A Bird, A Girl, and a Rescue is the second book in the fictional series, The Rwendigo Tales. Designed for eight- to fourteen-year-old youth, this adventure novel is written for children and teens who love reading and learning about faraway and different parts of the world, while relating to characters and issues that seem much closer to home.
Eleven-year-old Kiisa has no idea why her parents would send her away to boarding school. She wonders why they can't all stay together in their beautiful African valley home. But no matter what she says, they are firm: she must go, and she must go to this school.
As she says a tearful goodbye to her father, he whispers, "For such a time as this. . . . Remember that phrase, and try to open your trunk soon. You'll find something unexpected inside." When Kiisa opens the trunk, she is astonished to find a small heap of black-and-white feathers that quickly unfold into a little bird, a wagtail to be exact.
Her surprise only deepens when the bird starts to speak, "My name is Njili. I am one of the messengers, though a small one. I have been sent to assist you with the Rescue." Kiisa has no idea what she means, but she will soon find out.
Join Kiisa on the adventure of a lifetime—a dangerous rescue mission that includes rebels, stolen girls, illegal logging, a hungry cobra, and more messengers who help in unexpected ways. Kiisa sets out to rescue others but finds herself rescued from fear and bitterness as she learns that bravery is nothing more (or less) than being in the right place at the right time and taking action despite her fears.
This page-turning story is an adventure that children, young adults, and even full-grown adults will not be able to put down. A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue creatively and convincingly explores universal themes such as family, forgiveness, bullying, and courage by blending magical realism and compelling storytelling.
Written by a long-time medical missionary to Africa and featuring realistic pen and ink illustrations, it draws first-world readers into another (equally real) world—where young girls are captured by rebel soldiers, terrorism is a way of life, and environmental resources are exploited without a second thought. As Myhre's characters deal with these real-life issues in the news, readers of all ages will gain a deeper interest in global human concerns.
"A children's book is a gem if it enables a child to journey into a bigger world, and it's a prize if it woos an adult to return to being a child. This book is an enthralling story that weaves myth, fantasy, and harsh truth about living in the world while also conveying what it means to become a person of character in a hostile terrain. As the father of two girls and two granddaughters, I am especially happy to have a story that magnifies the resilience, courage, savvy, and playfulness of a girl who embodies what it means to grow in wisdom. I love this story and can't wait to read this prize to my grandchildren."
Dan B. Allender, Professor of Counseling Psychology and Founding President, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology
"Much of the beauty of fiction is its unique ability to transport us to places we have never been so we can enjoy experiences through the eyes, hands, and minds of fictional characters. J. A. Myhre's novels invite boys and girls to embark on distinctly African adventures that are as exciting as they are instructive. I think your children—and perhaps also their parents—will love them."
Tim Challies, Author; blogger
"A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue by Jennifer Myhre captures life in an African school in vivid detail. A mysterious bird befriends Kiisa, the new girl in school, when she feels most alone. More than just a story about school and soccer and adventure, the book also explores universal themes such as self-confidence, standing up for friends, and forgiveness. Worth reading for parents and kids alike."
Shel Arensen, Editor of Old Africa magazine; author of nine children's books
"Jennifer Myhre's grasp of God's grace and gift of writing are a marriage made in heaven. A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue—the second entry in The Rwendigo Tales series—is a feast of imagination-fueling, heart-engaging gospel storytelling. If Jennifer's original audience was children and teenagers, then I'm not as old as my birth certificate indicates. I'll recommend this book to friends of every age. Thank you, my sister, for giving us an honest, formula-free reflection on the gospel of the kingdom, birthed from your own tears, journey, and hope-filled heart."
Scotty Smith, Teacher in Residence, West End Community Church, Nashville, TN
"Dr. Jennifer Myhre's stories are birthed from the African outpost where her husband and family have shared their lives, skills, and hearts for the cause of the Christ. Each account, written so her own family would embrace and rejoice in the power of the gospel, is told in engaging narrative fiction but also rings true with deep knowledge of the African experience and biblical hope for all nations."
Bryan Chapell, Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, IL
"Kids love adventure stories. A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue will have them begging you to read the next chapter, and each one seemed to hold a surprise—a great family bedtime story."
Marty Machowski, Family Pastor; author of The Ology, The Gospel Story Bible, Long Story Short, and other gospel-rich resources for families
"Having lived and worked in rural Africa for many years, I appreciate Jennifer's poignant use of allegory to draw the reader into the wonder, beauty, and sadness of life experienced by Kiisa. With vivid detail, you are quickly drawn into and captivated by Kiisa's adventures. Don't be fooled to think this is just a nice children's book—it is a powerful read for anyone at any age."
