Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of Birdie, the latest literary gem from the pen of J.P. Rose, published by Andersen Press. This middle-grade historical fiction is set to grace bookshelves in October 2024, marking the second release of a riveting two-book deal.

Journey back to the 1950s in Leeds, where young Birdie’s life takes an unexpected turn. Uprooted from the familiar surroundings of a children’s home for mixed-race children, she finds herself whisked away to the Yorkshire Dales to live with her Great Aunt Mabel. But the welcome she receives is far from warm. Birdie quickly learns that she is not the niece the town—or her family—anticipated.

Facing a barrage of bullying from both kids and adults alike, Birdie runs for safety when things take a turn, and her hiding place is lowered into the depths of the town’s coal mine. There, in the shadows, she encounters a majestic pit pony, abandoned and forgotten in the dimming light of the mine’s closure. Naming him Mr. Duke, Birdie discovers solace in their shared isolation.

As Mr. Duke’s safety is called into question, Birdie devises a daring rescue that could not only secure his fate but also that of the entire town. Will her plan ignite a spark of hope and change, or will it collapse like the mine that encases them?

Not only does Birdie capture what I believe to be the true magic of historical fiction (sharing experiences, voices, and facts that most of us may never have encountered), but J.P. Rose has managed to capture that Northern heart and soul effortlessly. From the North myself, it’s rare to find Northern protagonists who successfully capture the language, relationships, and culture that comes with being so.

Devoured in a single session, the book’s rhythm canters across the pages, a testament to Rose’s narrative prowess rather than mere chance. Every line trots with purpose, distilling secondary actions into mere phrases, allowing the reader to live in the throes of action and emotion. Alongside Birdie, Great Aunt Mabel has one of the most incredible character arcs of the book, so much so that I found myself in tears at several points.

Birdie confronts the shadows of the 1950s—racism, ignorance—with a light that also touches on grief, loss, and the profound bonds of adoption, both human and animal. All these themes are crafted brilliantly into the storytelling so that even the youngest of middle grade readers will be able to learn a thing or ten from this novel. Moreover, the historical annotations that conclude the book were extra informative, even to myself in my 30s, continuing to prove that we’re never too old to learn from children’s books!

Birdie is a story of resilience and the power of friendship, where a girl and her pony dare to challenge the status quo and dream of a brighter tomorrow. A story that I will be telling anyone and everyone to purchase in October. To those as lucky as myself to read this before then, prepare to be enchanted by the northern voices, historical reference points (that even the oldest of us may not even know) and the heart-warming bond between a girl and her animal companion, in a release that promises to tug at your heartstrings.

What an emotional rollercoaster! I have been transported back to Yorkshire in the 1950s in a story full of courage, hope and resilience. Birdie herself is such a beautiful character and it has left me in tears at the end. I read this in one sitting because it was impossible to stop.
I should also mention the wealth of information at the end about mining and pit ponies, children’s homes and racism after the Second World War. Thoroughly recommend you find a copy when it is published in October.

Once I had started this book, I couldn't put it down and that is all down to Birdie herself. A positive, honest, unbeatable girl, full of character and strength and one who personally I would have loved as a friend.
Birdie is sent from a foster home for children of babies born from British women and American GIs in post war Britain, to live in the Yorkshire Dales. Birdie does not see the colour of her skin as different as she has only lived with similar children and experiences harsh racism, comments and patronising from people she meets. This upsets Birdie but she rises up against it with her undefeatable spirit. It is this generosity and spirit that comes in to play when she forms a friendship with a pit pony she calls Mr Duke. She can't bear the thought of him being sent to the abbatoir and takes off with him. They soon run into trouble and I won't spoil the ending but I was heartbroken and sobbing at one point!
JP Rose writes in such an accessible style for all and gives lots of historical information about coal mining, pit ponies and post war Britain. This book is an absolute triumph.

The healing power and true and complete joy that animals can bring, especially in times of horror. The most beautiful read!

Thank you NetGalley and Andersen Press for this eCopy to review

Birdie was an engaging read about how Birdie overcomes racism and lonliness when she is sent from her childrens' home in Leeds to live with her Great Aunt is a Yorkshire Village. Birdie becomes friends with a Pit horse, Mr Duke who she is determined to rescue, leading to Birdie running away with him. After a disaster at the mine she rushes back, will they make it in time?

A great story of how friendships are made, finding the courage to do what is right, and never giving up.