
Reach for this book when your child feels like a misfit or is struggling to find their footing in a world where they do not seem to belong. In this second installment of the May Bird series, ten-year-old May and her faithful companion Somber Kitty continue their journey through the Ever After, a surreal world of ghosts and stars. As they seek the Lady of North Farm, May must confront her own insecurities and the daunting reality that she is the only one who can stop the tyrannical Bo Cleevil. This story beautifully explores the transition from loneliness to self-assuredness, emphasizing that being different is often a secret strength. It is an ideal pick for ages 8 to 12, offering a rich, imaginative landscape that helps normalize feelings of isolation while celebrating the quiet bravery of a girl who learns to lead.
Themes of loneliness and not belonging are central to the protagonist's journey.
Surreal and spooky imagery of ghosts, ghouls, and a dark afterlife realm.
The book deals with death and the afterlife in a highly metaphorical and secular way. Ghosts are treated as characters with unfinished business or distinct personalities rather than religious entities. The tone is more spooky and whimsical than macabre, offering a hopeful perspective on the persistence of identity after loss.
An imaginative 10-year-old who prefers the company of books or pets to large crowds, or a child who feels like an outsider at school and needs a story about finding inner power without changing who they are.
Read cold, but be aware of some mildly creepy imagery involving ghouls and the 'spectral' nature of the setting that might be intense for very sensitive younger readers. A parent might notice their child withdrawing or saying things like, 'I don't fit in anywhere,' or 'Why am I so different?' This book serves as a bridge for those feelings.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the quest and the funny antics of Somber Kitty. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the existential themes of loneliness and the political allegory of Bo Cleevil's rule.
Anderson's prose is exceptionally lyrical and atmospheric. Unlike many high-action fantasies, this series prioritizes May's internal emotional landscape and the 'oddness' of her world over traditional tropes.
Picking up after May Bird and the Ever After, this middle-grade fantasy follows May Bird and her hairless cat, Somber Kitty, as they traverse the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the afterlife. Their goal is to find the Lady of North Farm to secure a way home for May, who is still alive despite being in the realm of the dead. Along the way, May must evade the clutches of the villainous Bo Cleevil and accept her role as a reluctant hero.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review