Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers [Paperback]

From the award-winning author of The First Rule of Punk comes the story of four kids who form an alternative Scout troop that shakes up their sleepy Florida town.

* Writing with wry restraint that's reminiscent of Kate DiCamillo... a beautiful tale. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

When three very different girls find a mysterious invitation to a lavish mansion, the promise of adventure and mischief is too intriguing to pass up. Ofelia Castillo (a budding journalist), Aster Douglas (a bookish foodie), and Cat Garcia (a rule-abiding birdwatcher) meet the kid behind the invite, Lane DiSanti, and it isn't love at first sight. But they soon bond over a shared mission to get the Floras, their local Scouts, to ditch an outdated tradition. In their quest for justice, independence, and an unforgettable summer, the girls form their own troop and find something they didn't know they needed: sisterhood.Praise and accolades for STRANGE BIRDS:

Washington Post Best Children's Books of 2019
An ALSC Notable Children's Book
Kirkus Best Children's Books of 2019
Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books of 2019
CSMCL's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019
A 2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List selection
Charlie May Simon Book Award
New Jersey Garden State Book Award
South Carolina Children's Book Award
South Dakota Children's Book Award


Strange Birds respects its readers’ intelligence and sophistication. Pérez’s charming story explores what is means to belong to a community while being willing to stage small but significant revolutions, all the while reveling in the joy of childhoodlS)