Blackbird Fly

Apple, a 12 year old Filipina girl who moved to the U.S. with her mother after her father's death, ends up on her school’s "Dog Log," that features unattractive/undesirable girls. Being on the list alienates her from her popular friends and she plans to run away and survive by playing music and busking. The novel is suitable as a read aloud to stimulate conversation about social hierarchies, racism, bullying, friendship, and identity, as a topical literature circle selection, or as part of a classroom library. Middle school students may relate to the story and be able to identify with some of the feelings and situations depicted.