Nightbird

Written by Alice Hoffman

Narrated by Jenna Lamia

Bestselling author Alice Hoffman’s bewitching Nightbird is perfect for ages 10-13: love and friendship empower a lonely girl to embrace her uniqueness and discover her strengths.  

Twig lives in Sidwell, where people whisper that fairy tales are real. After all, her town is rumored to hide a monster. And two hundred years ago, a witch placed a curse on Twig’s family that was meant to last forever. But this summer, everything will change when the red moon rises. It’s time to break the spell.
 

Praise
Nominated for:
The Great Stone Face Award (NH)
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award (Illinois)
The Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Maryland)

“Hoffman reminds us that there are secrets everywhere . . . Nightbird soars.”
—The New York Times
 
“Alice Hoffman has a gift for melding magic and realism in a way that makes nearly anything seem possible.”
—Shelf Awareness, Starred
 
“The mix of romance and magic is irresistible.”
—Kirkus Reviews

What Other Authors Are Saying
“I love the way Alice Hoffman creates the most ordinary people and then turns their lives magical. . . . [Nightbird] is like reentering a wonderful dream that you vaguely remember.” —Lois Lowry, two-time Newbery Medal–winning author of The Giver
 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Mar 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9780553552249

Alice Hoffman

Alice Hoffman is the author of thirty works of fiction, including Practical Magic, The Dovekeepers, Magic Lessons, and The Book of Magic. Visit her website: AliceHoffman.com.

Reviews for Nightbird

[jennybeast · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A sweet middle grade story with magic twining through it. Twig is a lonely girl with family secrets she fears to share, until new neighbors move in and new friendships break an ancient curse.

Lovely, lighthearted, idyllic portrait of a little town in the Berkshires. It just felt a little too perfect and pat all the way through. For fans of the Penderwicks or Earwig and the Witch. For kids who don't want to be scared, but want a little mystery and magic and extraordinarily happy endings.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss

[reader1009-863136 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Children's middlegrade fiction (4th-7th grades; main character is twelve years old). This is sort of a cross between Rebecca Stead (mysterious things happening to kids who are just trying to fit in) and Carl Hiassen (kids trying to save endangered animals). The writing was good but overall I found it somewhat predictable and not as engrossing as I was hoping it to be (I have not read anything else by Alice Hoffman but have seen her books checking out at the library a lot).

[raizel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A quote that feels significant:
James had a theory about caged birds, one he hoped to prove when he became a scientist someday. He believed that all birds that had their freedom taken from them eventually lost their voices. Once that happened, they could never again find their true song.

While this is not an illustrated book, a feather introduces each chapter and full color double spread is at the beginning and end of the book.
There is a recipe for apple pie made with jam at the back of the book.

[basilsbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm not sure why this book has lower ratings, other than the fact that it's a middle grade book and so the story ends more of a modern faerie take ending ((spoiler: I just mean a neat and tidy happily ever after type)).

The book had many of the simple charms that I expect in her writing but they were on a level to make children get whisked away by the magic. As an adult I found the story a good look into the world Hoffman could create for children and the ending that I feel like children still need at those young ages as they get older the magic and curses can get darker but let's let children have a few magical, witchy, cursed, monster books that are still hopeful.

Perfect for I would say 10 to 13 because of Twig explaining everything in a way perfect for those ages to connect and understand

[roses7184_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

For many years, Alice Hoffman's books have been sitting on my reading list. When I first wanted to immerse myself in Magical Realism, it was her books that most of my trusted fellow bookworms pointed to. Sadly, I still haven't gotten to any of them. Which is why, when I saw that Nightbird was not only a new story by Alice Hoffman, but an MG book as well, I was instantly sold.

There are a lot little pieces to completely fall in love with in this story, not the least of which are the characters. Each one is completely original, and has a sense of whimsy about them that just adds to the magic of this story. Twig was absolutely wonderful as a main character. Sweet and honest. Brave and true. Her story of sweets and secrets swept me up, and carried me along. I only wished that there had been a bit more depth to all the amazing people who populated this story. While the writing is gorgeous, the characters felt lacking to me. I loved of a small town full of quirky people, and I would have liked to learn more.

In fact, despite my fervent ardor for the story at the heart of this book, I felt like much of it wasn't fully explored. I'm very much in favor of MG stories that don't underestimate their audiences. Young readers deserve complex plots, exciting twists, and honest depictions of emotions just as much as any other age group. Which is why I had to knock my star rating down a bit for Nightbird. As I mentioned above, the writing is lovely and matches the magical nature of this book perfectly. If only the characters had been stronger, and the climactic points a bit sharper, this would have been a perfect read for me.

