Birdie

This book to me started off quite slow but throughout the story it builds into a beautiful book. I adored the character of Mr Duke. This book sent my heart on a roller coaster with many melancholic moments but also a contrast of truly joyous ones to. When the Carnegie's came out I never thought I would pick Birdie up but the absolutely amazing content and concept must have superglued me to it as I was not able to put it down. I Commend this author and would love to read more of J.P. Rose’s work. Thank you for an amazing read

Seren

The SBSJs

This book was really quite good, however not my favourite, as I feel that the plot and story were not as in-depth as some other books. However, the way that emotions and feelings developed over the course of the book really stood out to me and made this book really quite enjoyable. I like the fact that, as the book goes on, the characters opinions of Birdie begin to grow and change rather than just staying the same all the way through. Mr Duke was my favourite character because of the impact he had on the story.

Theo dP

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I found Birdie very intriguing, the idea is very good and I love how they add in some old English words here and there and facts accurate to the time period the book is set in.

Emily

Reading Wizards

This book is amazing I recommend this book so much. It is a beautiful, easy-to read story that got me lost into the pages of this book. I love the friendship between Birdie and Mr Duke. I loved it!!!!

Kyra

SCD Pageturners

Birdie follows the story of a girl called Birdie who goes to live with her aunt in a coal-mining town in Yorkshire. She faces racism and discrimination from the other people in the town, and, one day, she stumbles across a pit pony in the mine. She and the pony find solace in each other, but when the pony's life is in danger, Birdie has to choose between family and the pony. I enjoyed reading this book because the way the author writes is intriguing and makes you want to read more.

Alexandra

Chiswick Carnegie

Birdie is an amazing book. It is all about a young girl that grew up in an orphanage and had to be adopted by her long-distance aunt who lives in a new city with new people and a new school. The part of the story that stuck out to me the most was when she started a new school and got bullied by a group of boys. This made me feel empathy and interest in the story. I have never read a book that I loved reading before, until I read Birdie. You should read this book, it inspired me to read more and maybe it will you too.

Caelan

Vista Academy Littleport

The pacing was good, and there was no point at which I was bored with what was happening in the book, but, although obviously it was awful when she faced racism, I felt no connection with the characters or the story. The only time the book made me feel emotional was when the horse 'died' but then it was magically ok again just so there could be a happy ending! I know that makes me sound really grumpy, but I feel it would be more effective if he stayed dead (Sorry Mr Duke!)

Ilsa

The High Storrs Shadows

The pacing was good, and there was no point at which I was bored with what was happening in the book, but, although obviously it was awful when she faced racism, I felt no connection with the characters or the story. The only time the book made me feel emotional was when the horse 'died' but then it was magically ok again just so there could be a happy ending! I know that makes me sound really grumpy, but I feel it would be more effective if he stayed dead (Sorry Mr Duke!)

Ilsa

The High Storrs Shadows

I didn’t really enjoy this book, as it took me quite a long time to get through and I found it quite difficult to stay interested. I also didn’t like the plot, as I felt it was slow and not very engaging. I think this might be because it’s aimed at younger readers and isn’t really my type of book. However, the writing was very good, and I would recommend it to readers aged 7–12.

Arya

Rainbeau Readers

Not a bad read. The 'thee' and 'thou' was really irritating- the book is set in the 50's and there is no other olde English used. I did like the Birdie character and her aunt and uncle quickly became so beloved. Having grown up with grand parents alive during WW2 the racism did not surprise me and I thought it was very well dealt with- however, not dealt with clearly enough for the younger reader to understand the importance. Mr Duke- all my fears and tears were for him. Thank goodness it was a happy ending.

Debbie

Ousedale Olney

I found the book birdie a really interesting one, as she was a girl of colour who got bullied for it . I also really liked the time setting it as it gave it more understanding and depth rather then it being set in the 21st century. Overall I really enjoyed this book and will look for more similar stories or other novels by the author.

