Adams Starling

'Adam's Starling' tells the story of a nine year old boy who is finding life
difficult. At home, no-one has any time for him. At school things are even
worse - a gang of bullies has singled Adam out for punishment. Life is becoming
increasingly difficult for Adam. But then a scruffy little starling comes into
Adam's life. This is Adam's secret, his own special friend. But can Adam's
defend his small friend against the bullies? Will he find the courage he has
needed all along?

Review
'This story has tremendous potential for classroom use. An extremely
thought-provoking book that would be an easy read for most 9- to 11-year olds.'
-- Janet McGonagle - Children's Books in Ireland Children's Books in Ireland
'What an impressive debut! ... This book convincingly captures life's hassles.
Perdue is exceptionally good on Adam's various relationships ... (her) handling
of the Adam/Grandad scenes are not only brilliant, they are also genuinely
moving, and the starling plot is never allowed to become tweety-sweety. My
nine-year-old thought it fantastic.' -- Niall MacMonagle - The Irish Times The
Irish Times 'This book is touching and sometimes sad. It would be great for
children aged 8 upward.' -- Teenage reviewer Catherine O'Mahony, iQ magazine
'This is a good story told with much lively dialogue and it will sustain
children's interest through thirteen quite meaty chapters.' -- The School
Librarian The School Librarian 'Sensitive study of a shy and insecure boy who,
in the protection of something smaller and weaker than himself, manages to
finally confront the boys that constantly pick on him at school.' -- Books
Ireland Books Ireland 'Adam's Starling belongs on the shelf of any home with
school-going children ... The bonding-with-animals theme makes this an
appealing book, crashing through age and gender definitions in a warm-hearted
way.' -- Evening Herald Evening Herald 'gentle novel which confronts a serious
problem in a sensitive and honest way.' -- Bisto Award judges 'This is an
intelligent, instructive book heavy with intent.' -- Eileen Battersby - The
Irish Times The Irish Times 'Its sensitive, imaginative treatment of the now
cliched theme of bullying makes it a great stocking-filler' -- The Sunday
Independent The Sunday Independent"