Name: Wild Bird
ISBN: 9781101940471

Wendelin Van Draanen

When her behavior escalates out of control, fourteen-year-old Wren is taken away to a wilderness therapy camp where she is forced to develop new skills, including the courage to ask for help.

Wild Bird

Nadine 

I’m on two minds about this one. I really enjoyed the pace and unraveling of the story alternating between past and present. Good self-discovery insights of the protagonists, but the pivotal moment? Having to move house / school and distracted busy parents ? Not sure if I’m onboard with the sub-text there

Jeni Enjaian

I really wanted to like this book. After all, Van Draanen also wrote one of my favorite young adult novels, Running Dream. However, I kept waiting for Van Draanen to clearly flesh out Wren's character, help the reader understand who she truly is. After all, Van Draanen set up this book as a coming-of-age, finding-yourself novel with the wilderness reform camp setting. 
This unsatisfactory protagonist development leaves me disappointed. Van Draanen still writes a captivating narrative. However, the protagonist's journey leaves much to be desired.