What I’m Reading: Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose

Blue Birds give us a vividly imagined account of the historic arrival of a British ship on Roanoke island in 1587 as told by two girls who record their steps toward and away from each other. Most often we get a few poems from one girl before switching point of view – just enough time so the change isn’t jarring, but not changing so often we feel torn. Both Alis and Kimi are struggling with loss while keeping alive curiosity and longing for more. One girl is angrier than the other, and we see the push-pull of her need. It’s a beautiful evocation not only of friendship, but really of first love: Caroline Starr Rose gives their growing bond that much respect.

The different backgrounds — Alis from London, Kimi native to Roanoke– are woven into their thoughts, but never take over. The author seems certain enough of her research to let most of it go. Blue Birds is a story of two people, alike and unalike, finding each other and themselves against land claims and fighting as twelve year olds seem likely to view such. They are bystanders to political decisions, but they form opinions, and step in to make change in wholly believable ways. One is the simple use of the word, “Go!” which changes everything. That two-letter word powerfully reappears at the end of the book, a refrain underscoring the poetry, much like the wooden bird that holds a memory for Alis and is seen as a montoac or powerful talisman by Kimi. It’s fitting that this object is the title, for memory and power come together in this remarkable verse novel.

This post is part of a week-long celebration in honor of the book Blue Birds. Author Caroline Starr Rose is giving away a downloadable PDF of this beautiful Blue Birds quote (created by Annie Barnett of Be Small Studios) for anyone who pre-orders the book from January 12-19. Simply click through to order from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, IndieBound, or Powell’s, then email a copy of your receipt to caroline@carolinestarrrose.com by Monday, January 19. PDFs will be sent out January 20.

For more Poetry Friday posts, please visit:  Irene Latham at Live Your Poem.