Praise for Cuckoo's Flight
A 2021 Junior Library Guild selection
2022 CBCA “Notable Book of The Year” Selection
“Orr mixes prose and poetry masterfully throughout the tale. The story is fast paced but has moments of contemplation, and Orr’s skill as a writer show, especially in her poetry….Fans of historical fiction, or even horse stories, will appreciate this fast-paced tale.”—School Library Journal
“[Cuckoo’s Flight] slides effortlessly between prose and poetry….Most impressive is Orr’s ability to translate a worldview vastly different from our own. Memorable.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Cuckoo’s Flight is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat, epic tale while still incorporating the beautiful poetry of Orr’s first two books. Clio is a unique heroine fighting physical and emotional challenges, and proving that perseverance, bravery and ingenuity will always save the day….Orr has done it again, and fans of Dragonfly Song and Swallow’s Dance will be pleased with how this final book wraps up the series. Highly Recommended.”—Canadian Review of Materials
“This dynamic adventure is totally immersive...If you want to explore the Bronze Age, let Wendy Orr be your guide.”—Fresh Fiction
“The setting of ancient Crete vibrantly resonates with the acute senses of a young girl coming of age in a turbulent time....a wonderful, immersive experience.”—Youth Services Book Review
“Wendy Orr skillfully weaves a story that teaches as well as entertains...Cuckoo’s Flight employs a writing style which alternates prose and narrative poetry. As such, it would be an excellent method of introducing diversity in narrative techniques. The title is highly recommended for readers who are entertained by historical fiction and adventure stories with unexpected endings.”—Canadian Children’s Book Centre
“A story of family, faith, and friendship told in elegant, jewel-bright prose with neither a wasted word nor yet too few, Cuckoo’s Flight is excellent. It led me to the author’s other novels, which are also a delight to read.”—Historical Novel Society
“This is a beautifully written story, the words just flow magically across the page and before you know it you've finished the book.”—Georgia H. (NetGalley)
03/01/2021
Gr 4–8—Clio has always had a connection with horses, and although she was injured in an accident and can no longer ride, her love of the animals never fades. In the pasture one afternoon she spots a ship that appears to be raiders, and soon her village is in an uproar over the impending attack. To make matters worse, the palace professed that a girl between the ages of 12 and 14 must be sacrificed at the spring festival to protect the land. Clio finds herself helpless, trying to protect her horses and filled with anxiety that she will be sacrificed. Yet she works to overcome her fears and help save her family, her city, and her animals. Orr mixes prose and poetry masterfully throughout the tale. The story is fast paced but has moments of contemplation, and Orr's skill as a writer show, especially in her poetry. The characters are well rounded, especially Clio and her friendship with the young Mika. Although sometimes heartrending, the story ends on a hopeful note of change and enlightenment. This Bronze Age historical fiction is a follow-up to Orr's Swallow's Dance and revisits the main character Leira, now a grandmother hoping to save her granddaughter. While it's not necessary to have read the first book, those who have will enjoy reuniting with familiar characters. VERDICT Fans of historical fiction, or even horse stories, will appreciate this fast-paced tale.—Ellen Conlin, Naperville P.L., IL
2021-01-12
Orr returns to the Bronze-Age Mediterranean.
When Clio sneaks away from the kilns to check on her pregnant mare, Gray Girl, she catches a glimpse of a black raiding ship in the sea. Though the ship, apparently on a training run, turns around, Clio realizes that raiders are closer than anyone realized; attack is likely once the seasons change. The Lady, or village priestess, consults the oracle, then demands that not only should the trading ships leave earlier this year, to bring back more tin and copper for making bronze, but also, a maiden should be sacrificed at the spring fair. One of Clio’s aunts was similarly sacrificed long ago, and Clio is certain she will be chosen this time. Clio’s and her father’s love for their horses puzzles the village people who see horses as far less useful than oxen and goats. Clio herself has a permanently stiff, twisted leg from falling off Gray Girl, but her father makes her a chariot like those from his native Troy—and the horses prove their worth when the raiders arrive. Told mostly from Clio’s point of view, the novel slides effortlessly between prose and poetry. It may take readers a few pages to enter the unfamiliar world, but the engaging storyline and characters make it worth their while. Most impressive is Orr’s ability to translate a worldview vastly different from our own.
Memorable. (Historical fiction. 8-14)