Poppy

HHS 2026

Birdie has been an exciting book for me, filled with friendship, adventure and belonging. My favourite part is when she finally finds her place in Barrington Dale and how her friendship with Mr Duke, the pit pony, really helps her build her courage. She is a resilient, kind and smart girl and I am happy to find this amazing book.

Teni

Carmel Shadowers

This story is very inspirational because Birdie doesn’t give up. When things get tough, she always finds a way out of it. Birdie will do the right thing even if means losing out on something she wants. Birdie is a reflection of how we could be in our lives. Kind, empathetic and righteous. I really enjoyed this book and will remember its message always.

Zeven

Rainbeau Readers

This book was a very heart-warming story! I absolutely love it and would recommend it to anyone who would seem interested. So far, this is my favourite book! I really do hope this book wins the Carnegie Medal for Writing. The storyline is well put together and shows how you can be apart of a kind community, no matter who you are.

Miguel M.C

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I think its very good book because it is about a wild girl who experiences racism but she does not find out until everyone doesn't want to talk to her. Due to this I find this book awesome and I recommend it to all readers if they like adventurous and emotional books.

Aadam k

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Personally, I think that this was a very good book with a very compelling and emotional storyline with a close connection to animal companions which I think is quite unique as I don't usually see many books centred partly around the animal. As well as this, I love stories about orphans because they are very interesting due to the amount they have to fend for themselves and another inspiring aspect I loved was that she overcomes bullying which is very good role modelling for young children in similar situations.

Maryam

HGS Book Club

A touching story in which people's prejudices are challenged by a kind and loyal heroine. It was interesting to learn about themes I knew very little about.

Bibliophile

Angmering Book Lovers 4 Life

My thoughts on Birdie varied throughout the book. At the beginning, I loved the touch of racism to add the reality of what it is like for a black girl in 1952. The pony Mr Duke was a personal favourite as I believed that it was a personal support animal and Birdie's best friend. Birdie had a heart and soul along with Mr Walter who was kind from the beginning however it took a lot for my head to change about aunt Mabel. I would of liked to see more of Julie and also Mrs Dudley's and Birdie's childhood. Overall my verdict is that it was a great read and a great adventure to dive into.

Lilah Jeavons

Ousedale Olney

I enjoyed this book. It gave me an insight to the coal mining industry of Leeds, and, having not known much about the pit ponies before, I feel I learnt a lot about their lives. I also enjoyed how the author has incorporated black history into this, and I felt the racism of the 1950s brought to life by the characters in the novel. My favourite character, however was Birdie’s great-uncle. I loved his commitment, but also his sorrow and heartbreak of before. 4 Stars. Thank you

Clara

Bassingbourn Readers

I read Birdie in its proof copy form and enjoyed both the story and the historical background. I'd been curious about these children of mixed parentage as a friend born in 1954 found herself with a similar origin story to Birdie, being fostered from a Barnardos home and taken to live in a rural town also in Yorkshire. Birdie's resilience is enviable as she just wants to be accepted for who she is and not judged on her background. I loved the relationship between Birdie and Mr Duke the retired pit pony, both outsiders in their own way.

Mrs P

Cake a Book Club

It was a good basic story that pointed out an ignored issue of racial surprise? The ending was very unnatural and it felt like they were trying to do two endings in one when they just needed to make up their mind.

Willow

CGS CAKE Club

It's the 1950s and there is a girl called Birdie who has never met her parents. She was abandoned and left in a church with a picture of her mum (which soon got destroyed). She lived with Mr and Mrs Dudley until she was given away to Aunt Mabel. Obviously, Birdie was sad and reluctant, but she left and went to the Yorkshire dales. When she was taken in by Aunt Mabel, she seemed kind but further in the story she acted quite suspicious. She kept telling Birdie, “it's nothing do not worry,” when there was something. Ever since she came, she was not treated like Mrs Winterbottom's nephew (she told birdie to call her that) but like a stranger. All of a sudden, one day, she was bullied by a gang of kids and in a desperate manner, she went into a building called Winding house and that was the coal mine. She was hiding and hiding but then she fell into a lift which said NO3 shaft cage. The lift fell and suddenly...stopped. There was nothing but a wall of coal in her way. She lost all hope and gave up but then she saw a pony. She said, “what are you doing here?” However, she was glad that the pony was there, and the pony started to walk, and Birdie Bagshaw followed where the pony went, and they had reached the lift again. She thanked the pony. She soon called him Mr Duke and that is where the story started. I like this book as it was an old fashioned book but usually I do not like these style books but I'm glad to have liked it. I recommend this book to those who want to see if they will like this genre (which they will after they certainly read this).