Bob Osborne, Executive Director, Serge
"The geography, tumult, and humanity of Africa loom large in this second installment in J. A. Myhre's The Rwendigo Tales. Myhre ably brings to life for young adult readers the wild wonder of the continent, and so much more. As the reluctant boarding schoolgirl Kiisa takes a leap of faith, we join in her breathless rescue involving sacrifice and reconciliation—plus one fearless monkey."
Mindy Belz, Senior Editor, World magazine; author of They Say We Are Infidels
"After reading A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest, I was eagerly anticipating, and then very excited to see, the arrival of A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue. Here is another delightful tale from Jennifer Myhre, full of adventure, surprise, and a wonderfully compelling picture of emerging friendship. There is plenty of excitement here to keep our full attention as we witness the awakening of bravery and the beauty of selflessness. A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue both captivates and teaches. Find a cozy chair and enjoy!"
Mike Bullmore, Senior Pastor, CrossWay Community Church, Bristol, Wisconsin
"Another delightful, gospel-tinged story from Jennifer Myhre. Her storytelling is enchanting. You won't be disappointed!"
Paul E. Miller, Author of A Praying Life and A Loving Life
"Myhre's delightful and fast-paced story brings readers to the unfamiliar to explore the familiar. It is spiritual without being religious and important without being self-important. Myhre offers in both Kiisa and her father, Mugisa, compelling characters who model courage and humility and make us care about them and their choices. What happens in the story really matters (at many levels). This work of magical, spiritual realism is true in the most important sense of that word."
Matthew Dickerson, Author of the medieval historical novel The Rood and the Torc: The Song of Kristinge, Son of Finn and the fantasy novel The Gifted: Volume 1 of the Daegmon War, as well as numerous works about fantasy literature and ecology
As an adult, I enjoyed this book very much. I can imagine that I would have enjoyed it 10-15 years ago just as much. There are not a lot of books out there for children to read about something so different and interesting as an African girl going to boarding school in an underprivileged area with the threat of violent rebels nearby. But to also include fantastical features such as talking animals who appear as messengers to offer help in times of trouble makes this short novel what it is - a game-changer in children's chapter books. There is diversity that is hard to find in this level of reading, which can offer comfort to boys and girls of color. I think that it's just as important for white children to be introduced to other cultures and shown how the children of those cultures can struggle with the same problems, such as bullying and being different. J.A. Myhre has done a great job at that by incorporating the language of the land and descriptions of how life is, but also with the plot showing how Kiisa must learn to accept people for who they are, not where they come from. She must also learn forgiveness for a bully that has tormented her all year. There is adventure, sports, friendship, and a bit of the supernatural that teaches the lessons that God teaches us in His Word. I would recommend this to any young girl or boy who is interested in reading about another world, but not just one in fantasy. One that can be visited and experienced here and now. I will definitely be offering this book to my daughter when she's old enough.
As an adult, I enjoyed this book very much. I can imagine that I would have enjoyed it 10-15 years ago just as much. There are not a lot of books out there for children to read about something so different and interesting as an African girl going to boarding school in an underprivileged area with the threat of violent rebels nearby. But to also include fantastical features such as talking animals who appear as messengers to offer help in times of trouble makes this short novel what it is - a game-changer in children's chapter books. There is diversity that is hard to find in this level of reading, which can offer comfort to boys and girls of color. I think that it's just as important for white children to be introduced to other cultures and shown how the children of those cultures can struggle with the same problems, such as bullying and being different. J.A. Myhre has done a great job at that by incorporating the language of the land and descriptions of how life is, but also with the plot showing how Kiisa must learn to accept people for who they are, not where they come from. She must also learn forgiveness for a bully that has tormented her all year. There is adventure, sports, friendship, and a bit of the supernatural that teaches the lessons that God teaches us in His Word. I would recommend this to any young girl or boy who is interested in reading about another world, but not just one in fantasy. One that can be visited and experienced here and now. I will definitely be offering this book to my daughter when she's old enough.
Here’s a children’s book that will be loved in any Christian home. The plot is set in Africa and has the unique thrills of that continent. The author, J. A. Myhre, is a doctor in Africa. Her 20 years in Africa makes her able to visualize accurately situations there. The stories here began as stories for her own children and it’s a blessing that they are available for children everywhere. The story transports us to the life of an amazing girl named Kiisa. She is dropped by her father at a school where she feels out of place and has to take a stand to do right and suffers for it. A little bird befriends her and encourages her. Later, the story becomes riveting when the school is attacked. What Kiisa does makes the story ( I don’t want to give away the plot!). Beyond the gripping nature of the story itself is the description of the unsugarcoated nature of evil in our world and the right kind of courage in its presence. This story challenges our children to be righteously courageous in our world. I recommend it.
