Hummingbird Season

Brilliant.

Lucianovic portrays Archie's interior world in straightforward first-person verse that effectively captures the voice of an elementary schoolboy living through extraordinary times. 

Set in 2020, this melancholy verse novel by Lucianovic (The League of Picky Eaters) stars young asthmatic Archie, who's experiencing a particularly strong disconnect from family and friends while living through the pandemic in California: "Loneliness/ is a word I knew/ before/ but it wasn't a word I felt/ before." He especially mourns the loss of closeness with his older brother Hank, who seems to be thriving in their new situation, pushing Archie away when he needs Hank most. Feeling increasingly unseen and "muted," Archie grows acutely oppressed by the rote sameness of lockdown, which is disrupted by wildfires. Though Archie's overarching trajectory in dealing with negative emotions, as well as his understanding of his estrangement with Hank, feel overly mature, many readers will identify with his struggles with long-distance learning and feelings of isolation. His discovery of and growing fascination with a hummingbird propels him toward positivity and eventually helps him make the empathetic connections he longs for, shifting the story focus to Archie's empowerment and interpersonal growth and resulting in a satisfyingly realistic resolution. All characters read as white. Ages 8-12. (Feb.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-4--When the world shuts down in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Archie struggles to adapt to school moving online. His older brother, Hank, seems to be thriving, and even gets to spend time with friends outside, but Archie feels increasingly alone and isolated, and doesn't think that his teacher and his classmates care if he is in class or not. On top of that, the California wildfires make even the outside air dangerous for him to breathe because of his asthma. When he sees a hummingbird in his yard, he becomes fascinated with her and sets up feeders all around the house. Over time, the hummingbird becomes something that helps Archie find and build connections, both with his brother and with his class. Told in a series of free verse poems, this novel captures the confusion and isolation of the first year of the pandemic, especially for kids. The author uses the metaphor of being on mute in an online class to describe struggles that often go unheard, from the fears Archie's classmates have about situations at home to the natural disasters caused by climate change. This book would make for a great lead-in to classroom discussions or writing prompts, giving kids the opportunity to share their own memories of lockdown. VERDICT This beautifully written novel in verse offers a sensitive reflection on the pandemic and its emotional toll, even for those families who were able to stay healthy and financially stable during lockdown.--Ashley Larsen

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Hummingbird Season broke me open with its vivid portrayal of the early pandemic. Heartbreakingly relatable, everyone who lived through lockdown will find themselves in the pages of this book. Archie's emotional journey is rendered in clear, poignant verse, a balm to our scars and a reminder of the necessity of hope. — Joy McCullough, author of National Book Award longlist title BLOOD WATER PAINT

In a world that so often wants to pretend that kids are immune to collective trauma, Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic writes stories that validate their experiences and assure them that they are not alone. Hummingbird Season gently, lovingly gives today's readers space to process what they went through during the early pandemic, and it shows us all how to find hope, beauty, and connection whenever times are hard. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply lovely, this book is a gift. — Anne Ursu, author of National Book Award longlist title THE REAL BOY

In this engaging novel in verse, readers will identify with Archie as he navigates through the confusion and messiness of the pandemic lockdowns. I felt like I was in the company of a trustworthy friend who finds hope and connection amid isolation and uncertainty, and I cheered for Archie to find the strength to speak up for himself and others who needed their voices heard. Told with a perfect balance of humor and empathy, Hummingbird Season is a story that helps us feel less alone. — Lynne Kelly, author of Schneider Family Award winner SONG FOR A WHALE

Readers will gasp in wonder and empathy, cry and sometimes laugh, cheer at the upbeat conclusion, and feel every emotion that's so powerfully expressed. Brilliant. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Extremely well written and filled with colorful phrases . . . Young readers who have experienced COVID (and who like birds) are sure to enjoy. —Booklist

Lucianovic beautifully crafts this novel in verse, giving voice to a boy who is boisterous at times but often feels left on mute, lost in the shuffle of a changing world. Archie, his family, and Ruby remind readers there's comfort to be found in being together, even when everything else feels like it's falling apart. —BCCB