For children, navigating growing up can be a challenge. But the power of reading and books can help young readers understand and deal with some of these challenges. When it comes to middle-grade readers, for young page turners aged 8-12+, they cover a plethora of topics and issues as well as wide-ranging characters and situations. While a lot of these books may feature children in the same age bracket as the readers, some use other ways to get their message across, such as using animals. The May Day Chorus by Julia Blackburn is one such book. It is the second book in The Songbird Choir series (I really enjoyed the first, The Songbird Army).
The May Day Chorus is a middle‑grade eco‑adventure that blends nature with an emotionally resonant story about courage, belonging, friendship, empathy and the power of finding your voice.
The book continues with the songbirds of Riverside Gardens, led by Rube the Robin, and this time they are preparing for spring and the return of the swallows. Rube and his choir have an important role to play, the choirs dawn chorus guides the swallows back. But that plan doesn’t go as it should when Flint and his gang of jays take over the garden, ban singing and eventually cause Rube and his friends to leave the safety of their home. Everything has changed and the group feel like they have lost everything.
Overall, I have really enjoyed reading The May Day Chorus – it is an excellent continuation of the series. While an adventure story based in nature (and teaches young readers some facts about birds and their habitats), it has themes of rejection, bullying, empathy and finding your voice to fight for what you believe, with as underlying theme of truly listening (and as Rube put it: listening with your eyes as well as your ears – I love this).
As the story progresses, young readers see the birds lose their home, forced into dangerous territory and having to find the courage to get it back. But the most compelling thread that underlies a lot of the story is that of Rube’s relationship with Blanche, a tuneless cuckoo chick he once rejected. When Blanche disappears, it forces Rube to confront past mistakes and truly listen, reconsidering what being a leader really means and what harmony is – reinforcing the message that runs through the story that harmony isn’t about sounding the same, but about singing together.
The characters are excellent, all unique with their own personalities and despite being our feathered friends, are all very relatable in very different ways.
The story may be aimed at readers aged 8+, but its deep meaning will easily resonate with older readers as well as adults. It is a story of inclusivity and kindness, featuring different bird breeds as well as those that are different, overlooked and those with disabilities. It has action, adventure, danger and hope, making it a very engaging, thoughtful and meaningful read.
A wonderful read, and who know, you might even pay more attention to those birds singing in your garden in the morning.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback) / £2.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit www.juliablackburn.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.
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