Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets

Sixteen-year-old James Whitman has been yawping (a la Whitman) at his abusive father ever since he kicked his older sister out of the house. James’s painful struggle with anxiety and depression – along with his ongoing quest to understand what led to his sister’s exile – make for a heart-rending read, but his wild, exuberant Whitmanization of the world and keen sense of humour keep this emotionally charged novel buoyant. A Morris Award Honor Book.