Canadian Children's Book News, Without lecturing and through excellent use of narrative, this author renders the reader to be Ruby Jean. McMurchy-Barber uses some of her experiences with her sister with Down syndrome to assist her in finding voice for this must-tell story.' - Bloom magazine, A powerful and intense story about how recently our society considered some children to be worthless and expendable and a reminder that this is still the the case in many places. And through this exquisite experience, empathy and understanding flourish. highly recommended for mature young readers., 'Without lecturing and through excellent use of narrative, this author renders the reader to be Ruby Jean.

Vancouver Sun, brings a sense of empathy and compassion to the storytelling.

There's brightness at the end, but getting there is grim.'. What If? Magazine, 'As a tale of privation, Free as a Bird reads like Janet Fitch's novel White Oleander, but for young people. Lessons of hope, perseverance and self-restraint are told by someone who was simply en retard. Lessons of hope, perseverance and self-restraint are told by someone who was simply en retard., Ruby Jeans unique voice coupled with the hardships thrown her way make for a poignant novel. , Ruby Jean s unique voice coupled with the hardships thrown her way make for a poignant novel.

Lessons of hope, perseverance and self-restraint are told by someone who was simply en retard., Ruby Jean's unique voice coupled with the hardships thrown her way make for a poignant novel. A powerful and intense story about how recently our society considered some children to be worthless and expendable and a reminder that this is still the the case in many places., Ruby Jeans unique voice coupled with the hardships thrown her way make for a poignant novel.

Free as a Bird by Gina McMurchy-Barber