With thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for an early copy in return for an honest review.

This is the story of four kids who are dealing with personal struggles (bullies, transgender and nonbinary acceptance, family conflict). It seems that they are completely unconnected but through the power of sending out messages of hope and acceptance, their stories begin to overlap. A well-written and hopeful story reminding kids that they are not alone, even when it feels like you are completely alone.

I felt like this book was a little forced. I really liked the connection to each of the characters, but I would have liked a character to also have a joyful story. I don’t think books always have to show the negative aspect of life, but should also show joy. I liked that the characters learned to rely on friends and not always have to lean on their families.

This is such a heartwarming story of how one kind action can spiral and have such a positive impact on many people. I loved all four points of view in this story, the whole book was so enjoyable. Libby, Jack, Vincent and T are all complex characters with wonderful story arcs. Libby's idea of creating cute cards with happy messages to leave around for people who need them was amazing and to see how the four main characters were linked together by the end made me really happy. T's story in particular was quite hard hitting and I wanted nothing but the best for them, I would protect T with my life.

What starts as one story about one girl trying to step away from generations of being a bully, turns into tales about kindness and the power of caring. Libby is trying to be different from the rest of her family, and when she starts to send her art out into the world, it just seems like she can't stop....or that she can do anything right with her family. Yet, when her cards go to those that really need them at that time, each character realizes that they are not alone and all it takes is a positive thought to change their day.

Each time I pick up an Ann Braden book I am reminded of Anne Shirley and what she said about kindred spirits. She has a remarkable gift with words and it's a joy to climb into the worlds she creates. Like Libby, I just want to send her a postcard and let her know how much goodness she sends out into the world each time she gifts us with a new book.

Flight of the Puffin focuses on four young main characters as they face challenges in their own worlds. Like a master craftsman, Braden weaves their four lives together. Libby, who needs things to vastly change for her peace of mind, Jack, who has had too much change in the last year and needs some constancy, Vincent, who holds fast to who he is and refuses to change to make things easier for others, and T who desperately needs the attitudes of those they love to change.

This is a book perfect for a read aloud. It will be the last book I will read my class this year. In a time of so much uncertainty, to know that they each have an impact on and are connected to one another: it's a message they need to hear.

Flight of the Puffin carries two big messages: it’s okay to be who you are and you’re not alone. I loved that one small act of kindness brought 4 kids together, even though they were on 2 different coasts. The parents were relatable and Libby is an inspiration, so was Jack and Vincent and T.

All it takes is a single postcard. That postcard from a stranger to show four kids they have more in common that they know. Each of them is dealing with their own struggles and feeling alone. When a simple gesture changes everything. A beautiful book filled with messages of hope and love that shows a little goes a long way.

Right off the bat, Libby's narration had a strong You're Welcome Universe vibe with a strong emphasis on the importance of art. Libby's narration was my favorite because her passion for art and yearning to not be like her family were so prominent. I loved that we as readers were given insight into the words that hurt her and her own moral dilemmas. There was a lot of internal conflict with Libby that is a great representation about the power our words have, even when just comparing one to a family member.
Vincent and Jack's narrations broke my heart. Jack was a great representation of grief and Vincent's story highlighted the impact of bullying. I cried every time I read about Jack's past and the blame he placed on himself. I think his story will benefit so many children who read this book. Likewise, I cried reading about Vincent's experiences at school. I grew angry at the lack of teacher intervention. I grew angry at the blatant bullying for no reason (which is really all bullying, isn't it).
While I loved the entire book, however, it was the end that truly solidified the story for me. It was such a powerful ending, and yes, I did indeed bawl. It was absolutely a beautiful ending that made me want to write my own stack of index cards. Honestly, I think I'll have my students write a stack, too. I still cannot come to terms with how perfect this ending was. It was a stunning, stunning novel!
Honestly, the only complaint I have is that I don't know whether or not it can classify as an LGBTQ+ book. I think the issue of gender-neutral bathrooms is, unfortunately, still prominent; however, it didn't seem like the main focus of this novel. The debate about gender-neutral bathrooms did all tie together well with the other story, and I think it creates a positive think piece, I'm just not sure how to classify the novel as a whole. I can't put my finger on why exactly, though. Nevertheless, Braden approached the topic with great sensitivity and respect. I'm hoping it starts conversations among readers that lead to a more positive change in the future.

Over the past several years I have felt such dread as the world has seemed to turn into a less welcoming space. And then I look at the children and teens who surround me and I can’t help but feel we are in good hands if we are brave enough to allow them to shape things in the direction their heart leads them.

