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Cover of Birdwing

Birdwing

Rafe Martin (2005)

SubgenreFairy Tale Retelling
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age10
Goodreads3.81
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Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Body HorrorAbandonment

Positive tags

Self-DiscoveryComing of AgeHopeful EndingHealing Arc

Hero archetypes

Cursed HeroLost Heir / Hidden RoyaltyFish out of Water

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age ProtagonistCursed Protagonist

Tropes

Fairy Tale RetellingCursed ProtagonistQuestComing of AgeHidden IdentityFound FamilyReluctant HeroShapeshifters

Themes

IdentityAcceptanceDisability as DifferenceSelf-DiscoveryTransformationFinding Your PlaceOvercoming Adversity

Synopsis

Prince Ardwin, known as Birdwing, the youngest of six brothers turned into swans by their stepmother, is unable to complete the transformation back into human form, so he undertakes a journey to discover whether his feathered arm will be a curse or a blessing to him.

Is Birdwing appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

A thoughtful fairy tale retelling exploring disability and difference through a prince partially transformed into a swan. Mild peril and themes of acceptance; suitable for sensitive middle grade readers.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include body horror and abandonment.

Who'll love this

A magical quest where a prince with a swan's wing must discover if being different is a curse or a gift.

Tags

Fairy Tale RetellingMagical RealismQuest FantasyCharacter-Driven