Birdwing - Softcover

Martin, Rafe

  • 3.81 out of 5 stars
    1,846 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780439211680: Birdwing

Synopsis

A boy marked by physical difference--one arm is an enchanted wing--finds his strength and purpose in this stirring fantasy. A Washington Post Best Kids Book of 2005 and Book Sense Winter Pick.

Once upon a time, a girl rescued her seven brothers from a spell that had turned them into swans. But one boy, Ardwin, was left with the scar of the spell's last gasp: one arm remained a wing. And while Ardwin yearned to find a place in his father's kingdom, the wing whispered to him of open sky and rushing wind. Marked by difference, Ardwin sets out to discover who he is: bird or boy, crippled or sound, cursed or blessed. But followed by the cold eye of a sorceress and with war rumbling at his kingdom's borders, Ardwin's path may lead him not to enlightenment, but into unimaginable danger.

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About the Author

RAFE MARTIN is the bestselling author of  award-winning picture books, as well as young adult novels including The Rough-Face Girl and Will's Mammoth. He is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Empire State Award for the body of his work. His books have been cited in TIME, Newsweek, USA Today, the NY Times, US News and World Report. He is also a noted storyteller who has been featured multiple times at the National Storytelling Festival. When not touring the country as a storyteller and author, he lives in Rochester, New York.

From the Back Cover

A JOURNEY OUT OF MYTH AND INTO THE WORLD

Once upon a time, six brothers were turned into swans. And once upon a time, the spell was broken, giving back to each brother his human form...all except for Ardwin, the youngest, He was left with one arm enchanted, forever a wing.
And so he grows up, marked by a difference, a prince struggling t find a place in his father's kingdom while his wing pulls him toward the open sky. Ardwin barely knows how to speak to his family, yet his wing gives him the power to understand every other creature in the forest.
Half the time Ardwin wishes his wing were gone. But when he learns that his father plans to have the wing severed, he knows he must flee...to save his life and find his way.
"Martin deftly weaves fairy tale into fiction...The many original characters and unusual adventure scenes ensure that the readers will remember this well-paced fantasy." BOOKLIST

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Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780439211673: Birdwing

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0439211670 ISBN 13:  9780439211673
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2005
Hardcover