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Bestselling author Alice Hoffman's children's book, 'Nightbird,' receives mostly positive reviews

Hoffman's book tells the story of a girl whose family had a curse placed upon them and whose town is fearful of what they believe to be a monster living in their midst.

'Nightbird' is by Alice Hoffman.
  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

“The Dovekeepers” author Alice Hoffman is receiving mostly positive reviews for her upcoming book, “Nightbird,” which is written for young readers.

“Nightbird” is being released on March 10 and is being marketed as a middle-grade novel. The book centers on young Twig Fowler, who lives in a Massachusetts town with her mother and works to stop people from finding out their family secret: a curse was placed on the male members of their family. However, new arrivals in town may be able to help the Fowlers. 

In addition to “Dovekeepers,” Hoffman is behind the books, “Practical Magic” and “The Museum of Extraordinary Things,” and such young adult titles as “Aquamarine” and “Green Angel.” 

Shelf Awareness writer Jennifer M. Brown called “Nightbird” “enchanting.”

“Consummate storyteller Alice Hoffman delivers a layered tale of fear and faith,” Brown wrote. 

Meanwhile, Publishers Weekly wrote of the book, “The book’s evocative setting and distinctive characters will immediately hook readers, and the history of Twig’s family, uncovered bit by bit, will keep them engaged” and Kirkus Reviews also called “Nightbird” “enchanting.” 

“The mix of romance and magic is irresistible and the tension compelling,” KR wrote. 

Meanwhile, Wall Street Journal writer Meghan Cox Gurdon called the book “memorable” and “gently eventful.” 

However, School Library Journal writer Elisabeth Gattullo Marrocolla of Connecticut’s Darien Library gave the book a more mixed review, though she said the book should prove popular. 

“Sweet, if somewhat uneven,” she wrote. “A clever narrator, beautiful imagery, and the quirky cast of secondary characters who populate the oddball town are the bright spots in this mix of fantasy and mystery. Unfortunately, the climax ties every plot line together neatly, and the overly pat ending undercuts an otherwise sophisticated narrative. Still, the spunky protagonist, copious descriptions of mouth-watering baked goods, and terrific cover art guarantee this magical story will find an audience.”

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