Little Bird Flies
Karen McCombie
Subjects
- History Time - blasts from the past
- Action Adventures - chills, thrills and plenty of spills
Average rating
Nominated for the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal
Bridie lives on the remote Scottish island of Tornish, the youngest of three sisters. Although she loves her island, with its wild seas and big skies, she guiltily nurses a secret dream of flight – to America and the freedom of the New World. But her family are struggling under the spiteful oppression of the new Laird, and it seems that even some of the Laird’s own household are desperate to leave. When the Laird’s full cruelty becomes apparent, there’s no more time for daydreams as Bridie needs to help the people she loves escape to safety.
Cover and chapter head illustrations by Jasu Hu. Map illustration by Hannah Horn.
The first in a gripping, dramatic new series from much-loved author, Karen McCombie.
""This involving, evocative tale, narrated by Bridie with a hint of period language, is a study of rich and poor, offering clearly-drawn characters.""- Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week
""There’s heart in this Scottish adventure. . . This is (Karen’s) best. It has a vivid setting, emotional punch and characters to really care about."" – Alex O’Connell, The Times, Children’s Book of the Week
""It may all seem a far cry from the ""slushy, gushy love songs"" of Ally’s World. And yet here, as there, McCombie displays her gift, which is to create a narrator who sounds thoroughly convincing, and to inhabit the consciousness of a child."" Emily Bearn, The Telegraph
""Little Bird Flies by Karen McCombie is the evocative and beautifully written tale of Bridie (Little Bird) who dreams of a bigger life than the one she’s destined for on her tiny Scottish isle of Tornish. With themes of immigration and prejudice and characters you’ll root for, this will appeal to fans of Emma Carroll and Marie-Louise Jensen."" – Michelle Harrison, author of A Pinch of Magic
Reviews
Took a while to get going but then was good
Officer Kiki Bouncy-castle 04.01.2025
I really really enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend this book.
Anonymous 19.01.2023
I really enjoyed this book because its full of adventure and cliffhangers
Anonymous 18.08.2020
I thought it was great because it had lots of details in it about the main character's life and I think it is very interesting because she has a dream and in the end her dream comes true. Also my favourite characters are those that aren't friends with the Palmer-Reeves because they are horrible and not nice. I really like it and would recommend it to anyone who likes adventures but if you don`t you can still try it because it is brilliant!
Fairy Esmerelda Sparrow 04.08.2020
little bird flies is a great book and has a great plot to it. my favourite character is bridie beause she is very adventurous and dreamy. it has 3 parts to it and the first parst is set in tornish scotland 1861. there is another book in the series which i will definitely be reading. i would reccommend this book to people who have a great imagination and love adventures.
Anonymous 21.07.2020
I liked this book because it was full of adventure and mystery. My favourite character was Effie.
Coach Agnetha Palm-tree 19.07.2020
This is one of the best books I've read. I just couldn't put it down!
Anonymous 19.08.2019
I think this book is really soppy
Anonymous 15.08.2019
In this book there is a series of events that describe a real event that happened in Scotland a long time ago. It describes a journey of a girl and her family that go to America. The book is very emotional and has very strong words that describe the girl's feelings
Anonymous 05.08.2019
I luv it
Professor Mistral Foxtail 03.08.2019
I absolutely adore this book. I can not tell you just how much I have enjoyed reading it. Things I enjoyed: The map at the beginning really helped me to visualise Tornish. It was a great addition and don't the best books always have maps?! I loved how much description the book went into, Karen describes things so that they literally jump off the page and settle in your minds eye. I have found myself completely and utterly compelled by the story, so much so that I have become emotionally attached to the characters- while they've been sad, I have too. While they've been cheerful, I have too. When they were angry, I grew angry. The story follows Bridie, also known as Little Bird, who I found immensely likable. She's witty, feisty, adventurous- all the best leading ladies are! I desperately want to discuss my favourite parts with you, especially those that I found quite powerful but I would regret spoiling the story for you. I can't wait to read the next book. I found this book a fantastic read.
Anonymous 22.07.2019
