Kestrel Takes Flight

New

3.7

0.0 (0)

7 0

Write Review Add to favorites

Author(s)

Joy McCullough

Publisher

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Genre(s)

Age Range

10+

Release Date

May 26, 2026

ISBN

978-1665972659

Buy This Book

Two starred reviews!

A girl learns to stand up for herself and embrace the true meaning of home against the backdrop of the Montana wilderness in this heartfelt novel in verse by acclaimed author Joy McCullough that is a “quietly powerful exploration of courage, chosen family, and learning to trust yourself” (Booklist).

A kestrel
is the smallest
bird of prey
in North America.

Kestrel doesn’t feel much like the fierce bird for which she is named. Not after being rushed away from her grandfather’s strict church community to the wilds of Montana. Her mother has gotten a job at a conservation institute, where she’ll work with a special breed of dog to help make interactions between humans and bears safer.

At first, Kes is terrified of the dogs and angry at her mother for ripping her from the only world she’s known. But with some distance from her grandfather, she starts to understand how badly his bark hurt. In this new terrain, can Kestrel discover a safe place to spread her wings and soar?

Editor review

1 review

Empowering Story about Standing up for Yourself

July 17, 2026

Overall rating

3.7

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

3.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Kestrel’s mom has taken her from San Diego, where they lived with her strict grandfather, to a conservation institute in Montana. Her mom is going to work at their new home with a special kind of dog breed that is set to help with bear and human interactions. Kes isn’t a big fan of the dogs at first; she’s terrified of them, and she’s angry at her mom for taking her from her home. As time passes, Kestrel starts to realize how harmful her grandfather was not only to her mother but also to her. Will Kestrel be able to adjust to life in Montana? Will she learn to spread her wings and fly?

What I Liked: This story is written in verse and allows for Kestrel’s voice to shine through each piece that is included. The letters that Kestrel is writing to her grandfather throughout this book leave a great impact on the reader as all her thoughts and feelings are being shared through this medium, as Kestrel knows these are for her eyes only.

There are so many moments in this book in which you will take pause to absorb the impact that Kestrel’s words have. It’s important to recognize the harm that her grandfather has done to her and her mother, and how the harm was perpetuated not by actions but just by the things he has said. The relationships that develop between Kestrel and the others at the conservation are heartwarming and fulfilling. It’s great to see how many people Kestrel has in her corner and how they support her growth and development.

There were many aspects of this story that were woven in perfectly, such as the concept of found family, and the efforts of the conservation team. It was fascinating to learn about the dogs and their role in informing humans where and when the last bear sighting was in the woods. It was also cool to learn about how they protect others and how they use their bear skills in other situations.

Final Verdict: Kestrel Takes Flight is an empowering story about standing up for yourself, finding home, and the significance of found family. This book is perfect for children ages 10 and up who are learning more about the world and have questions about things that they see and learn.