This post is part of an original series created by librarians/media specialists across Central Minnesota featuring books.

Title: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
Written by Maria Burnham, Media Specialist at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

Ava Lavender was born with a special gift – the gift of wings.  Kept as a recluse from the world for fear of being ridiculed, Ava, along with her grandmother, mother and twin brother (born catatonic and wingless) keep to themselves.  But eventually, the family starts to venture out in to the wide world, one by one, and the world slowly adjusts to them.  A coming-of-age tale that is heartbreaking and inspirational, this book is one to remember.

I truly enjoyed this book for so many reasons.  First, I loved that the story was multi-generational.  To hear about where a family comes from and why they are the way they are was so satisfying and enthralling.  I also loved that the story is a mix of true love and tragic love as well as teen curiosity and personal bravery.

There were times when this book reminded me of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.  The characters are lovable and complicated.  So much so that I didn’t want the story to end.  I highly recommend this book for upper middle school through adult readers!

5 stars.

Image credit: Candlewick Press