Plot Summary

Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech
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Chasing Redbird

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1997

Book Brief

Sharon Creech

Chasing Redbird

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kentucky • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

1997

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

790L

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Super Short Summary

Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech follows thirteen-year-old Zinnia “Zinny” Taylor, who clears a disused wilderness trail to cope with grief and guilt after her Aunt Jessie's sudden death. Zinny faces her internal struggles, discovers her path to self-acceptance, and navigates confusing romantic feelings for Jake Boone amidst her journey of healing in the Virginia mountains. The story addresses themes of death and loss.

Adventurous

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.4

13,480 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sharon Creech's Chasing Redbird captivates with its heartfelt exploration of grief and self-discovery. Readers praise the protagonist's relatable journey and the vivid, emotional narrative. However, some find the plot pacing uneven, especially for younger audiences. Overall, it's lauded for its depth and the engaging depiction of family and personal growth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Chasing Redbird?

A reader who would enjoy Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech likely appreciates coming-of-age stories with strong, introspective female protagonists. Fans of Walk Two Moons by Creech or Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson will find similar themes of self-discovery, family, and personal growth.

4.4

13,480 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Chasing Redbird was published in 1997 and was written by celebrated children's author Sharon Creech, who won the Newbery Medal in 1995 for her book Walk Two Moons.

Sharon Creech was inspired to write Chasing Redbird by her own childhood experiences of exploring the countryside, which influenced the novel's setting and themes of adventure and self-discovery.

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In Chasing Redbird, Creech weaves the natural landscape into the narrative, drawing on her background in teaching English in rural settings to create a vivid environment for the protagonist's journey.

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Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kentucky • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

1997

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

790L

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