Rafe Martin

Birdwing Rafe Martin

Marc Notes: Prince Ardwin, known as Birdwing, the youngest of six brothers turned into swans by their stepmother, is unable to complete the transformation back into human form, so he undertakes a journey to discover whether his feathered arm will be a curse or a blessing to him.; Includes a reader's guide. Publisher Marketing: A boy marked by physical difference--one arm is an enchanted wing--finds his strength and purpose in this stirring fantasy. A Washington Post Best Kids Book of 2005 and Book Sense Winter Pick. Once upon a time, a girl rescued her seven brothers from a spell that had turned them into swans. But one boy, Ardwin, was left with the scar of the spell's last gasp: one arm remained a wing. And while Ardwin yearned to find a place in his father's kingdom, the wing whispered to him of open sky and rushing wind. Marked by difference, Ardwin sets out to discover who he is: bird or boy, crippled or sound, cursed or blessed. But followed by the cold eye of a sorceress and with war rumbling at his kingdom's borders, Ardwin's path may lead him not to enlightenment, but into unimaginable danger. Review Citations: Booklist 11/15/2005 pg. 46 (EAN 9780439211673, Hardcover) Kirkus Review - Children 09/15/2005 pg. 1030 (EAN 9780439211673, Hardcover) School Library Journal 12/01/2005 pg. 150 (EAN 9780439211673, Hardcover) Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2006 pg. 93 (EAN 9780439211673, Hardcover) Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2009 pg. 926 (EAN 9780439211673, Hardcover) Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2006 pg. 84 (EAN 9780439211673, Hardcover) Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2005 pg. 193 (EAN 9780439211673, Hardcover) - *Starred Review Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2006 pg. 96 (EAN 9780439211673, Hardcover) Voice of Youth Advocates 12/01/2005 pg. 414 (EAN 9780439211673, Hardcover) Contributor Bio:  Martin, Rafe Rafe Martin is the author of over 20 books and the recipient of three American Library Association Notable Book Awards, Four Parent's Choice Gold Awards, two Anne Izard Storyteller's Choice Awards, an American Folklore Society Aesop's Accolade Award, several American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists," an IRA Teacher's Choice Award and many other awards of Distinction. Rafe has a Master's degree in English literature from the University of Toronto.