Ihsan K

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Birdie lived in an orphanage in Leeds with a lot of kids and Mrs Dudley. Then one day her aunt in Barrington Dale says she will look after Birdie. But people are mean to her in the new home but she makes new and unexpected friends. The main character was Birdie. I liked her character as she has experienced a lot but keeps on pushing on. My favourite character was Mr Duke because he was very kind and I love horses. I really enjoyed this book because I thought it was interesting I liked the storyline. I also loved some of the cliff hangers in bits of the story.

Evie

HHS 2026

Birdie is a story of a young girl (named Birdie, hence the title) who moves from Leeds to the countryside to live with her great-aunt. But the folk here are not like those at home, and Birdie becomes an instant target for the bullies. One day, when it all gets too much, Birdie runs away and ends up in the mines, where she meets a pit pony. But his life is in danger, and Birdie may be the only one who can save him… My favourite character in this book was Birdie because she is so persistent and believes in herself. My favourite part of the book was when Birdie first met Mr Duke, having just run away from the bullies. I would recommend this book to people who like horses, and tales of courage, bravery and kindness.

Catelyn P

Vista Academy Littleport

This book is about Birdie Bagshaw, an orphan in a care home for 'brown babies'. She comes to live with her great aunt and uncle in a small mining village near Yorkshire. She faces racism and because of this, ends up finding Mr Duke, a pit pony who she befriends. I didn't particularly love this book because it was a bit boring-I did not find myself wanting to keep reading on, especially at the beginning. I did think that the character development was good but the characters kept saying Shakespearian language like 'thee' and random phrases like 'any road' instead of any way-it was very annoying. Overall, it was not an amazing book. 6/10

Elijah

Vista Academy Littleport

Birdie is a book about the friendship between Birdie and a pony. Birdie never knew her parents and she was growing up in a children's home for mixed race children in Leeds. She went to live with her great aunt in the Yorkshire Dales and is bullied by local children. She develops a bond with a little pony, Mr Duke. I liked the special bond between human and animal. I found the book dramatic and a bit emotional in places, I also felt very bad about the children's behaviour towards Birdie.

Samuel H

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The overview, it was set against in stark, soot-stained backdrop of 1950s Yorkshire,Birdie is a poignant and atmospheric historical novel that explores themes of displacement, masterfully captures the “windrush generation” experience though the eyes of a young girl, making the historical personal and deeply moving. There are also plot and character development, which the story follows Birdie, who travels from the vibrant, sun- drenched landscapes of Jamaica to a cold, grey mining villages in England. The contrast between her two worlds is not just physical but emotional. Rose develops Birdie as a character with immense internal strength; she is a”bird” trapped in a cage of cultural shock and social hostility. The style used a real 1950s racism and the isolation of being an outsider. Rose uses sensory language using the 5 senses. The conclusion, Birdie is more than just a historical fiction, it is a lyrical exploration of identity. It challenges the reader to consult what “home” truly means honours the courage and the people who help rebuilt post-war despite the cold.

Peace

Vista Academy Littleport

This book is about a young girl called Birdie. She lives in a foster home in Leeds with the lovely foster carer Mrs Dudley. One day, she goes on a train to a place called Barrington Dale because her Aunt Winterbottom has accepted to look after her. However, living in this new place isn’t so easy especially when you look different to everyone else. But Birdie finds a special friend, the pit pony Mr Duke. She goes on a journey of discovering friendship, love and seeing that how you look, doesn’t define who you truly are. The main character in this book was Birdie. I really liked her character as she is very bubbly, joyful, kind and loyal. I liked Aunt Winterbottom’s character as well as even though at the start, she didn’t seem like someone likeable, you understand why and grow to like her. My favourite character has to be Mr Walter. He is such a jolly, kind and fatherly character towards Birdie, even after everything he has had to go through. I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was fantastically written. I think it teaches you a lot about not judging someone by how they look and that you are enough.

