Hummingbird Season

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents Hummingbird Season by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, read by Joel McVeagh.

A poignant and necessary story about finding hope during difficult times, set in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Archie’s life—and the whole world—is turned upside down by Covid-19. Suddenly there are no more Friday night dinners out, no more going to school, no more hanging out with friends . . . no leaving the house at all.

Even though he's inside with his family all day every day, Archie can't help but feel more alone than ever before. While everyone else seems to be adapting to their new normal just fine, it's like Archie is permanently on mute, unable to find the words to describe how he feels—and sometimes, unable to find someone who will listen. The bright spot of Archie's days at home is watching and learning about the hummingbirds that feed outside his windows. But just when it seems like this could be what brings his family together again, California experiences its worst wildfire in history, and Archie's favorite hummingbird disappears. In a time when hope is hard to hold on to, Archie must find his voice and find hope once again.

Hummingbird Season is an honest and healing novel in verse documenting the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and the things that bring us together when circumstances keep us apart.

Critics Review

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
Captures the confusion and isolation of the first year of the pandemic, especially for kids . . . This beautifully written novel in verse offers a sensitive reflection on the pandemic and its emotional toll.
School Library Journal
Lucianovic portrays Archie’s interior world in straightforward first-person verse that effectively captures the voice of an elementary schoolboy living through extraordinary times.
Horn Book Magazine
Readers will identify with his [Archie's] struggles with long-distance learning and feelings of isolation. His discovery of and growing fascination with a hummingbird propels him towards positivity and eventually helps him make the empathetic connections he longs for.
Publishers Weekly

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