The Aviary

The Aviary by Kathleen O’Dell
Youth New Book Shelves - Lower Level – O’DELL

“Together always to the last,
Our love shall hold each other fast.
Delivered from the frost and foam,
None shall fly ‘til all come home.”

The above poem plays an important role in the unique and heartwarming mystery, The Aviary by Kathleen O’Dell.

Young 11-year-old Clara Dooley lives at the turn of the 20th century with her mother, Harriet and the housekeeper, Ruby in the old and haunting Glendoveer Mansion in Lockhaven, Maine. The three women live in the mansion with the matriarch of the Glendoveer family, sickly yet kind Cenelia Glendoveer. While Clara loves her mother, Ruby, and even Mrs. Glendoveer, she is frustrated with her life. Nobody from the neighborhood ever visits, and there are frightening birds that Mrs. Glendoveer adores living in the backyard aviary. Inquisitive Clara wishes she could go to school and play with the other children in Lockhaven. Unfortunately, she has an unspecified heart condition which causes her mother to be very overprotective. Thus, young Clara’s only true outlet is reading.

One day, while Clara is looking out the window, a young girl from the neighborhood waves to her. This girl, Daphne Aspinal, is the one person who wants to be friends with Clara. However, how can Clara be friends with someone when she isn’t even allowed to leave her home? Soon after this event, the birds in the aviary start to repeat the name “Elliot.” Who is Elliot? Clara soon finds out the answer to this question which starts her on a quest to unravel the truth of the Glendoveer family mystery.

The Aviary, written by Kathleen O’Dell, is an extremely fascinating middle grade novel. The mystery of the Glendoveer family is richly told with riveting details. Clara is a strong and sweet heroine, her friendship with Daphne is precious, and the story of the Glendoveer family is touching and engrossing. The Aviary is getting buzz as a Newbery contender for 2012, and I would recommend it to those of all ages who enjoy well-written and extraordinary youth literature!