As it stands, Alice Hoffman has still proven she is a strong MG writer. My glimpse into her first book for younger readers has further strengthened by want to read her adult books as well. I'd recommend this story to young readers who love magical realism. Readers who look at the world, and see not only what is, but what could be as well.

[inky_fingers · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Nothing wrong with it, but nothing particularly right. Well written, but easy to tell that the author is used to writing for adults. The pace is very slow, and I don't really believe the voice is the voice of a 12 year old. And for me personally there isn't enough magic in it. I don't believe that one magical idea makes a fantasy novel.

[bell7_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Teresa "Twig" Fowler is lonely and doesn't expect things to change in her small town of Sidbury, Massachusetts. A girl named Julia moves next door, but between Twig's secrets and Julia's relation to the family who cursed Twig's family, that seems doomed as well. Meanwhile, someone's leaving threatening messages and the town is ready to go after the Monster of Sidbury. Will this summer change everything, or can Twig break the curse?

This was a quiet sort of read with magic just a part of the setting, reminding me in some ways of The Darkest Part of the Forest, but with a lighter tone and younger audience. Adults reading the tale will find little surprising, but I can think of several children who would be enchanted.

[michelleannlib · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A nice gentle story with a bit of magic. Excellent choice for younger middle grades, (4-6th grade.)

[jothebookgirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Published February 26, 2015

Twig isn't allowed to have friends. She can't invite any over to her house. Then they might learn the family secret. A witch placed a curse on Twig's family two hundred years ago. The curse effects the men of Twig's family. No one must find out about her brother. But this summer strange things are happening. There are rumors of a monster in Twig's town of Sidwell. A family moves back to town with an ancient connection to Twig's. The time has come to break the curse.

Twig's older brother, James, is never supposed to leave the house. No one in this small town even knows the Twig has a brother. She isn't allowed to get close to anyone. Accepting an invitation would eventually mean inviting someone to her home, and that is not allowed. Twig's mother, a baker, keeps to herself as well, even though she grew up in Sidwell and at one point had many friends. When Twig's family returned to Sidwell after both children being born and living in New York, they returned after dark and without Twig's father. Twig doesn't know much about her father, but can't help but wonder.

Twig's isolated world is shaken when Julie and her family move into the abandoned Mourning Dove Cottage. Julie's family is warm and welcoming and open, and Julie seems to like Twig right away. But then Twig's mother forbids her from having any contact with the family. They are related to Agnes Early, the Witch of Sidwell who had cursed the family two hundred years ago and mother thinks the association will bode negatively for Twig.

For the first time, Twig disobeys her mother. She and Julie become friends. James is also disobeying his mother. He leaves the house at night. It is during one of these evenings that he is seen by Julia's older sister Agate. The two fall in love.

It seems that a tragic destiny is going to repeat itself. But then Twig, Julie, James and Agate decide to try and break the curse.
I'm not going to tell you the "magicalness" James possesses, but it is a blessing to him as well as a curse. Does James really want the curse to be broken?

It's a nice, quick fairy tale. Romance and drama and friendship and a happy ending.

[sszkutak_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't think that I have read any of Alice Hoffman's adult books, but I was very interested in this middle grade one. Nightbird is about a magical town and a monster that lives there and one little girls attempt to save her family, the town and make friends all at the same time. As an adult reading this book I think that it was beautifully written - it is a fun plot with a bunch or twists and it is a little deeper than your average middle grade book.

Twig or Teresa is our main character and she seems to act a lot wiser than her 12 years - she has a secret to keep and doing that takes a lot of will-power and growing up and she has and does. I think that the author did a wonderful job showing her in that light but also showing her loneliness.

The overall plot of the book is engaging - there is a monster and a thief and everything sort of gets blown way out of proportion in the town, as it normally does. But the twists are a mystery until they appear and the ending is beautiful.

[dmtcer-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Alice Hoffman is such a unique author. I have enjoyed reading her books in the past, and I received this one from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is reminiscent to me of Hoffman's previous book Practical Magic, except for younger readers. The young protagonist, Twig, struggles with her family ties, secrets and magic. When a new family moves in next door, Twig defies her mothers wishes and warily befriends her new neighbors. The book is written for younger readers, and I like the way the ending ties the story together; just what young readers are looking for in a good book.

[jules72653 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Typical Hoffman. Just had an issue with one incongruous thing in the story: Twig was able to do a handstand while one arm was in a cast. Really?!

