Cuckoo's Flight
Cuckoo's Flight
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Publisher's Hardcover ©2021--
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Pajama Press
Annotation: A new gripping Bronze Age story from Wendy Orr, internationally acclaimed author of Dragonfly Song and Swallow's Dance
 
Reviews: 2
Catalog Number: #238954
Format: Publisher's Hardcover
Publisher: Pajama Press
Copyright Date: 2021
Edition Date: 2021 Release Date: 03/23/21
Pages: 284 pages
ISBN: 1-7727-8190-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-7727-8190-8
Dewey: Fic
Dimensions: 21 cm.
Language: English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews

Orr returns to the Bronze-Age Mediterranean.When Clio sneaks away from the kilns to check on her pregnant mare, Gray Girl, she catches a glimpse of a black raiding ship in the sea. Though the ship, apparently on a training run, turns around, Clio realizes that raiders are closer than anyone realized; attack is likely once the seasons change. The Lady, or village priestess, consults the oracle, then demands that not only should the trading ships leave earlier this year, to bring back more tin and copper for making bronze, but also, a maiden should be sacrificed at the spring fair. One of Clio's aunts was similarly sacrificed long ago, and Clio is certain she will be chosen this time. Clio's and her father's love for their horses puzzles the village people who see horses as far less useful than oxen and goats. Clio herself has a permanently stiff, twisted leg from falling off Gray Girl, but her father makes her a chariot like those from his native Troy-and the horses prove their worth when the raiders arrive. Told mostly from Clio's point of view, the novel slides effortlessly between prose and poetry. It may take readers a few pages to enter the unfamiliar world, but the engaging storyline and characters make it worth their while. Most impressive is Orr's ability to translate a worldview vastly different from our own.Memorable. (Historical fiction. 8-14)

School Library Journal (Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2021)

Gr 4-8 Clio has always had a connection with horses, and although she was injured in an accident and can no longer ride, her love of the animals never fades. In the pasture one afternoon she spots a ship that appears to be raiders, and soon her village is in an uproar over the impending attack. To make matters worse, the palace professed that a girl between the ages of 12 and 14 must be sacrificed at the spring festival to protect the land. Clio finds herself helpless, trying to protect her horses and filled with anxiety that she will be sacrificed. Yet she works to overcome her fears and help save her family, her city, and her animals. Orr mixes prose and poetry masterfully throughout the tale. The story is fast paced but has moments of contemplation, and Orr's skill as a writer show, especially in her poetry. The characters are well rounded, especially Clio and her friendship with the young Mika. Although sometimes heartrending, the story ends on a hopeful note of change and enlightenment. This Bronze Age historical fiction is a follow-up to Orr's Swallow's Dance and revisits the main character Leira, now a grandmother hoping to save her granddaughter. While it's not necessary to have read the first book, those who have will enjoy reuniting with familiar characters. VERDICT Fans of historical fiction, or even horse stories, will appreciate this fast-paced tale. Ellen Conlin, Naperville P.L., IL

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Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal (Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2021)
Word Count: 56,663
Reading Level: 6.2
Interest Level: 4-7
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 6.2 / points: 9.0 / quiz: 513473 / grade: Middle Grades
Lexile: 1000L
Guided Reading Level: Y
Fountas & Pinnell: Y

A new gripping Bronze Age story from Wendy Orr, internationally acclaimed author of Dragonfly Song and Swallow's Dance Clio can't remember a time when she didn't share a bond with the mare Grey Girl. On the whole island of Crete, she and her Trojan-born father are the only people who raise and ride horses--and she couldn't live without it. Between the freedom of the pasture and the safety of her grandmother Leira's pottery studio, Clio has always had everything she needed. Then an accident stole Clio's ability to ride, or even to walk without a crutch. The weather changed and summers grew drier. Now raiders are preying on nearby towns. As anxiety builds, a terrible pronouncement is issued by the palace: at the spring festival, a girl between the ages of twelve and fourteen will be chosen to save the town from disaster. She will be sacrificed as an offering to the mother goddess. In Cuckoo's Flight , internationally bestselling author Wendy Orr returns to the Bronze-Age setting of her critically acclaimed novels Dragonfly Song and Swallow's Dance . With her signature blend of striking prose and emotionally taut verse, she immerses readers in a thrilling coming-of-age story as Clio battles the political power of the palace and her own feelings of inadequacy to save her town, her horses, and perhaps even herself.


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