The Bird in Me Flies (Graphic Novel)

Written by Sara Lundberg · Translated by B.J. Epstein

A young girl defies tradition to pursue her artistic dreams in 1920s Sweden.

5.0/7 Bookroo expert·4.4/5 Goodreads · 761 ratings

120 pages· 2,850 words· Est. 22 min read-aloud· 600L

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Bookroo's summary

In a 1920s Swedish village, young Berta dreams of becoming an artist, but societal expectations and farm life weigh heavily on her. After losing her mother, the only person who truly understands her, Berta must find the courage to challenge her father's authority and societal norms. Can she break free from her constraints and follow her passion for art? This illustrated novel in verse, inspired by the life of artist Berta Hansson, explores themes of grief, longing, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

From the publisher

What do you do when it feels impossible to live up to everything expected of you? When the only person who understands you disappears? When you are young and long for something that seems out of reach?

Berta dreams of being an artist, but as a girl growing up in a small Swedish farming village in the 1920s, she has little hope. She finds solace in nature, and in drawing and shaping birds from clay for her mother, the only person who seems to truly understand her. When her mother succumbs to tuberculosis, Berta feels alone, in despair and even more burdened by all the work on the farm. Can she find the courage to defy her father and the social conventions of her time, and fly free?

This beautifully illustrated novel in verse, inspired by the paintings, letters and diaries of Swedish artist Berta Hansson (1910-1994), is a universal story of grief, longing and following your dreams.

Includes an afterword by journalist Alexandra Sundqvist.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 120
Words: 2,850
Reading age: 9–12
Audience: Juvenile Reader
Lexile: 600L

Themes & topics

Books about social themes Books about feelings and emotions Books about girls and women Books about art Books about illness

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.0

out of 7

5.0

“A lovely (based on a true) story about a little girl who longs to get away from her life on the farm to follow her true passion—art—and how she makes it a reality. This is definitely on the mature side for picture books—it's long and deals with some serious subjects such as sickness (tuberculosis) and death (of her mother), but is well worth a read for older audiences.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

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