[alsparks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Twig (Theresa Fowler) lives alone in an isolated area at the edge of town. Her mother and her hide a secret that no one can ever discover. Based on an old curse Twig and her mother must protect their privacy. This makes Twig an outcast because she is afraid to let anyone get to know her for fear the truth will be revealed. When neighbors move in to the long abandoned cottage near their property, Twig is torn between protecting the secret and having a friend for the first time. Magic and curses are woven into this story of a child's struggle to live while hiding a secret that could destroy her family. Well written and very enjoyable.

[debra_armbruster · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Ultimately sweet, with all the nostalgia of the Berkshires, and New England in general. Possibly a little too tidy, but it is a story for younger grade-school audience. Alice Hoffman continues to keep my eyes open for magic.

"Some of the plants were no longer flowering, including the roses, which had already bloomed and faded. But we were here, and the garden was here, and we had the best intentions, which always matter in magic." (184)

[acargile-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nightbird is an magical novel about a curse.

Sidwell is an unusual town. Many years past two people fell in love. Despite wanting to marry, circumstances got in the way. The bride-to-be, heartbroken, curses the men of her love’s family forever.

Twig’s mom owns the orchard and is an amazing cook. Sidwell is the only town with pink apples; her pink apple pie is beyond delicious. Despite her talents and being well liked, Twig’s mom refuses any social engagement, keeping the family secrets tight within their own home. When new neighbors arrive and move into the cottage where the curse originated, Twig finds her first friend, but she has to meet her without her mother’s knowledge because they are not allowed to accept anything from anyone and never to invite anyone over. Trusting her friend, Twi tells Julia the family secret and they are determined to break the curse.

The atmosphere of the novel is calming. The townspeople are interesting and caring. You’ll see some of the surprises coming, but it doesn’t diminish the novel in any way. It’s a patient tale of love, friendship, magic, hope, and loyalty.

[foggidawn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Twig's family has a secret, one that keeps them perpetually on the edges of society in their small New England town. Sometimes, Twig almost feels invisible -- but when a new family moves in nearby, she forms a tentative friendship with Julia, who is just Twig's age. Twig worries that Julia will soon drop her for someone more interesting, especially since Twig can never tell Julia the truth about her family secret -- a secret which also touches Julia's family history. When talk of a monster in town threatens to boil over into action, Twig must quickly decide what to do -- and who to trust.

I read this in a distracted frame of mind, so I may not have given it the attention it deserves. It's definitely a sweet book with lots going on, plenty of interesting interactions between characters, a great small-town atmosphere, and some nice character development for Twig. Because of my own distracted state while reading, I had a hard time keeping some of the minor characters straight, and I thought the plot resolved a little too neatly and simply -- but maybe not, for middle-grade fantasy. Readers who love magical realism and don't mind a story with a simple, fairy-tale feel should give this book more attention than I obviously did!

[lawral_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So, I just found out that the finished book has a recipe for Twig's mother's pie in it. The e-arc did not, and it is questionable whether or not I will live through this injustice. Missing recipe aside, I loved this book.

Twig is such a solitary child, which makes for a sad childhood but a great narrator. As opposed to living this story with her, we get to hear her tell it. The effect was like a story told by a grandparent about their childhood, especially as Nightbird has a kind of out of time feel. It is set now-ish, but with very little adjustment, it could be set 50-100 years ago. In fact, the "secret" of the story is the fallout from something that happened during the Revolutionary War, and all of the preparation for the red moon is to reverse the curse resulting from those actions.

But really, when it comes right down to it, the storytelling, the out-of-time-ness, the curse, all play second fiddle to the relationships. Twig's, to be exact. Her tentative friendship and worry that Julia will find someone else to like "better", the secrets she keeps from her mother and the secrets her mother has asked her to keep, her relationship with the person(s) at the center of that secret, her nearly forgotten childhood friendship with Colin, the help she receives from Miss Larch and Miss Larch's "gentleman friend," these are all relationships and situations that readers will relate to, even as they play out in extraordinary circumstances. These are the parts of this book that shine.

Nightbird is a gem of a book, perfect for middle-graders, especially those that are in love with the romantic without being ready for full on romance.

Book source: NetGalley

[bookwren · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A sweet story of a girl whose mother demands they hide the identity of her brother, who is unusual. The girl finds friends who support her and help her find the strength to overcome the curse on the male members of her family.

[doingdewey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love magical realism, so I feel like it was a real oversight that I hadn't yet read any Alice Hoffman. I'm not sure this was representative of her books that I've heard of, because it was a middle grade read and it felt very middle grade, with a somewhat simplistic plot and writing style. The simple, plain writing style was perfect for this story. It made the story feel more like a fairy tale to me, the language and the cadence of the writing reminding me of the way someone reads a story to a child. The constant focus on beautiful descriptions of the natural setting of the story also enhanced the fairy tale feel.

