 25, 2019 Kb rated information technology really liked it

Listened to entire sound version with the Lovies. Great historical fiction: relatable characters, play-by-play of the boxing matches; language descriptive, factual and lacking judgment.

Book relating to the smashing depression. Would exist a bully read for middle/loftier school.

April 15, 2021 Onyx rated it information technology was amazing

from what i remember, i absolutely LOVED this book! i read this during class.

Mar 12, 2017 Emily rated it really liked it

Some books really polish not just because of great characters, setting, and execution, only because the writer's passion is palpable on each folio. This is one of those books. Some books actually polish not just because of not bad characters, setting, and execution, but because the author's passion is palpable on each folio. This is one of those books. ...more

Mar 31, 2018 Abril rated information technology liked it

Lexile: 670L
AR Level: 6.0 pts
Traits: ideas, give-and-take selection

Feb xiii, 2012 Affront Middleton rated it really liked it

African Americans Hibernia, Willie, and Otis each tell their stories of life during the Neat Low when Joe Louis was fighting to win the heavyweight title. Hibernia is a typical teenager wanting to be independent. She wonders about her mom, who left them when Hibernia was built-in, in society to pursue her dream to become a famous vocalist. Hibernia'due south dad is the Reverend who doesn't like it that Hibernia can sing like her mother. He'southward been mad about her mom leaving and wants to squash Hibernia'south African Americans Hibernia, Willie, and Otis each tell their stories of life during the Smashing Depression when Joe Louis was fighting to win the heavyweight title. Hibernia is a typical teenager wanting to be independent. She wonders almost her mom, who left them when Hibernia was born, in order to pursue her dream to go a famous singer. Hibernia's dad is the Reverend who doesn't like it that Hibernia tin sing like her mother. He'due south been mad nearly her mom leaving and wants to squash Hibernia's singing dreams. He only lets Hibernia sing in the church choir, but she somewhen changes his mind. Hibernia reminds me of Anne of Green Gables: impulsive, melodramatic, self-centered, irritating, loveable and filled with a good heart. Willie dreams of existence a boxer like his dad. Except his dad no longer boxes, has problem holding a job, and constantly criticizes Willie. He'southward besides a drunk. During one bought of drinking, he harms Willie so desperately that Willie has to runaway to an orphanage to be condom. He makes friends with a boy in that location named, Otis. Otis lives at the orphanage later on his parents die in a horrible crash. His parents were loving and happily married. They loved to tell jokes, laugh and spend time every bit a family together. His dad had to live in a dissimilar city considering of a new job, but when Otis and his mom saw him they had quality fourth dimension with him. When the family car crashes, Otis is the only survivor and devastated by the loss of his parents. He deals with it by telling riddles – something the family loved to do together. His mom used to exist a good vocalizer and when Hibernia comes to the orphanage to sing with the church choir he is attracted to her magnificent voice and personality. He seeks Mrs. Weiss'south help on how to get Hibernia'southward attention. When all three finally do gather, it's a coming together of promise, symbolized in the fights of Joe Louis.

The writing is descriptive and rich throughout the story. Hibernia talks almost herself every bit Happy-Hibernia and Not-Happy Hibernia, Willie likes the words Uh-huh and Uh-uh, while Otis spews riddles like water from a faucet. The language is rich in similes and metaphors giving the words a rhythm of their own: In that location is practically null that could ever brand me leave my wagon, but when v special words – Sing,Vocalism, Win, and Big wave at me with both hands and jump upwards like new friends set to say hello, my wagon takes a fast backseat to anything else. Not to mention those dollar signs, which are pretty chorus dancers doing high kicks correct adjacent to Large. I thought the start and terminate were not as strong as the middle of this story. The beginning was disruptive with all the names. I had no clue who Hibernia was talking to betwixt Skip Gibson, the Savoy, Speaky, and the Reverend. The Savoy is a pop ballroom in Harlem. Skip Gibson is the commentator on the radio for Joe Louis fights. Speaky is the name of the radio, and the Reverend is her dad. In improver, the ending seemed too sharp. Willie inverse emotionally at the end just Hibernia and Otis didn't which made it less satisfying. Likewise, when Willie is injured I didn't realize it was that serious. I thought he would have concluded upward at the infirmary and going to doctors. But these are little quibbles in a very satisfying, wonderfully told story.

