Review: The Sunbird: Young Readers’ Edition

Sara Haddad has adapted her well-received and highly topical adult novella to this edition for younger readers. While most would try to shield children from the horrors of war, even young kids can – and should – learn of the controversial history of Palestine, through the eyes of those who live there.

Written from a child’s perspective (as a now old woman – Nabila – recalls her early life to a ten-year-old boy called Zane), this slender volume recounts the experience of one child, one family, one homeland during the Nakba.

Until 1948, Nabila lived happily in her village, playing with friends, running amongst the olive trees, excited to soon be starting school – a simple life but one of joys and pleasures. 

Until the bombs start falling.

When the shrapnel hits her, Nabila is in grave trouble, but a kind woman takes her to shelter. After some days, she begins to recover, though her wounds remain.

When Nabila's father finds her, he takes her to the olive grove, where they remain while bombs rain down and soldiers prowl the streets. Nabila’s dreams of school are shattered. For months, the family takes refuge in the olive grove until it's no longer safe and they embark on a long trek to Lebanon, leaving their house and all their worldly goods behind – like so many others.

The Lebanese city is noisy and crowded but at least there are no bombs. After a time, with the help of her older brother, the family is able to get passports and tickets to a new country. A new country, with different mountains, different and strange animals – but again – no bombs.

And so, returning to present day, the old lady finishes telling her story to Zane, who – along with his parents – has joined the elderly Nabila and many others at protest marches and rallies in their city.

This is a narrative that will bring any reader to tears and is so powerfully told, even in its very simplicity, that there can be no mistaking the injustices it recounts.

The author’s notes in the back matter further explain how the Nakba came to be. Sensitive readers will need a disclaimer and should be aware of where they can find debriefing, if needed. 

Teaching notes available

Title: The Sunbird: Young Readers’ Edition
Author: Sara Haddad
Illustrator: Baraa Awour
Publisher: UQP, RRP: $14.99
Date of Publication: February 2026
ISBN: 9780702271076
Format: Paperback
For ages: 9 - 12
Type: Middle Grade