Courage to Fly — Troon Harrison

Can she find courage in her new big city home?

Meg is new to the city with its tall buildings and long shadows. It's nothing like her Caribbean home. Here, the city closes in on her and she feels safe in her bedroom. But gradually she begins to discover that there's more to the city than she thought. For instance, there's the Chinese man who exercises in the courtyard near her apartment. His exercises are intricate and graceful, and they have interesting names.

One day on her way home from school, Meg finds a tiny swallow brought down by a sudden early snowstorm, and she takes it home to nurse it. Once it is better, she is reluctant to let the bird go, but her mother and the Chinese man both gently suggest that the bird needs to be free if it is going to live. Meg and her new friend, Jenny, both release the bird.

Courage to Fly captures the anxiety of a child who is alone in a new and strange world but whose imagination and courage are nourished by unexpected friendships.