I thought that this book had great representation and I thought that it was really interesting. I think it's perfect for those who are interested in realistic fantasy, and it's something that I would recommend to the kids I work with.

"Black Bird, Blue Road" by Sofiya Pasternack is a captivating and emotionally resonant middle-grade novel that invites young readers to embark on a journey of family, identity, and the power of stories. Pasternack's storytelling prowess shines as she crafts a tale of resilience, adventure, and the exploration of historical mysteries. The book's relatable characters and poignant plot create an immersive reading experience that resonates with middle-grade audiences. Pasternack skillfully weaves together elements of historical fiction and magical realism, leading readers through a captivating narrative that reveals hidden truths. "Black Bird, Blue Road" is a heartwarming reminder that stories have the ability to connect generations and heal wounds, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and the appreciation for the magic that can be found in the pages of a book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced copy of this book.

This review redacted while HarperCollins workers are on strike. You can take these actions to help support the strike. Solidarity forever. Rated at a neutral three stars; real review will be up on my blog and edited here when HarperCollins' workers' demands are met.
- Donate to the strike fund <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQVJmjUPqTNlhtaMRPvfqZu0ElX7FyMXeYINqjXSkDTulqbw/viewform">here.
- Email peopleteam@harpercollins.com with your support.
- Boost their message on social media.
- Sign the open letter <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnCPzHMFs5bGjkV3hG7sekQYYrSVZGxha20hD1WMaWCvVlSQ/viewform?fbzx=-3133343821207724627">here</a>.

Very cute and great representation! I will be recommending it to all the middle schoolers I help who enjoy realistic fantasy.

A perfect book to release just before Rosh Hashanah!

Ziva bat Leah is on a journey to save her brother, Pesah from his fight with leprosy. Along the way they pick up a half-demon boy who promises to take them to a city that can cure all and save Pesah from certain death. There's just a the matter of fighting the Angel of Death himself.

Ziva is amazing character who absolutely won't take no for an answer and it's no surprise she's ready to fight Death with her bare hands and some rocks meant for skipping. Her devotion to her brother and her passion for doing the right thing was wonderful and Pesah brought a good balance to her fieriness. The scenes during the birthday party and right after had me laughing. A truly wonderful story that had me crying by the end, but crying at the end pretty much always means it was a wonderful book for me.

I absolutely adored Pasternack's, Anya and the Dragon, and was incredibly excited to read her newest book. There's a lack of Jewish fiction that doesn't center around the Holocaust and I wish I could have had Anya and Ziva as characters to read about when I was a kid. Pasternack does a great job creating a trio of characters and their own small little families that show how you can't judge a book by its cover.

Thank you to Net Galley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review!

I loved Pasternack's Anya and the Dragon series, so I was excited thatn ot only is there a new book from her, but that it's also just as amazing. This story is about Ziva and Pesah, twins who live in a well-off family and whose father is a judge. Pesah, however, has leprosy, and as a result has been largely isolated from the family to keep the disease from spreading. That doesn't stop Ziva, who is convinced she's the only one who can truly care for him properly. But, when Pesah starts getting worse and their Uncle suggests sending him to a leper colony, Ziva takes matters into her own hands, leaving their home with Pesah to go on a journey to find a cure. But, it's a race against time and Ziva may just have to confront the Angel of Death to save her brother. I enjoyed the sibling relationship between the twins, and Almas, the half-demon boy they meet along the way was an interesting addition to their group. There are some fantasy elements to the story, but it is largely about the journey and the sibling bond. The ending was surprising, yet satisfying, and I felt like the story was perfectly wrapped up by the end.