Priya

HHS 2026

So far, I am on the part where Birdie finds a pit pony, who lives in a mine, and later on, learns more about why the pony is there. I can tell how much she cares and loves this little pony. I love how they find friendship between them, the moment they set eyes on each other. I'm finding 'Birdie' a really great book; I enjoy how smart and chatty Birdie can be and I look forward to finishing it.

Teni

Carmel Shadowers

Birdie spent most of her life in a foster home, then her great aunt and uncle decided to adopt her, but they didn't realise the problems that they are going to face. Birdie faced a lot of racism when she moved to Barrington dale, she felt like an outsider. then she found a pony that made her feel not like an outsider. They form a special bond. This book really broke me because it shows how horrible racism was around that time but it was also heartwarming because it shows the magic of animals.

Michelle

Vista Academy Littleport

I found the book to be really enjoyable to read and the setting set me off on a journey I never thought of stepping into.

St Kaths

I enjoyed this book as it showed racism in the 1950s and that people are people no matter what skin colour they are, and that anyone can get on with each other. I found Birdie's love for Mr Duke nice but could have been explored more than just her meeting him and sneaking out to go see him, as she seems to care for him so much and base her whole life around him for no real reason. I liked how the book looked at mines and how whole communities worked around them and the impact of them shutting and the Second World War. I would recommend Birdie to all ages as it explores racism in a fun way with animals and it is easier for younger readers to understand. Overall I would give it a 7/10

Robin.O

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The book was ok but one thing I didn't like was the bullying that happened. But I like how it involved bullying to show that bullying is NOT a way to go. Overall a good book a solid 9.6/10

Thomas

The Broxbourne Readers

This book is very unoriginal, with same stereotypes as thousands of other books, with an orphan child who has never seen her parents and wants to find them, who gets bullied and finds magical animal friend and feels better. Acceptable, considering the 9 year age rating, but not fun to read.

HarryF

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I thought that Birdie overall was a very good book. But I did feel that some of it didn't make sense. For example I didn't particularly understand why she would choose a horse over family and friends that genuinely cared for her and wanted the best for her. But ignoring that I felt it was really well written and it was sweet the way Birdie had a deep connection with a horse. And when everyone apologised for being racist to her it felt nice finally knowing she was accepted.

Aiden

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

An incredible read about identity and history in the north. With exceptional meaning and depth, it is a book for anyone to read about history - however it considers the ideas of severe racism in the 1950s as war ends. This book, although touching upon harsher themes in society, acts as an important book for people to read and consider how to treat others well.

Kaleb

Folkestone Academy Readers

I quite enjoyed this book. It follows the story of Birdie Bagshaw, a young girl who'd been adopted by her great aunt and uncle after living in an orphanage for "brown babies" her whole life, and as she's running away from a group of older boys taunting her, she stumbles into a mine and meets a horse she later names Mr Duke. I think the pacing of this book was quite good, as it doesn't have any weird jumps but there aren't any plot holes that need filling, and I also liked that it was based in reality and it demonstrates what it was like for people of colour in the 1950s. The plot developed well, and I liked that it had a happy ending, but it was targeted to younger audiences so at some points I got a bit bored. Overall, I think it was a good read though.

Lyra

Vista Academy Littleport

While I liked the messages of this book, I did not enjoy reading it. The dialogue felt stunted. The mix of 'Leeds speech' with older words (such as thee, art, etc.) made the story feel harder to associate with as it isn't modern or realistic. The plot was okay but I feel it could have been improved by explaining the situation of Birdie's life more thoroughly. I did, however, enjoy reading a story set in the local area. The messages of friendship, acceptance, and courage weren't integrated into the story, I feel, as I was overly aware of the point JP Rose was trying to convey. Overall, it is an interesting story which I, sadly, feel was not written as well as it could be.

