World's Worst Parrot (Orca Currents)

Series: Orca Currents
Publication Date: 1 Apr. 2020
Format: Paperback / softback

ISBN 9781459823754

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    Ava works hard at maintaining a certain image online and at school. As far as anyone else knows, life is great. But when she inherits an African gray parrot from her great-uncle Bernie (whom she barely remembers), Ava's carefully crafted world starts to crumble.

    The parrot, Mervin, is loud and messy and obnoxious. Ava's brother thinks it's hilarious to post videos of Ava trying to deal with the crazy bird. He even creates a profile for the two of them. Everyone wants to see more of Ava and Mervin. Suddenly, Ava is internet famous. In the worst possible way. Her friends think the parrot is gross and start acting weird. But then a new girl at school helps Ava see that this parrot might not be the worst gift in the world and that just being yourself is the best way to be.

    Information

    Book Type: Junior Chapter
    Age Group: 9 to 13 years
    Traffic Lights:
    Class Novel: No
    Good Reads Rating: /5
    Literary Rating: /5

    Review

    Ava always makes sure that her life looks perfect to everyone on social media. In reality, her life is complicated. Her mum works all the time and her dad left them years ago. That doesn't stop Ava from posting lies about having a happy family to get tons of likes and comments.

    When her Great-Uncle Bertie passes away, Ava's mum tells her that his dying wish was for Ava to look after his parrot, Mervin. Ava and her mum are both obsessed with having a clean house and a perfect image, and they hate the idea of a filthy bird in their house. However, when the bird arrives at the front door in a fancy golden cage, Ava thinks perhaps it won't be so bad after all.

    That is, until Ava's big brother, Gregg, accidentally opens the bird cage. In the chaos, Gregg takes a picture of a screaming Ava with her phone and posts it on her social media. Ava's reputation is ruined when the picture is shared all over the internet. Frustrated, Ava calls the zoo to come pick up Mervin in a week's time. Her brother keeps posting pictures of Ava and the parrot online, people at school start calling her bird lady, and no-one wants to be seen with her. Everyone except for Melinda, who becomes Ava's new friend after she stands up for her at school and helps her to train Mervin.

    Melinda makes Ava realise that Mervin is a very smart and fun parrot to have around, and Ava starts growing a connection with him. She stops the zoo from taking Mervin away and convinces her mum that she can take care of Mervin by showing her all of the new tricks he has learnt. Proud of her parrot and her kind best friend, Ava happily starts posting photos of Melinda and Mervin on her social media despite not getting as many likes as she did before.

    A funny story with a heart of gold, this story encourages readers to be authentic and kind rather than focusing on popularity. It's hard to admit that you're struggling, but even harder to maintain a façade over time. Ava learns how to be true to herself and finds that she's able to build and maintain more positive, supportive relationships.

    Themes


    Content Notes

    Not applicable.

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