Because of That Crow

Harris is ten years old and struggling with guilt over being the sole survivor of a terrible car accident that killed both his parents. He and his older sister, Tessa, and his younger sister, Pinky. live with his grandfather. Grampa seems angry a lot of the time, and sometimes Harris’s behavior doesn’t help, like when he doesn’t do his school work. He has a science project to do. It’s really important to his teacher that all the children in the class do well as these projects are for the science fair. Harris has a poster that is overdue, and he is having a tough time coming up with an idea when a crow shows up. He is intelligent and starts to follow Harris around, distracting him from what he should be doing. That crow changes things for Harris, inspiring his science project and helping him understand his own problems and those of other family members.

Author Beverley Brenna has written a rich, complex story that will help youngsters discover important things about themselves and those around them. The writing is beautiful, the story compelling, and the characters fully developed and engaging. It’s short, sweet, and a real winner.