Stonebird Paperback – June 7, 2016

How good is STONEBIRD? I read it straight through in one sitting, because I had to know about the gargoyle. And because I was afraid if I stopped reading, something bad (okay, worse) might happen to Danny. Mike Revell did an outstanding job drawing me in as a reader with his spot-on voice, the touch of magical realism, and the oh-so-familiar family/school drama that so many kids go through every day.As a writer, I often find myself reading books with a critical eye. But, this book was so good that the writer part of my brain took a break, and the reader part of me found itself lost in the adventure.Bravo to Mike Revell on his debut novel. This is an author to watch!

Very well written first novel by this author. The characters were believable and relatable and the dialog was comfortable and believable. The story was very engaging and there was enough mystery to keep it exciting throughout the book. I recommend this to anyone from 5th grade and up.

The best thing about STONEBIRD by Mike Revell is that its size --- a thin book of only 200-something pages --- is not indicative at all of its heart and story.Set in England, in a town called Swanbury, STONEBIRD is middle-grade magical realism at its best. It's got a stark and real life-narrative, punctuated by the gritty reality of illness and pain that becomes more and more apparent to young kids as they grow up. But it also has the wonder of childhood, reminiscent of nostalgia and imagination. The combination of the two is hopeful rather than bleak and depressing. It’s as if the book is saying that sometimes, the world that seems so logical can be a little less so. And for Liam, the main character at the heart of STONEBIRD, that makes all the difference.You see, Liam's grandmother has been taken over by a demon --- or dementia, as the doctors are calling it --- and it looks like she's only getting worse. That's why his mother moved him and his sister across the country to be closer to her. The dementia is quickly taking everything away from Liam --- his mother spends more time with a wine bottle than her kids, his sister is never home and Liam can't settle in at school because of a bully named Matt. When Liam finds his grandmother's diary and discovers a penchant for telling stories involving the anthropomorphic gargoyle named Stonebird in his backyard, things get a little better, especially when strange things happen in accordance with his tales. As his stories about Stonebird get more elaborate, so does his hope for the future.I love that STONEBIRD doesn’t shy away from discussing tough issues as well as memories --- who will tell your story when you are incapable of doing it yourself? Everything was woven together so seamlessly. Readers are treated to history as well, as Revell takes us back to WWII with Liam's grandma's diary. This new voice helped break up the slow parts of the book. I also really enjoyed the various antagonists and conflicts that the magic of Stonebird helped fix --- tangible things like Matt and his bullying friends and an unkempt lawn and things unseen, like his grandmother's dementia and mom's drinking problem.But where the story falls short is that Liam is almost a little too self-aware at times for a seven-year-old boy. Also, especially at the beginning, the story crawls along, a bit. However, this book overall was such a delight that I was okay with that.All in all, I think STONEBIRD is a treat that needs to be shared. The deep layers that Revell writes into the book really make it shine; it is so much more than it seems at first glance. I hope many young and more experienced readers are able to meet Liam and read his story. It's a great one.Reviewed by Brianna Robinson

This book was a great book, and it might help you decide whether to buy it or not if you read my review:Mike Revell's debut is one of the greatest books that I have ever read! This story, featuring an 11-year old boy named Liam as the narrator, contains a mix of many different things. When Liam and his sister Jessica (mostly called Jess), along with his mother Sue, move to Swanbury, a lot of things change for all 3 of them. Before they had left, Liam's dad went away and things have been tough for them ever since. When Liam moves to Swanbury, though, some magical things happen. He goes to a new school with new bullies and new teachers. One of the kindest teachers that Liam had ever met is Ms. Culpepper. She's always so fun and likes to joke around and tell riddles. She has a 'magic egg' that she likes to use when the class is storytelling, and the only person who's allowed to talk is the person holding that egg. Liam enjoys school very much, but another thing is on his mind. There's a gargoyle in a crypt in a nearby church that seems to do everything that Liam story-tells about. And apart from the gargoyle, his grandmother is suffering from dementia, and he has found a diary from her childhood that may prove to have some interesting information. Can he use the gargoyle to solve all of his problems, or may it turn out to not be the best idea that he has? Read this hopeful and touching story to find out! Thank you Quercus for providing this book in exchange for an honest review!

Liam is eleven years old. His absent father moved out of home for another woman several years ago, and his mother has never coped. Now his maternal grandmother being in a care facility with dementia, has pushed his mum over the edge.But there are 2 mysteries to distract Liam from these cares. And from Matt, the bully, who uses his 2 henchmen to outnumber Liam like a lily-livered coward. Grandma's diary of her teen years hints to a mysterious disappearance, and also points Liam to the enigma of the gargoyle, Stonebird.What I liked is the depth of the story, such as the unflinching look at alcoholism and dementia. The exploration of memory, and it's importance to character. The war's effects on France.From a literary perspective, there was symmetry in the circular motion of the plot, to a satisfying resolution.The minor quibbles: the voice grated on me at times. It came from some of the analogies, which didn't reflect the voice of an 11-year-old. And the flatness of the emotion, when others' emotions are put up for display, especially Mum's. I'd have expected more visceral anger: at Matt, at his sister, Jess, his mother for copping out on him.And, who noticed that Claire was actually 12, not 13?The start was slow, but the story built up momentum to an interesting and magical conclusion, if not, a resounding crescendo.

I just loved this book! I loved the voice, the depth, the hope and the wisdom all bound in a magical story. Deep and poignant themes managed brilliantly through the voice of the main character. Really grabbed me. I thoroughly recommend!

This is wonderfully written and full of hope. Difficult subject mater; dementia and bullying, are dealt with in a sensitive and empowering way. I really cared about Liam and his family. Found myself crying on the bus (am not the target audience, as a middle aged mother of 1) but it's deeply moving. Highly Recommended.

It has been a while since I've been entirely captivated by a book, and this is one that I genuinely couldn't put down. It is funny, heart warming and has that sprinkle of mythical magic that makes it extra special. Stonebird has earned a very special place in my heart and it's a book that will stay with me for a long time. I can't wait to read more from Mike Revell!

A poignant book about loss, growing up, and the power of belief and stories in our lives. Particular strengths: the relationships between the boys, with all the bluster and rawness you'd expect; the mystery of Stonebird, and the unsettling way he's never quite defined; and the importance of the ending of this book. No spoilers, though. Read it and find out.

I really enjoyed reading this book it is probably one of the best books I've read!!!I recommend this book to people who like sad but exciting booksI rated this book 4 stars