Overview

What if you discovered you had a secret power? This enchanting middle-grade novel reveals the strengths that lie in our differences. The Birdfish and the Secret of Crystal Island is a children's story about feeling in between two different worlds. The author tackles the experience of growing up in both Eastern and Western countries, as well as the feeling of twoness and not fully belonging, through the lens of Staraku, who can both swim and fly, but is rejected by both birds and fish. After attempting to blend in with the birds and ending up rejected once more, Staraku sets off from the island she calls home to find somewhere else to live. She meets a creature called Agumus during her travels, who gifts her a magical protective crystal and takes the role of her teacher. With him, she learns to embrace the light, how to talk to trees, and begins to wonder about her purpose. She returns to her island to find the birds and fish fighting. Staraku braves intervening, and by helping the birds and fish overcome disaster, teaches the two groups how to work together and appreciate their differences. Together, they rebuild the island and Staraku meets other misfits like her. She and Agumus teach together, and Staraku has found her purpose.

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9781736395349

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Reviews

As a therapist, an expert on fear and self-esteem, and a mom who adopted, I see this book as an absolutely necessary read. This story teaches kids to recognize, accept, and thrive in their uniqueness rather than fear it. It normalizes their experience and empowers them. -Nancy Stella, PhD, PsyD Author of Fear Traps: Escape the Triggers that Keep You Stuck I like that the Birdfish actually ended up forgiving the ones who were bullying her and became friends with them. I also like how being different ended up being a good thing that helped others. -Camille 10 years old, Tennessee The Birdfish and the Secret of Crystal Island is an endearing story that addresses well both the challenges and beauty of an intercultural life. I was struck by how much this quirky story helped me reflect on pieces of my own journey, having personally grown up torn between two cultures, never fully finding a place in one nor the other. It accurately showcases the struggles and pain of trying to find your place when it seems like there is nowhere you fit. At the same time, it highlights the profound value in being different. The story gives the reader hope for that same value to be true of themselves. Being an educator who works with intercultural students, I believe The Birdfish and the Secret of Crystal Island will help kids identify their own challenges and find value in their uniqueness. -Rebekah Sharp International Educator This story had amazing characters. It had a vivid setting that I enjoyed trying to imagine in my head. I think that Staraku's journey was kind of like my own life. I live in a different place that is far from where I was raised, so it's also hard for me to make friends because they speak a different language where I live now. I think this is a very good book for kids my age to read, especially if they have migrated to a different country. I think a lot of people my age can sympathize with the emotions that Staraku is going through. And if they can't, it will be interesting for them to learn how others feel. -Isaiah 12 years old, California to Indonesia I loved this book! I could picture all the characters. It was almost like a movie, the story was so real. I learned something while Staruku was learning too. It was good to see the other characters figuring out how to work together. -Anona 8 years old, New York I like this book because it showed that the Birdfish didn't need to be like everybody else to belong. The story was really fun to read. -Elena 9 years old, Nebraska Young readers will be delighted by this story of Staraku, a courageous, small Birdfish who runs away from her problems only to meet friends who help her discover her power to face them. This book will be a helpful resource for adults as they help children navigate our changing society. It cleverly addresses themes of identity, bullying, friendship, and forgiveness. As a storyteller and author, I was captivated. As a former children's literature instructor, I will be recommending this to teachers! -Janyne McConnaughey, PhD Trauma-Informed Author & Advocate, Author of the Brave Series Being adopted from Nepal, I've spent a lot of my life feeling different. This is the book I needed when I was younger. -Jenee 17 years old, California

Author Information

Having lived in both the East and West, Katsura Suzuki, MBA, DBA, has over thirty years of experience in Swiss-based private banking and wealth management plus thirteen years of formal training in Japanese meditative arts. Katsura revolutionizes the field of global leadership development by introducing a science-based, results-oriented mindfulness method called The Invisible Gift. Her unique and timely message empowers adults and children to thrive in an increasingly globalized world through her children's book, The Birdfish and the Secret of Crystal Island and her adult book, The Invisible Gift. Learn more at drkatsurasuzuki.com.

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