Hummingbird - Natalie Lloyd

 

Hummingbird - Natalie Lloyd

Bibliography: 

Lloyd, N. (2023). Hummingbird. Thorndike Press.

Plot Summary: 

When twelve-year-old Olive, who suffers from brittle bone disease and has been homeschooled all her life, finally attends school in person she soon discovers fitting in is not that easy, but if she can find the magical wish-granting hummingbird that supposedly lives nearby, and prove herself worthy, maybe her deepest wish will be granted.

Critical Analysis:

Natalie Lloyd has done it again. She's crafted an incredibly moving story in words that flow in beautiful rhythms, added just a touch of magic, and builds empathy. Olive is a spunky and likable protagonist you can't help but cheer for. It is heartbreaking to see how going to school and hearing other tweens changes her view of herself, but she ends up in a positive spot. I loved the ending, and how it shows Olive's growth and ability to see others hidden hurts too. Her relationship with her stepbrother is heartwarming in how they grow together over the course of the book. Her friend Grace is the best. I liked the towns people that Grace and Olive got to know as they interviewed those who might have found the Hummingbird in the past. And the way the book takes readers into the mind of someone with a condition that results in frequent hospitalization and wheelchairs is special and important. It definitely deserved the Schneider Family Honor. This has some fantasy elements, but most of the book feels like contemporary fiction so hand it to both fantasy fans and contemporary fiction fans.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Olive's father and mother are no longer married, though her father lives on the same land in a yurt and is a regular part of her life. Olive's stepfather and stepbrother have recently joined the family. There is some bullying and unkind comments. A lady at church prays unsolicitedly for Olive in a way that makes her feel uncomfortable (Olive herself prays regularly and talks about God a lot, she isn't anti-prayer by any means but the way the lady did it wasn't the best). Olive struggles with her body image after going to school and hearing other kids' comments; her mom is great at reaffirming she's beautiful how she is, but Olive doesn't always take her words to heart. A death of a brother in a war is mentioned. Olive talks about the many broken bones she has had and the pain and emotional stress involved.

Review Excerpt: 

Booklist (starred review)

With eccentric family members, a distinctive setting, and a supernatural element that is strangely believable within this otherwise realistic story, there’s a lot to love here.

School Library Journal (starred review)

A must-have for any elementary school or middle school library, this magical and heartening novel will keep readers engaged until the end. A perfect fit for fans of realistic fiction and fantasy alike.

Publisher's Weekly (starred review)

Olive's sparkly personality roars to life through assured first-person narration, metaphors rooted in the natural world, and simple yet piercing free verse that distills her self-revelations.

Kirkus Review

The energetic first-person narration, interspersed with Olive's thoughts in free verse, is full of bold personality... Her grappling with fears and bold dreams offers a rare depiction of physical disability that is allowed to be both complicated and empowering.

Connections:

Physical Disabilities & Special Needs Novels

Overcoming Adversity Theme

Interview with Natalie Lloyd