USA TODAY BESTSELLER - A poignant and heartwarming coming-of-age novel that captures the moment of learning to spread your wings in a way you'll never forget--from the award-winning author of Song for a Whale.

"Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about curious kids and nature's wonders."--TIME for Kids

Nina is used to feeling like the odd one out, both at school and in her large family. But while trying to fit in at summer camp, she discovers something even more peculiar: two majestic birds have built a nest in the marsh behind an abandoned infirmary. They appear to be whooping cranes, but that's impossible--Nina is an amateur bird-watcher, and all her resources tell her that those rare birds haven't nested in Texas for over a hundred years.

When Nina reports the sighting to wildlife officials, more questions arise. Experts track all the endangered birds, but they can't identify the female bird that Nina found. Who is she, and where did she come from?

With the help of some fellow campers, Nina sets out to discover who the mystery bird really is. As she gets closer to the truth, will she find a flock of her own?

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Yearling Books
Published: 08/26/2025
ISBN: 9781524770303
Pages: 240
Weight: 0.25lbs
Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 522424 / Secret Language of Birds
Reading Level: 4.8 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 7