In this captivating novel, Kiisa, an eleven-year-old girl, finds herself in boarding school. The transition is a difficult one for her, but it is also filled with wonder, as she discovers a talking bird in her trunk among her things. This Messenger, Njili, relays news from home but also hints of a "rescue," and of interesting events to come. Kiisa learns to navigate the new world of the school and begins coming into her own as a young woman, but events are turned upside down when rebels attack. And this gives Kiisa a new chance to seize the opportunities she is given to make a difference. Events hurtle to a compelling and action-packed conclusion. My boys and I loved reading this novel. It was a great read-aloud book. I especially appreciated the immersion in East African culture (I'm assuming, based on the author's background, that it is quite authentic, since I don't have a first-hand way of judging), and enjoyed opening up my kids' eyes to other ways of life. The story is also filled with fascinating tinges of Christianity that come across as authentic and can stimulate further discussion. And the story was just a lot of fun. We haven't read the first book in the series yet (we most definitely will be doing so soon!), and it isn't required background for this book, though there are a few allusions to the earlier story. In all, this is a great book. My boys (nine and six) all loved it and gave it two thumbs up. The language was often a stretch for the six-year-old, but he was still able to follow along, and my nine-year-olds were fully immersed in the action. I've no doubt they'll read this book on their own in the coming years.
Here’s a children’s book that will be loved in any Christian home. The plot is set in Africa and has the unique thrills of that continent. The author, J. A. Myhre, is a doctor in Africa. Her 20 years in Africa makes her able to visualize accurately situations there. The stories here began as stories for her own children and it’s a blessing that they are available for children everywhere. The story transports us to the life of an amazing girl named Kiisa. She is dropped by her father at a school where she feels out of place and has to take a stand to do right and suffers for it. A little bird befriends her and encourages her. Later, the story becomes riveting when the school is attacked. What Kiisa does makes the story ( I don’t want to give away the plot!). Beyond the gripping nature of the story itself is the description of the unsugarcoated nature of evil in our world and the right kind of courage in its presence. This story challenges our children to be righteously courageous in our world. I recommend it.
In this captivating novel, Kiisa, an eleven-year-old girl, finds herself in boarding school. The transition is a difficult one for her, but it is also filled with wonder, as she discovers a talking bird in her trunk among her things. This Messenger, Njili, relays news from home but also hints of a "rescue," and of interesting events to come. Kiisa learns to navigate the new world of the school and begins coming into her own as a young woman, but events are turned upside down when rebels attack. And this gives Kiisa a new chance to seize the opportunities she is given to make a difference. Events hurtle to a compelling and action-packed conclusion. My boys and I loved reading this novel. It was a great read-aloud book. I especially appreciated the immersion in East African culture (I'm assuming, based on the author's background, that it is quite authentic, since I don't have a first-hand way of judging), and enjoyed opening up my kids' eyes to other ways of life. The story is also filled with fascinating tinges of Christianity that come across as authentic and can stimulate further discussion. And the story was just a lot of fun. We haven't read the first book in the series yet (we most definitely will be doing so soon!), and it isn't required background for this book, though there are a few allusions to the earlier story. In all, this is a great book. My boys (nine and six) all loved it and gave it two thumbs up. The language was often a stretch for the six-year-old, but he was still able to follow along, and my nine-year-olds were fully immersed in the action. I've no doubt they'll read this book on their own in the coming years.