The simplistic plot was less ideal. The setup for the story could have led to a lot of complexity in relationships and emotions, with Twig's friend and James's crush both descendents of the witch who cursed Twig's family. Instead, everything flowed very smoothly. Occasionally, Twig has some misconceptions about Julia that complicate the story. However, Twig never matures and realizes that she should talk to Julia when this happens and Julia always saves the situation before anything interesting comes of it. Overall, I enjoyed the plot anyway and it held my interest, but the end was particularly oversimplified. As with many story arcs, everything goes terribly wrong before things get better. Here though, things only look grim for about a second before all the characters' problems are magically solved. This was an incredibly short, fun, cute little book, but I think it would have benefitted from being a bit longer, allowing greater development of the conflicts in the story.This review was originally posted on Doing Dewey.

[cheriereads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a really sweet book about the power of friendship and about being yourself. The story itself is reminiscent of old fables and fairy tales with a witch and a curse and a boy with wings, but is set in present day which makes this book very accessible to young readers. The writing is fantastic and draws you into the story right from the start. I loved Twig and how smart she was. You can really feel how lonely she is before Julia moves in next door. The friendship that develops between the two will ring true to Middle Grade readers. There's a hint of romance as well, which female readers will love, but nothing inappropriate for the age group. I suspect this book will appeal more to female readers in general. The main friendship is between two girls, the main character is a girl, and there's really not enough action to satisfy many of the boys I know.

Overall, I really enjoyed this modern fairy tale and loved that female friendships were portrayed in a very healthy way. Middle Grade readers looking for something with a hint of magic will enjoy this one.

Note: I received a copy of this book for free via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[ginnywoolf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this was really enjoyable. Alice Hoffman crafts her story in such a way that it reads like a modern-day fairy tale. I can just as easily see her stories in a book of American supernatural tales as I can Poe or Hawthorne. Twig, the child narrator of Nightbird, reminded me of a cross between Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird, Mary Cat from We Have Always Lived in the Castle, and the narrator of Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane. There is a dreamy quality to the prose such that when you put the book down the world looks different, as if you had been seeing light from under water. Still, at less than 200 pages (in my edition) Hoffman painted the picture of a whole world using so few words. Description was sparse but more than adequate. Some of Hoffman's phrases, like the descriptions of all the delicious apple-based baked goods, were so vivid they came alive for me. The town of Sidwell was also fully developed, at once dated, current, and timeless. And I must say I liked Twig quite a lot. She was intriguing and I longed for her to make friends and come out of her shell. I loved the sprinkles of the supernatural, of witchcraft, that were sprinkled about in here. Also, since I work in a library and drink a lot of tea I was pleased with how Hoffman highlighted the magic in libraries and teas. This is a delightful novel that can be devoured in one sitting, perfect for when you need some cozy fantasy. Also, it's marketed as YA but Twig has a mature voice, and I think that adults would find plenty here to enjoy as well.

If I have one complaint it's that I felt like James, Twig's brother, was not developed enough. He had a central role and yet I didn't feel like I knew him at all beyond the stock character of someone who wants to spread his wings and fly. I wish we could have spent more time getting to know him.

However, overall Nightbird was a pleasure to read. This was my first Hoffman book, and I'm sure it won't be my last.

