Parents send their teen to wilderness therapy to combat drug use. She learned new skills to cope without drugs and to be self-sufficient in the wilderness. Beautiful journey of her growth.

This book was a 2018 Texas Lone Star Book. Teens and teachers loved this book, and they generally tend to love all books published by Van Draanen. Wren is a troubled teen. She finds herself swept away to a survival camp in the middle of the desert in Utah. Wren doesn't know it, but her life is about to change. We get to experience, through Wren's journey, the powerful transformation from bad decisions, days of loneliness, self-destructive behaviors, and profound bitterness to self-acceptance, courage, and physical and mental strength. Wild Bird brings about a multitude of emotions for the reader, but it's a ride you won't regret.

Great book. I really enjoyed reading about Wren's struggles and how she knows she's not in the same position as most of these other girls, but it's still a hard place to be. Love her relationship with her little brother too.

The Marvelous Site has chosen WILD BIRD by Wendelin Van Draanen as its MARVELOUS YOUNG ADULT NOVEL OF THE MONTH for February 2018. The book review below is a reviewaka based on an ancient Japanese poetry form. (To read more about how to read/write a reviewaka, you can go to http://www.themarveloussite.com/quick-guide-to-reading-a.html)

Wild Bird
by Wendelin Van Draanen
c2017

she’s hit rock bottom:
drastic measures will force her
to reach for her strength

desert survival story
of second chances and more

MM

Loved this. See my book trailer on my blog.

Rehab and reconciliation stories are nothing new. Authors love exploring the roots of addiction. This is a decent one. I liked the survival elements, hackneyed though they may be. The plot is relatively predictable but that makes it easy to read rather than tiresome. In the long run, though, it's reflective rather than reactive which limits it's appeal.

I am unable to provide a review at this time. Unfortunately, I DNFed this book in the first 18%. It just didn't hold my attention. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Wonderful book that had me remembering my angsty teen years. I could see myself in so many of Wren's mistakes. Great book about discovering yourself and where things went wrong. Also how to apply the tools to become the person you were meant to be.

I LOVE Wendelin Van Draanen especially The Running Dream. Wild Bird did not disappoint. It was amazing, full of self discovery, growth and more. A great book.

I really enjoyed this book. this would be a great read for junior high students to start learning about what drugs&alcohol can lead to, even in young teens. I felt for Wren and enjoyed reading about her journey, heartbreak and triumphs.
thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book as an ARC.

This was a believable transformation by Wren from angry and resentful to really looking at herself and the things she had done. I want to know more of her story to see if she succeeds after coming home.

wow this book was interesting and dealing with friends and being in a place to get better from drugs. This is one girls journey to finding herself while camping in the desert and dealing with others. I loved the different ways that she grew in the story and with her family. Seriously I finished last night and still thinking over this book.

This is the best book I've read in a while. Heartbreaking and heart-mending. I loved Wren's story - a true coming of age - and ALL of the supporting characters of her family, as well as her desert family.