Oliver R

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I really enjoyed reading this book, it had many sad bits and amazing bits. Also I am a person that enjoys adventure books so this turned out to be an amazing book for me.

Adidev

The Fitzharrys Shadows

The story is about a young black girl called Birdie become friends with a pony she names Mr Duke. It was interesting seeing as it was set in England after world war two and was still quite a racist community and she had a black father but a white mother. Birdie is an orphan and was taken in by her great aunt and uncle who had lost their son in the war. It was touching watching Birdie's aunt and uncle slowly find themselves as Birdie brings them out of depression. I also enjoyed it because I live in the Yorkshire Dales which is where the book is set. Birdie was a touching character since she was willing to give up everything for the sake of a pony she had just recently met. One of my favourite characters was Mr Lofthouse since he was kind to Birdie and gave her medicine for her pony for free. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

Thomas F

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I really enjoyed this book and it's one of my favourites I've read so far. At first, I struggled to enjoy it as I felt the plot went quite slowly, but I ended up getting immersed in the storyline and characters! The author definitely had a way of making the characters feel real, and I was really hoping everything would go well for all of them, and I just found it really cosy and enjoyable. I thought it struck a balance between teaching important lessons about history without making it feel unrealistic and like a textbook. It had some really important messages delivered in a heartwarming, interesting way!

Iris

Skipton Shadows

This book is an interesting story about racism and friendship. It wasn't really my kind of book but I'm sure some people will have enjoyed it. I found the plot was rather weak and so were the characters but other than that I thought it was nice that it was set so locally and with very important messages in it. I couldn't relate to the characters however.

Rowan

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Birdie was a lovely book, written about a girl called Birdie in Yorkshire. It was nice to have a book set so locally, even with a reference to where I live. The book was set in the 1950s, the post war period I didn't know much about. Overall, the book was a great story with lots of little sidestories to keep the chapters in the middle entertaining. The RCD may have been predictable but it was also very happy which was a nice change from other books on this shortlist.

Aidan

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Birdie is a thought provoking book about racism, identity and belonging. The protagonist is a girl called Birdie Bagshaw who is an orphan who goes to live in the Yorkshire Dales with her great aunt Mabel and great uncle Mr Walter. Even though Birdie gets bullied and treated like dirt by her classmates, teachers and even other adults, because of the colour of her skin, she still prevails. One day the bullying goes too far and leads to her hiding in a tube which then goes down to an abandoned coal mine. She gets lost trying to find a way out and discovers a pony which helps her escape the coal mine. I have mixed feelings about this book as it is a very good story and has many great scenes and parts, but I found it was too short for a book of its quality.

Sylvan C

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book was an amazing story of friendship and loss. I like how it highlights racial discrimination, bullying and what it is like to feel different to people. I particularly like this book because it reminds me of the book Black Beauty and the power of animal companionship. I found that the pace was slightly too slow for me and I would have liked it to be a bit faster. Overall, I thought that this was a great book and I recommend it to animal lovers and younger readers.

Annie

NDHS Book Group

This book is about a girl named Birdie who lives in England a long time ago. She is an orphan and has to move to a small village in Yorkshire to live with her great-aunt and great-uncle. The village is a mining town where everything is covered in coal dust. Life is very difficult for Birdie because she is mixed-race, and many people in the town are unkind to her because she looks different from them. She feels very lonely until she discovers a secret. My favourite part of the story is the pony Birdie finds a horse named Mr. Duke who works deep underground in the coal mines. They become best friends because they both feel alone. Birdie works very hard to take care of the pony. It shows how brave she is, even when things are scary. I liked this book because it shows that even if people are mean to you, you can still find friends in unexpected places. It made me feel sad sometimes, but it also made me happy to see Birdie find a home where she belongs.

Patrick J

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group