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Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney takes identify in a pocket-size upstate New York boondocks during the Cracking Low and tells the story of three children- Hibernia, Willie and Otis- and how their lives comes together. Hibernia is the daughter of a Reverend and her mother left to have a singing career in New York Urban center and now Hibernia dreams of anytime doing the same. Willie and Otis both live in a home for orphans, but only one of them has lost their parents. Willie left abode considering of his abusive f Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney takes place in a modest upstate New York town during the Great Low and tells the story of three children- Hibernia, Willie and Otis- and how their lives comes together. Hibernia is the daughter of a Reverend and her female parent left to have a singing career in New York Metropolis and now Hibernia dreams of anytime doing the same. Willie and Otis both alive in a domicile for orphans, merely just 1 of them has lost their parents. Willie left home because of his abusive father and is recovering from his injuries, ones that shattered his chances of existence a boxing gnaw. Meanwhile Otis' only family is the radio he listens to every night, his reminder of the female parent and male parent he lost. The 3 children discover hope in the boxing matches of Joe Louis and his potential to become the country's next heavyweight champion, what they don't realize is how Joe will bring the three of them together.

Bird in a Box book is intended for children aged nine-12 and that is definitely the advisable audience for it. The story deals with an interesting part of history and lets the reader know what that times was like for three different, yet continued, kids. Although it is certainly a novel, each affiliate is divided using an analogy similar the one on the cover and I thought the pictures were great. Within each chapter the perspective alternates between the three master characters and although the voices were realistic, I did find the story disjointed at times. Each graphic symbol's narrative was adequately brief, and as a reader, I'd just be getting interested in their story just to have Pinkney switch to another character. Too, while Hibernia'due south vocalisation was certainly unique I definitely did observe the boys blended together at times, probably because of the short chapters post-obit each other. I likewise didn't understand why Pinkney began the book with a affiliate in the future and and then went dorsum in fourth dimension, it fabricated the first affiliate very confusing and it felt unnecessary.

With Bird in a Box Pinkney certainly manages to let the reader in on an important part of history, and she even includes a note nearly what is real and what is fictional in her story which is something I actually appreciate with historical fiction. It was also neat that she used real radio dialogue in telling the story, weaving in bits of history that the reader is able to pick upward without thinking. The nigh memorable character was definitely Hibernia, I loved her. She had spunk and sass and she definitely fabricated the novel worthwhile. Unfortunately, I did find some of the character development weak, simply information technology is probably not something I would have picked up on if I'd exist within the intended audience age category. Ultimately, Bird in a Box is not only a proficient mode for a center-grade audience to learn more about the Great Low, but also a positive book about triumphing confronting the odds.

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Feb 12, 2020 Jan rated it liked it

First, information technology should be noted that the writer Pinkney created a compelling story with 3 equally of import children whom I wanted to help, protect, heal, and encourage, and she did this while still keeping the characters' own "inner fires" alight. I did like the structure and story of the volume, especially the under-explored experiences of Low-era African American children and young adults. I tin can't quite put my finger on what was missing for me, though I did have the aforementioned odd reaction to Kar First, it should be noted that the author Pinkney created a compelling story with three equally important children whom I wanted to aid, protect, heal, and encourage, and she did this while still keeping the characters' own "inner fires" alight. I did like the construction and story of the book, especially the under-explored experiences of Low-era African American children and young adults. I can't quite put my finger on what was missing for me, though I did have the aforementioned odd reaction to Karen Hesse's Dust Bowl tale, Out of the Dust. Both books, admittedly written in far dissimilar and equally admirable styles, left me still feeling somewhat unacquainted with the characters. This 1's probably on me...I only wanted to hear more than and know each of the kids more deeply. A sequel (or iii) would be welcome reading. ...more

Andrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling author of more than than 20 books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Duke Ellington, illustrated by Brian Pinkney; Let it Shine: Stories of Black Women Liberty Fighters, a Coretta Scott King Award Book and winner of the Carter G. Woodson Accolade; and Alvin Ailey, a Parenting Publication Gold medal winne Andrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Knuckles Ellington, illustrated by Brian Pinkney; Let it Shine: Stories of Blackness Women Liberty Fighters, a Coretta Scott Rex Honor Volume and winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award; and Alvin Ailey, a Parenting Publication Gold medal winner.

Pinkney'south newest books include Meet the Obamas and Sojourner Truth'due south Step-Stomp Stride, which has garnered iii starred reviews and has been named 1 of the "Best Books of 2009" by School Library Periodical. In 2010, Andrea's volume entitled Demonstration: How Four Friends Stood Upwardly Past Sitting Down, was published on the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro, North Carolina, sit-ins of 1960.

Her female parent is a teacher and her father is a great storyteller, so growing up surrounded by books and stories is what inspired Andrea Davis Pinkney to choose a career as an writer. The first official story she remembers writing was in second grade — information technology was virtually her family. Pinkney was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Connecticut. She went to Syracuse Academy, where she majored in journalism. After college, she followed her dream and worked as an editor for Essence mag, but after watching her husband, Caldecott Award-winning artist Brian Pinkney, illustrate children's books, she decided to switch jobs and became involved in volume publishing.

Andrea Davis Pinkney currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/andrea-d...

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