Amazon paperback: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1101940476/ref=nosim?tag=beyondwordsle-20
Overview: Wild Bird, by Wendelin Van Draanen, tells the story of Wren, a teenager who has fallen into drug abuse and chaos in her life. Her concerned parents send her to a wilderness camp for eight weeks to detox and learn survival skills -- an action that Wren herself regards as a kidnapping.
However, in the Utah wilderness, Wren learns the value of self-reliance, respect for nature and others, and finally accepts responsibility for her own actions.
Included:
· 11 study questions providing a full study guide capturing the key points of a dramatic story and the trauma confronted by Wren when her drug abuse prompts her family to take a 'last step' effort to save her and her future. This study questions are followed by suggested answers including great plot and character detail to the benefit of the teacher or parent.
· A 40-question test covering the whole novel, mostly multiple-choice with an optional essay. Key is included.
Age Level and Length: Vocabulary level grade 6; Reading Interest Level grade 7-9. The book is 336 pages long and should take the average 8th grader 4-5 hours to read. The study questions should take about an hour and the test takes one hour or less.
Maturity and Political Issues: This book covers sensitive issue and may be controversial or disturbing to some. The main character is taking drugs at the beginning of the story. The parents force her into a wilderness camp as a tough-love measure and this causes anger and resentment in their daughter. The book does end positively, with her drug issues conquered and feelings of love and acceptance to and from her family.
Additional Considerations: This is a book about forgiveness and second chances, and it is a real page-turner for many students.
