Mia is visiting her grandmother in Maine on her own for the first time. This would be exciting, but the reason her mom is staying behind is to sell their old family house, so they can move in with her new boyfriend. The changes are freaking Mia out a little, so she’s glad to visit her reliable Grandma in the small town of Stone Harbour. But when she arrives, she finds that things have changed at Grandma’s too – a boy about her age named Cayman has befriended her grandmother. Cayman’s single mom is mysteriously sick, so it seems like he could use her grandmother’s friendship, but Mia isn’t sure she wants to share. When Cayman and Mia discover a unique falcon hanging around Cayman’s home, the excitement bonds them. But Mia’s competitive feelings about Cayman lead her to post a photo of the bird and its location on a Maine birding site, hoping to get more information about it before he can. Suddenly, the birding community is flocking to Stone Harbour, and not everyone is a respectful birder. Mia begins to fear for the bird’s welfare, for the privacy of Cayman’s sick mother, and how her role could impact her trust with Cayman and her family.
Cynthia Lord is a veteran kids’ author, but this is the first of her books I’ve read. I blasted through it. The story is a unique look at the consequences of carelessly posting online, without getting too scary. Animal welfare is at stake, and a family’s complicated trauma, but things mostly work out (though bittersweetly, in some cases). The book is emotionally compelling (I cried at one point). It offers a gentle way to start conversations about thinking through one’s actions. Any kid who feels overwhelmed by the change around them, or insecure about their personal strength will find a lot to relate to in Mia. A great pick for tween readers who enjoy poignant realistic fiction and animal stories.