Skittles — Renee Conoulty

When thirteen-year-old Tegan discovers a battered lorikeet clinging to life on her backyard fence, she recognises a kindred spirit in its weary eyes. Still recovering from a devastating illness that left her frail and uncertain, Tegan vows to save the bird she names Skittles-a shimmering symbol of hope in a world that once felt too heavy to bear. But healing a creature as broken as herself won't be easy. With feathers dulled by neglect and a heartbeat as fragile as her own resolve, Skittles needs more than medicine; he needs someone who understands what it means to fight.As Tegan battles to nurse Skittles back to health, their bond deepens, revealing a shared strength neither knew they had. But when the bird's recovery sparks an unexpected opportunity to help others-children facing battles of their own-Tegan must confront a terrifying question: Can the broken parts of our past become the very thing that mends someone else's future?A story of resilience, friendship, and the quiet magic of second chances, Skittles asks: What if saving one small life could change your own forever?Perfect for fans of heartfelt middle-grade novels like The One and Only Ivan and Wishtree, this uplifting tale will leave you believing in the power of hope-one feather at a time.