A Bird, A Girl, And A Rescue
By J.A. Myhre
Eleven-year-old Kiisa had no idea why her parents would send her away to boarding school. She wondered why they couldn’t all stay together in their beautiful African valley home. But no matter what she said they were firm: she must go, and she must go to this school.
As she said a tearful goodbye to her father, he whispered, “For such a time as this. . . . Remember that phrase, and try to open your trunk soon. You’ll find something unexpected inside.” When Kiisa opened the trunk, she was astonished to find a small heap of black and white feathers that quickly unfolded into a little bird, a wagtail to be exact. Her surprise only deepened when the bird started to speak, ”My name is Njili. I am one of the Messengers, though a small one. I have been sent to assist you with the Rescue.” Kiisa had no idea what she meant, but she would soon find out.
Join Kiisa on the adventure of a lifetime—a dangerous rescue mission that includes rebels, stolen girls, illegal logging, a hungry cobra, and more messengers who help in unexpected ways. Kiisa sets out to rescue others, but finds herself rescued from fear and bitterness as she learns that bravery is nothing more (or less) than being in the right place at the right time and taking action despite her fears.
This page-turning story, the second in The Rwendigo Tales (A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest is the first book), is an adventure that children, young adults, and even full-grown adults will not be able to put down. A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue creatively and convincingly explores universal themes like family, forgiveness, bullying, and courage by blending magical realism and compelling storytelling. Written by a long-time medical missionary to Africa and featuring realistic pen and ink illustrations, it draws first-world readers into another (equally real) world—where young girls are captured by rebel soldiers, terrorism is a way of life, and environmental resources are exploited without a second thought. As Myhre’s characters deal with these real-life issues in the news, readers of all ages will gain a deeper interest in global human concerns.
ISLAND BREEZES
Kiisa’s only consolation to having to enroll in boarding school is her bird, Njili. The older girls are certainly not helpful with the new girls. They bully them instead.
Masasi was the leader of the bullies. She also was not one of the brightest bulbs in the pack. Because of her friendship with the wrong person, she was kidnapped and the girls dormitory was set on fire.
It seemed as though no one cared enough about her to rescue her. Only one girl dared to try.
I’ve certainly enjoyed Ms Myhre’s books. This is a good stand alone read, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest, the first book in The Rwendigo Tales series. And you, as well as I, will look forward to the next one.
Go here to read a sample of the book.
***I received this book without charge from New Growth Press.***
J. A. Myhre, MD, serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom The Rwendigo Tales were written as Christmas presents. The first book in the series, A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest was published in 2015 and is available at newgrowthpress.com.
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