
A Secret Shared
Patricia MacLachlan, Author
Katherine Tegen Books, Fiction, Sep. 28, 2022
Suitable for ages: 8-12
Themes: Secrets, Family relationships, Love, Adoption
Book Jacket Synopsis:
Nora and Ben’s younger sister Birdy loves to keep secrets. She surprises her family more than once. She hides a kitten in her room. She writes a beautiful poem. One day Birdy watches her mother spit into a tube, ready to send it off to find out more about herself and where her family came from. Birdy spits into another tube, when no one sees her, and slips it into the envelope.
But when the test results come back, there is a surprise. Nora happens to see a second letter in the discarded envelope about Birdy. She discovers Birdy is seemingly not related to Nora and Ben’s parents. But if she is adopted, how could that have happened without the children knowing?
Nora and Ben must learn when to keep a secret, and who to go to for help—and eventually, how to solve this secret for the entire family.
Why I like A Secret Shared:
When I find a new novel written by master storyteller Patricia MacLachlan, I’m excited to curl up with what I know will be a touching and comforting book. With her short and simple sentences, MacLachlan conveys an intimate and loving family devoted to one another. The plot is engaging and the pacing is perfect for readers with just the right amount of tension.
Nora narrates the story, so readers will feel her shock and confusion when she discovers Birdy isn’t her biological sister. How could this be? How could she and Ben not know? MacLachlan offers readers an opportunity to see the DNA isn’t what makes up a family, it’s unconditional love and honesty.
All of the characters are unique and memorable. Mom is a columnist and poet. Dad is an artist and a professor. They encourage their children to express themselves. The entire family is joyful. Even though there is a secret, the real emphasis is on how beautifully the family deals with it together. And, because they are okay with it, so is Birdy. As a parent of two adoptive children, Birdy’s reaction put a smile on my face.
Patricia MacLachlan is the celebrated author of many timeless novels for young readers, including Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall; Word After Word After Word; Kindred Souls; The Truth of Me; The Poet’s Dog; and My Father’s Words. She is also the author of countless beloved picture books, a number of which she cowrote with her daughter, Emily. She lives in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.
Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
*Reviewed from a library copy.
Sounds like an interesting story. Great review, Pat!
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Oh, I love family secrets novels, Patricia! How did you get a Sept 22 book from the library? Thanks for sharing this family secrets myste ry.
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I’ve read many of Patricia MacLachlan’s books but not this one yet. The plot sounds like it is laid out perfectly to shine a light on adoption and its positive outcomes. I’ll be reading this one for sure. Thanks for being a part of MMGM again this week.
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I’m always excited to find out about a new Patricia MacLachlan book too! Her language is so beautiful and evoking. I’m looking forward to seeing her timeless-quality writing address this story with a 21st-century angle.
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I too love Patricia MacLachlan´s books. This one looks wonderful with the whole adoption issue covered. The characters sound wonderful.
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I have loved everything I’ve read by MacLachlan, so I will be looking for this book. I think the cover is lovely, and the story sounds lovely as well. Thanks for telling me about it.
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As everyone else has said, MacLachian is a marvelous author. I’ll have to add this to my TBR list too. Thank you!
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This sounds like a gorgeous book. I especially love what you said here: ‘DNA isn’t what makes up a family, it’s unconditional love and honesty.’ That’s so true and I wish more families remembered it.
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This sounds like a fantastic story. And I love what you said about families that Norah quoted. As an adoptive mom, I know how true that is.
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I can’t wait to read this new Patricia MacLachlan book!
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I hadn’t heard of Patricia MacLachlan before your review but I will be watching out for her now! The book sounds great! Thanks!
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