The Girl with the Glass Bird, by Esme Kerr, is a charming read about two best friends trying to solve a mystery.
“No…I’m not hiding anything. I’ve…I’ve lost something!”
Synopsis of The Girl with the Glass Bird
Edith (Edie) Wilson, is an eleven-year-old girl who was living with her cruel cousins on a little farm near London, England. Then, another one of Edie’s cousins, Charles Rodriguez, showed up and took Edie to live in a boarding school called Knight’s Haddon. The school is strict and the teachers stricter. The students are not allowed to communicate with the outside world. But Edie was not brought there to learn, she was brought there to spy on Anastasia Stolonov, a Russian princess.
Anastasia has constantly been claiming that someone has been stealing her belongings, but they always show back up, making it that none of the other girls believe her. Her father, Prince Stolonov, is concerned about her, and sent Edie to find out if someone really is stealing Anastasia’s things or if the little princess is going mad. Edie, in the thrill of boarding school, momentarily forgets, but then remembers her duty to solve this puzzling mystery. Could it be that someone is taking Anastasia’s belongings? And is that suspect one of the mocking students or one of the stern schoolmistresses? Or is Anastasia really going mad? It is a mystery that Edie is determined to solve.
Intended ages according to author/publisher
Although the author does not appear to have a webpage for the book, the Amazon link list the intended ages as 8-12. I feel The Girl with the Glass Bird is best for girls aged 10 and older. I loved the character Edie. She is very realistic and watching her sleuthing skills grow was fascinating. She went from being a lonely, teased, orphan to a hired spy in a valued boarding school. I’d say that this is a good mystery book for girls of all ages.
Violence
No fighting or violent scenes. There is a kidnapping attempt but it was not depicted in a violent way.
Language
None. No foul or even coarse language.
Relationship/Morality
There is mild bullying depicted within the boarding house between the wealthy girls and those of perceived lower-class.
Magic or Spiritual Realms
None. There are not fantasy elements. Instead, the story takes place in an old fashioned English boarding school.
Intense Scenes
The most intense scene is the afore mentioned attempted kidnapping. It occurs on a dark and stormy night, but is thwarted by Edie’s quick actions.
Positives Messages
A fast and fun friendship between two girls leaves the reader with the desire to find a friend and go on an adventure. The characters grow and develop their skills showing that if at first you do not succeed keep trying.
Our Thoughts
Our thoughts on The Girl with the Glass Bird is that it is a great mystery book for girls 10 and older. It could be read aloud to children younger than 10 as well.
- Ages 4-6: Not recommended
- Ages 7-8: Recommended as a read aloud
- Ages 9-10: Recommended
- Ages 11-12: Recommended
- Ages 13-15: Recommended
- Ages 16-18: Recommended
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Oo this is cool! I’ve never heard of this book before, but I’ll add it to my list to read! Thanks for the review Ella!