Silhouette of a Sparrow is an absolute treasure of a book. As a Minnesota native passionate about the 1920s, I instantly fell in love with this coming-of-age book.
Because of a polio epidemic, shy 16-year-old Garnet Richardson is sent to a lake resort to live with distant relatives for the summer. Her dreams of becoming an ornithologist and visiting the local amusement park change after she meets Isabella, an outgoing flapper. Instead of following her mother’s wish for her to get married, she struggles to find where her true love lies. Garnet’s entire summer is turned upside down as she transforms from a quiet girl to a rebellious woman.
Griffin writes an intriguing story with incredibly relatable characters. I only wish I had access to this book when I was figuring out my own sexuality. I believe many teenage girls will find this book as irresistible as I did.
Silhouette is suggested for any public library’s young adult section, especially one with a large teen population. Recommended for ages 13 years and older.
Reviewer: Talia Earle, MLIS Student
St. Catherine University, Minnesota
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