Review: Sparrow

author: Sherri L. Smith

2006 Random House

main character: Kendall Washington

What a girl this Kendall is! After the death of her family members, Kendall, the Miracle Baby of I-10, is raised by her g’ma. She is instilled with a strong moral compass with “family” as the setting for all bearing. Kendall and her g’ma only have each other and when g’ma falls ill, Kendall is willing to give up whatever necessary without question for her. When g’ma dies, Kendall’s world falls apart in a very real sense because there is no one there to be responsible for her. Well, except for her Aunt Janet. Kendall goes in search of her Aunt but finds friends and finds her need for friendship. Kendall takes the time to think through her problems and to consider her needs as well as those of others. As a result, she reconnects with the world in a new way and is able to begin to put her life back together.

Sparrow is a simply told story that could appeal to middle school students, yet there are enough situations to appeal to high school as well. Smith is a skilled writer who places little gems in her stories which give us a little something to chew on along the way.

themes: Duty/filial piety; coming of age; death; family