[thewanderingjew_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The author has perfectly captured the mood and voice of 12 year old Twig (Teresa Jane Fowler), who has recently moved with her mother, from New York City to Sidwell, MA, her mother’s childhood home, leaving her father behind. It is a sleepy, rural town with one claim to fame, “the Sidwell Monster”. Because of a recent rash of petty thefts, fear of the monster is returning. They are sure the monster is responsible, but they don’t know who, what or where it is hiding!
Twig’s family is not social or friendly because they have a dangerous secret to protect. Generations ago, the family was cursed by the witch, Alice Early, who lived next door to them in Mourning Dove Cottage. At that time, Alice was engaged to Lowell Fowler, Twig’s “four time great-grandfather”. The night before they were to be married, Lowell disappeared without a trace. Hurt and angry, Alice whipped up a spell and pronounced that each male of the following Fowler generations would be able to fly away, literally, as Lowell had done, breaking her heart. As a result, each successive male in the Fowler line was born with wings, a condition that marked them as “monsters”. There was a cure, but it took a terrible toll on the victim’s quality of life.
Mourning Dove Cottage had remained unoccupied for years and years, until one day a new family, the Halls, moved to town. They were relatives of the witch and had recently come won the lottery. They wanted to change their lives, so they moved into the once neglected cottage and began to restore it. All at once, Twig’s mom, Sophie, is even more afraid that their secret will be discovered. She doubles down and forbids Twig from socializing with the Hall’s young daughters, Agate and Julia. However, Twig is lonely, and she likes Julia who is her age, and she is sorely tempted to finally have a friend. Also, Twig’s almost 17 year old brother, James, who has been hidden away in the attic to prevent anyone from noticing his wings and then subjecting him to capture and study, discovers love when he sees Agate, an angelic looking young girl just about his age. Then, when Mr. Ian Rose appears and takes over the local newspaper, even Twig’s mom begins to rethink her lifestyle. As many town secrets are revealed, life changes dramatically for the Fowlers.
In the meantime, more things are disappearing, like pies cooling on windowsills and items hanging outside to dry. Cryptic messages appear warning everyone to leave the Montgomery woods bordering the town undisturbed. Someone does not want that land developed. The townspeople are now determined to chase and capture the thief. They believe the thief is the Sidwell Monster. Julia and Twig, who are friends in spite of the warnings from Twig’s mom, decide to try and solve the mystery of the message writer, find the thief and also end the curse placed on the men in the Fowler family. They are certain that there is a way to do all and set about trying. Will they succeed?
This is a tender story for ten to thirteen year olds which will warm their hearts and encourage them to believe in themselves, stand up for what is right, respect differences in people, appreciate and honor friendship, and believe in the magic that is the love between two people. It is a story about “normal” families and a family that is not quite so normal, yet they can all get along by looking for and recognizing the good in everyone.

[kgriffith-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Hoffman has a talent for writing authentic characters, as evidenced by her depiction of Twig as the narrator of this charming modern fairy tale. Unlike some books where I have been jarred from the narrative by inconsistent voices, this story moves along evenly and swiftly. There are several hints at bits of mystery throughout the book that will be easily picked up on by the cleverer readers, but that will in no way detract from the reveals when they occur. A pleasant standalone with a unique and happy ending, Nightbird has a timelessness that will keep it fresh for generations to come.

[librarian1204 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely wonderful fantasy that middle school readers will enjoy. Very well written with characters that children can identity with. The setting, a small town, is idyllic.
Twig and her mother and brother live alone out of town. They don't socialize and really they can't. They have a secret to protect. There is also a 200+ year curse that separates them from new neighbors that are redoing a cottage nearby. There is mystery and environmental issues and history in this story, all the elements to keep young readers turning pages. I hope Ms Hoffman continues to write for this age group.
Read as an ARC from NetGalley.

[melaniehope · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really loved reading this story. It was such a clever mix of fantasy and reality. The book is listed a appropriate for middle school aged children. The main character is twelve year old Twig. Yet, I'm an adult and I enjoyed this.
First of all the book is not that long, just over 100 pages. The story involves magic and takes place in a cozy New England town in Massachusetts. Twig is told by her mom that there is a 200 year old curse on her family that had been placed there by a witch. The summer that new neighbors move into the abandoned house next door, Twig finally begins to believe in friendship and a chance for acceptance. The writing style was both easy and descriptive. I think this would be a great read for any 10 year old and up. I received a complimentary ebook from Netgalley.com

[neftzger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Twig is a young girl in a small New England town and her family has a secret: they've been cursed by a witch. As her family attempts to hide the effects of this curse, Twig feels isolated since she isn't allowed to be too friendly with others. However, she still desires acceptance and seeks out friends, while at the same time struggling with her own sense of self worth. In the process she solves a mystery and learns about herself in the process. A nice book for middle readers who enjoy a mixture of fantasy and realism.

[gaby317 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nightbird starts off as the story of Teresa, nicknamed Twig, who believes herself to be as inconsequential and forgettable as a twig. She's got a lively imagination, a big heart, and pluck. But she's been told to keep her light hidden, not to make friends, to stay apart from the other children. Her mother doesn't let her socialise and doesn't allow any of the neighbours to visit. It's largely because of a curse that was put on their family hundreds of years ago by the Sidwell witch. This curse and avoiding further damage has ruled the lives of Twig and her family members.

When a young family moves in next door, Twig finally finds a friend of her own. It changes everything for her but she's terrified of disappointing her mother and impact of the curse. She tries to avoid her new friend and it's heartbreaking to read her loneliness - the new friendship brings so much to the story.

There's strange graffiti, a possible curse and witch, a possible monster all mixed in with the young folks in a small town in the Berkshires. Friendship, finding one's way, and growing into one's self are all key themes in this delightful book.