Beyond the Laughing Sky

This is an amazing book.

I could say it's literary because the language is so beautiful, but it's a middle grade novel and those aren't often literary.

I could say it's poetry, but it's just a narrative story.

And the story itself is unusually creative.

Beyond the Laughing Sky is about a boy who is half human and half bird. He hatched from an egg, has a beak and feathers instead of hair on his head, but he has no wings and longs to fly.

His name is Nashville, but many of the other characters have bird-like names such as Dr. Larkin the vet, Miss Starling the teacher, and Mrs. Craw, the pet shop owner.

Nashville is teased by other kids because he's different but he has a wonderful relationship with his adopted family, especially his younger sister.

But how can he fit in with the other human kids who tease him at school? And how can he accomplish his longing to fly like a bird?

The plot is exciting as the boy struggles to reach both of those goals.

Michelle Cuevas has done an amazing job of writing a book with an exciting and unique plot, believable characters, and  doing so in a lovely way.

Kids who read it will want to develop their own wings.