Charlie's Raven

by Jean Craighead George

Hardcover, 2004

Status

Available

Call number

GEORGE

Genres

Publication

Dutton Juvenile (2004), Edition: First Edition, 208 pages

Description

Charlie Carlisle's grandfather is ill. Charlie's friend, Singing Bird, a Teton Sioux, tells him that ravens have curing powers, so Charlie steals a baby bird from its nest. Granddad, a retired naturalist, encourages Charlie to record his observations of the bird and study the effect it has on humans. Charlie just hopes that the raven will make Granddad well.

User reviews

LibraryThing member hopeevey
Lovely story, but the writing was awkward.
LibraryThing member sleahey
When he spends the summer with his grandparents to help out, Charlie adopts a raven in an attempt to bring better luck and health to his ailing grandfather. Together they study the habits and communication of Blue Sky.
LibraryThing member ChazziFrazz
Charlie’s grandparents live on their ranch outside of Jackson, near Yellowstone, Charlie was living with them during the summer so he could be of help. His grandad was a retired naturalist who was well respected and known, but was no longer able to travel, hike and continue his nature studies due
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to age and illness.

Charlie had been told by his Teton Sioux classmate and neighbour, Singing Bird, that ravens could cure. He finally finds a nest and is able to capture a hatchling and bring it back to his grandad. He firmly believes the bird has curative powers.

His grandad tells Charlie that he needs to return it to the nest, as the birds are a protected species. When Charlie points out that his grandad can legally keep the bird for study purposes and Charlie proposes to study the bird and any relation that develops between human and bird contact, Grandad agrees to keeping it. He also gives Charlie the responsibility of taking detailed notes and that he will also need to write a report on the findings.

The book goes on to tell of the relationship between the bird and the relationship that develops between other ravens that live in the area. It is a good read in the style of the writing and the information regarding raven behaviour. Known to be a smart bird with problem solving skills and the ability to communicate, I found it interesting reading. Also learning about some of the Sioux customs and lore added to my enjoyment.
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Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2004

ISBN

0525472193 / 9780525472193

Barcode

11153
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