Culture 1 Review - My Words Flew Away Like Birds

 

Bibliographic Information

Pearson, D. 2021. MY WORDS FLEW AWAY LIKE BIRDS. Ill by Shrija Jain. Canada: Kids Can Press. ISBN 978-1525303180

Plot Summary

A poetically told immigration story that fosters understanding and beautifully articulates how the desire to belong and the need for human connection are universal.

A little girl learns some words in a new language to prepare for her move to a new country. But when she, her mother and her father arrive, “all her words fly away like birds.” The girl waits, and watches, and listens, trying to figure things out. Only, it’s hard. Then one day the girl meets someone who needs her help. And as she makes a new friend, she finds that the new words start to come easier — becoming her words, at last.

Beautifully written in engaging and accessible free verse, this poignant story offers a powerful lesson in empathy for children everywhere. The story is inspired by the many newcomer families Debora Pearson has met in her work as a children’s librarian in a bustling urban center. Both timely and universal, it provides young children with an opportunity to expand their worldview and be inspired by how the heroine prevails and finds connection. Shrija Jain’s simple, whimsical illustrations add playfulness and warmth to the narrative. A perfect read-aloud, this sweet and sensitive picture book encourages all children to celebrate inclusion and highlights the character education traits of resilience, kindness and empathy. There are links here to social studies lessons on community, global awareness and cultural awareness.

Critical Analysis

My Words Flew Away Like Birds is the story of a young girl moving to a new place from another country. She is learning new words that are unfamiliar to her like "How do you do?" and "Nice to meet you." but instead hears "What's up?" and "Whatchadoing?". She doesn’t know how to communicate the way that others do, so she sees her “words fly away like birds”. She waits, watches, and learns how others around her communicate. When she is called the new girl, she is confused because she is the same girl she has always been. Eventually, she makes a friend and realizes that everything in this new place is going to be okay. The illustrations by Shrija Jain are beautiful. They are simple and colored with lovely pastels and add a playfulness and warmth to the narrative. 

My Words Flew Away Like Birds is a poetically told immigration story that fosters understanding and beautifully articulates how the desire to belong and the need for human connection are universal. This story offers a powerful lesson in empathy and how simply being kind can change someone's whole world. This sweet and sensitive picture book encourages all children to celebrate inclusion and highlights the character education traits of resilience, kindness and empathy. 

Awards Won & Review Excerpt(s)

*2023 Delaware Diamonds Award, Diamond State Reading Association, Short-Listed

*2022 Outstanding International Books List, USBBY, Joint Winner

“A frank and optimistic picture book about learning to live in a new language.” - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Jain contributes doodle-like pen and ink artwork ... in this approachable, empathic tale.” - Publishers Weekly

“... demonstrates the complexities and meanings found within language and how difficult that can be to understand.” - School Library Connection

“This picture book will also be a great resource for young children who have immigration experience as it allows them to see themselves and know that they are not alone.” - CM Magazine

Connections

*Illustrate "Lost Words" and "Found Words" - Students will draw a two-part picture showing what it might feel like to “lose” words in a new place and then gradually begin to “find” them again, just like the main character in the story. They can use symbols, faces, and colors to represent emotions and language.

*In small groups, students will act out a scene (like trying to ask to play or needing help) without using any spoken language. The class will discuss how body language, tone, and expression help us communicate when words are hard to find.

*Students will work together to create a class poster that says “Welcome” in as many different languages as they know or can find. They can add illustrations of open arms, smiling faces, or birds carrying kind words to show how language brings people together.