Songbird

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

A unique, tender and heart-warming novel following a young girl's experience as an Iraqi refugee in Melbourne, her desire to belong, and the importance of friendship. Jamila has left her friends, her school and her home in Iraq, and now she has a new home. It's safe in Australia, but Jamila is finding it hard to settle in. She misses her best friend and worries for her dad's safety back in Iraq. It's hard to speak and write in English all day. And Jamila has a secret she wants to keep hidden. When she joins the choir, Jamila begins to feel happy. Singing helps take her worries away. And singing will help her find her place in her new life, a place where she can shine. Songbird is a tender story about belonging, about the importance of friendship and asking for help, and about the parts of our lives we keep concealed.

Reviews

Laguna has put much of the experience and understanding she has gained as both a musician and as a teacher of English to new arrivals into this engaging first novel. * Adelaide Advertiser *
'I loved the story of Jamila and the resilience and bravery of her family. Jamila is a wonderful character, full of courage and heart, who children will relate to and learn from. * Sally Rippin *
A beautiful story full of hope, heartache and love. * Zana Fraillon *
An inspiring storyreading Songbird together is a great way to start conversations with your children about topical issues, refugees, and to help create understanding around differences in culture and family. * Better Reading *
A fun, tender and uplifting portrait of a young Muslim girls struggle to belong. * AEU Magazine *
A gentle story about starting over, making friends and finding a place in the worlda worthy addition to school libraries. * Magpies *
Jamila is a wonderful character and I really loved SongbirdIts a beautiful, hopeful story about digging deep and helping those around youa super-great read. * Fiona Hardy *

Author Bio

Ingrid Laguna is a writer, teacher and musician. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and daughter and teaches English to children and adults from all over the world, many of whom have refugee backgrounds. Songbird is her second book.