The folks at New Growth Press have been really impressive lately with their new books for adults, so it was with great joy and delight that I got to read "A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue" by Dr. J.A. Myhre. This book is the second in a series called "The Rwendigo Tales". After reading this action-packed story, I look forward to reading Myhre's first book in the series called "A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest". "A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue" is a thrilling book that will take children (and their parents) on a wild, gospel-laden rescue mission deep in the wilderness of the Rwendigo Mountain range in Africa. Kiisa, the story's main character, is a young girl with a grandiose task at hand. As she navigates the challenges of moving away from home, making new friends, dealing with bullies, and battling her struggles with school, Kiisa finds out that she did not end up at the school by accident. Her father's parting words, “For such a time as this" would mean much more to her in a few short weeks after her first day at school. She and her bird, Njili, would find themselves on a rescue mission which would be a monumental task for any adult, and yet she is only 11 years old. Her bravery, wit, and resilience make Kiisa an admirable young lady, but she exhibits even deeper and more exemplary character traits as the story moves along. "A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue" carries with it numerous aspects of the Christian life and the Gospel. Elements such as selflessness, sacrifice, forgiveness, and mercy pervade this entire story. Discussions about messengers from "the people of the wounded heel” who will “crush the enemy Abbadon ( a cobra)", and the other helpers who sometimes take mortal form to fight the Enemy give children some biblical context clues to remind them of biblical themes. Myhre does an excellent job of weaving biblical theme in and out of the unfolding drama, and these themes will provide excellent teaching points for parents and children as they read through this story together. This story has some realistic themes which will be important for shaping the worldview of its readers. There are discussions of deforestation and the environmental impacts of illegal logging. The brutal reality of child kidnapping enters the story as African rebels attempt to steal girls known by Kiisa. "A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue" presents the truly fearful situation many African children find themselves in on a daily basis. For some, this may be considered too intense or unnecessary for a children’s book, but Myhre felt that it was important for these realities to be portrayed in her writing, and I am thankful that she did. As 21st century Americans, our children need to see that all of the world isn’t like the United States. They need to see the injustices that take place around the globe and develop a biblical worldview which seeks to bring the gospel and justice to children like Kiisa and her friends. "A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue" was written first and foremost to J.A. Myhre's own children as a Christmas present. This makes her writing personal and deeply impactful. Myhre is telling the story which became her reality as she moved to Africa to help children, and she does an excellent job of taking that story to the world. Myhre truly lives to help children like Kiisa as she gives away half of the royalties of this book toward a fund to help orphans in Africa rise above the life circumstances to rewrite the stories of their lives.
The folks at New Growth Press have been really impressive lately with their new books for adults, so it was with great joy and delight that I got to read "A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue" by Dr. J.A. Myhre. This book is the second in a series called "The Rwendigo Tales". After reading this action-packed story, I look forward to reading Myhre's first book in the series called "A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest". "A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue" is a thrilling book that will take children (and their parents) on a wild, gospel-laden rescue mission deep in the wilderness of the Rwendigo Mountain range in Africa. Kiisa, the story's main character, is a young girl with a grandiose task at hand. As she navigates the challenges of moving away from home, making new friends, dealing with bullies, and battling her struggles with school, Kiisa finds out that she did not end up at the school by accident. Her father's parting words, “For such a time as this" would mean much more to her in a few short weeks after her first day at school. She and her bird, Njili, would find themselves on a rescue mission which would be a monumental task for any adult, and yet she is only 11 years old. Her bravery, wit, and resilience make Kiisa an admirable young lady, but she exhibits even deeper and more exemplary character traits as the story moves along. "A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue" carries with it numerous aspects of the Christian life and the Gospel. Elements such as selflessness, sacrifice, forgiveness, and mercy pervade this entire story. Discussions about messengers from "the people of the wounded heel” who will “crush the enemy Abbadon ( a cobra)", and the other helpers who sometimes take mortal form to fight the Enemy give children some biblical context clues to remind them of biblical themes. Myhre does an excellent job of weaving biblical theme in and out of the unfolding drama, and these themes will provide excellent teaching points for parents and children as they read through this story together. This story has some realistic themes which will be important for shaping the worldview of its readers. There are discussions of deforestation and the environmental impacts of illegal logging. The brutal reality of child kidnapping enters the story as African rebels attempt to steal girls known by Kiisa. "A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue" presents the truly fearful situation many African children find themselves in on a daily basis. For some, this may be considered too intense or unnecessary for a children’s book, but Myhre felt that it was important for these realities to be portrayed in her writing, and I am thankful that she did. As 21st century Americans, our children need to see that all of the world isn’t like the United States. They need to see the injustices that take place around the globe and develop a biblical worldview which seeks to bring the gospel and justice to children like Kiisa and her friends. "A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue" was written first and foremost to J.A. Myhre's own children as a Christmas present. This makes her writing personal and deeply impactful. Myhre is telling the story which became her reality as she moved to Africa to help children, and she does an excellent job of taking that story to the world. Myhre truly lives to help children like Kiisa as she gives away half of the royalties of this book toward a fund to help orphans in Africa rise above the life circumstances to rewrite the stories of their lives.
Good lead character. Good story for young teen girl.
A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue by J. A. Myhre is a middle grade fiction novel, which focuses on Kiisa, a clever and courageous 11-year-old girl. The story is set against an enchanting African backdrop. Summary: When Kiisa is sent to boarding school, little does she know the adventure that awaits her. After opening a trunk her father gave her, Kiisa finds a magical wagtail bird named Njili…and together, Kiisa and Njili end up on a rescue mission involving African rebels, stolen girls, illegal logging, and a dangerous cobra. The novel is very well-written, and Myhre is a natural storyteller. It is definitely a page-turner! The book also features occasional illustrations by Acacia Masso, as well as a helpful glossary of terms from the Luwendigo dialect. A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue is a story that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, which is often rare to find.