This story about connecting and love, sending out that connection and love to others, and growing in our understanding before staking our mark in the sand makes for a better more compassionate world. And isn’t that a world we should all prefer to live in?

There were so many excerpts from this book I wrote down to remember about change and how when it benefits us, we are okay with it, but when it benefits others more, are we less accepting of that change?

Grateful to author Ann Braden and Nancy Paulsen for an early copy of this book and for sharing this necessary message with the world.

When I get the feeling I don’t want a book to end I know I have to push through because it’ll be worth it! I loved this book! Ann has a gift for bringing real situations to the light and making people feel connected. You will relate to one or more of the characters. It will make you think about one or more of the students you’ve encountered and often still think about. This book is a great reminder that our small acts of kindness spread to others whether we can see it or not. Praying for every child overcoming life challenges and every adult still affected by the choices of others. You Matter

Explores issues of transgender from 4 different perspective that intersect in the end. I enjoyed the seamless connection of stories. The author allows you to get connected with the characters and their story before exploring their issues.

Libby, Jack, Vincent, T, such lovely characters. Each going through their own thing but brought together by a note and by learning how to just be themselves. I liked how each character had their own voice and I liked the description of the art and imagery in this story. It really brought it to life.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

I am super impressed with the writing in this book. The characters, the storyline, the complex challenges the characters faced. Ann Braden handled it all with grace and left my heart full of hope. This book belongs in classrooms and libraries everywhere!

Oh, my goodness. Such a sweet book. I adored the message, which wasn't didactic or overwrought. If kids can get it, why can't adults? I just love that Libby, the daughter of a dad who is STILL a bully in his hometown, wants to bring kindness to others. Her index cards with uplifting messages find their way to lots of other people who need them. The other 3 children's stories come together in such a wonderful way and show that any act of kindness is never wasted. Beautiful and just what this world needs.

After reading “The Benefits of Being an Octopus” I knew I had to read more from Ann Braden. “Flight of the Puffin” did not dissappoint! Written in alternating voices, this story weaves Libby, Vincent, Jack and T’s stories together. Through a series of events in their lives, each kid is looking to be accepted for who they are and learning to accept those around them. This is an incredibly well written story that weaves all four of their lives together started by one small act of kindness. An easy read that does a great job with kindness, acceptance and learning to be comfortable with who you are.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy!

Flight of the Puffin had my heart from the first word. With the introduction of the four characters, we learn crucial information about each one except T who is left to be vague almost in the corner. However, this novel's formatting builds these characters and their true-to-life relationships so that the reader feels an integral part of their lives. This book is a breath of fresh air that is needed today. It is honest and kind and guides us to want to be the same. It is a must-read by all!

Every once in a while a book comes around that you know can have a big impact upon its readers. This is one such book. It will leave readers changed, for the better. Flight Of The Puffin packs a lot of emotion into a short middle grades novel. Four unrelated characters become connected through one simple act of kindness. Important questions about family, grief, identity, and community are all brought up in a way that middle-grade readers will understand. Highly recommended for individual and library purchases. Feed to students who enjoyed Braden’s first novel, The Benefits of Being an Octopus, and fans of stories like R.J. Palacio’s Wonder.

I like the interconnecting of the four characters, each of whom had a great voice (although T was not anywhere near as developed as the other three). As with her previous book, the writing is lovely but it didn't bring out the intense emotion I experienced with The Benefits of Being an Octopus. I appreciate the complex characterizations - are Jack, Jack's father, and Libby's father good guys or bad guys? What about the woman from the board of education? We think we know who they are when first meeting them but further exploration leads to more questioning. And, of course, there's a heavy focus on puffins which can never go wrong.

Every kid will find a character to connect to. I enjoyed each character's perspective individually, but felt the way Braden was able to pull the voices together into a cohesive story was done masterfully.

Oh my goodness. Go out and get this book! I'm sitting here in the afterglow of Puffins. I love these very real and authentic middle grade characters and see them all around me. I'll hold on to them forever, each unique and beautiful. They are my students, they are my daughters, they are my kids' friends. They are loss and beauty and glitter and sunshine.

This book is deeply grounded in Vermont, in families struggling, in real divides and disconnects and loss we all face, yet also power and meaning and connection in action, in all the ways we all can make a difference in the lives of others. Also, the power to change your mind when you have more information. YES. I plan on reading this aloud to my fifth graders next, and then embarking on our own notecard art brigade. We will strike power poses like Vincent and T. We will honor triangles and puffins and each other.