There is the secret of Birdy's grandmother's cat. How the boys tortured it and Birdy had to drown it in the river. There's the secret of Mrs. Cope, the popular teacher who took advantage of Birdy. And the secret of the gypsy girl at school who Birdy likes, but can't talk about. Because Birdy's other secret is that while she fights as good as the boys, she is a girl.

In this funny and sad portrayal of a young person growing up in an imperfect family, every reader will recognise in Birdy their own struggle to find their place in the world.

About the Author

Helen Donohoe studied politics at Manchester University and the LSE and has dedicated her career to speaking up for the powerless and invisible as a campaigner, lobbyist, volunteer and writer. She recently completed the MA in Creative Writing (Novels) at City University, London, winning the PFD Novel Writing Prize for Birdy Flynn, her first novel. She lives in London.

Reviews

'Helen Donohoe writes with a warmth, empathy and clarity which draws readers into the world she has created.'

* School Librarian *

'Birdy's struggle with gender identity is sufficient story for one novel, but there is enough plot here for two ... first-time novelist Donohoe handles the material skillfully.'

-- Booklist

'Birdy is a complex, compelling creation . . . A terrific debut.

-- Sarah Waters


Awards
Short-listed for Great Reads Award 2017.



Book Information
ISBN 9781780749396
Author Helen Donohoe
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Rock the Boat
Publisher Oneworld Publications
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 27mm