Wild Bird

Wendelin Van Draanen
61 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2017

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Book Brief

Wendelin Van Draanen

Wild Bird

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Coming of Age
Setting

Utah Desert • Contemporary

Theme
Family

•

Self Discovery

•

Community
Topic
Addiction & Substance Abuse
First Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

HL680L

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Super Short Summary

Wild Bird by Wendelin Van Draanen follows the story of 14-year-old Wren Clemmens, whose reckless and defiant behavior leads her parents to send her to a wilderness therapy camp in Utah. Through the program, Wren navigates the challenges of nature, overcomes personal struggles, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, community, and healing. Contains depictions of substance abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional distress.

Challenging

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

8,558 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Wild Bird by Wendelin Van Draanen receives mixed reviews. Positively, readers commend its realistic portrayal of a troubled teen's transformation and emotional depth. However, some criticize the pacing and character development. Overall, it’s viewed as a compelling but occasionally uneven journey of self-discovery that resonates with young adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Wild Bird?

Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with strong, relatable protagonists will appreciate Wild Bird by Wendelin Van Draanen. Ideal for fans of Sharon Draper's Out of My Mind or Holly Goldberg Sloan's Counting by 7s, this novel resonates with its themes of personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

4.2

8,558 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist and narrator, she is a fiercely independent 14-year-old girl dealing with the difficulties of growing up and finding herself after her family's move to Orange County.

Wren’s older sister, who is smart and well-liked, often creating tension between herself and Wren.

Wren’s younger brother, with whom she shares a close and caring relationship.

Wren’s father, who is a less prominent presence in her life as depicted in the story.

Wren’s mother, with whom she shares a strained relationship due to perceived distance and favoritism.

A girl Wren befriends in Orange County, whose influence becomes a significant source of conflict in Wren’s life.

An older high school boy involved in illegal activities whose presence complicates Wren’s life.

A fellow camper at the wilderness therapy camp, who becomes one of Wren’s closest friends and a source of support.

One of the camp leaders who interacts with Wren during her time at the wilderness therapy camp.

Another camp leader who influences Wren’s development at the camp.

An individual at the camp who respects Wren’s survival skills and growth.

A camp counselor who observes the dynamic between Wren and her family, particularly the written communications.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Coming of Age
Setting

Utah Desert • Contemporary

Theme
Family

•

Self Discovery

•

Community
Topic
Addiction & Substance Abuse
First Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

HL680L

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