Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers, by Celia C. Perez. Kokila, Penguin Random House. 2019. $22.99 ages 10 and up

"This was the first time she'd had friends over to the house. She crossed her fingers that Hurricane Hendricks wouldn't make an appearance and muck things up. She could hear them in their backyard, their shrieks carrying across the street. "Can you please stop hitting that thing?" Ofelia said to Lane. Lane was tapping lightly on an old capstan head attached to the house, just to the left of the front door, with the little wooden mallet that hung next to it."

Four girls from disparate backgrounds, and with their own personal summer plans, meet under the most unusual circumstances, soon sharing a summer not soon forgotten. Full of humor, friendship, adventure and warmth, this middle grade novel is perfect for readers wanting to meet admirable characters, learn valuable lessons, and have a go at the establishment.

Lane is staying with her grandmother, founder of a beauty pageant group called the Floras and keen to have her granddaughter join. Rather than acquiesce to her grandmother's wishes, Lane decides to form a group of her own. She names it the Ostentation of Others and Outsiders. To garner recruits she leaves secret messages in hopes that others might be enticed to join her. Those notes are found by Aster Douglas (artist and food lover), Ofelia Castillo (would-be writer) and Cat Garcia (lover of all feathered creatures). They have nothing in common, and won't have until they can find a project to consider.

As they learn about each other, Cat tells them that she has just quit the Floras. Done without her mother's knowledge, she is worried what will happen when she is found out. In the meantime, she provides a reason for the group to meet - her desire to have the Floras stop using the hat that crowns each new Miss Floras. It is made from real bird feathers, and Cat finds that practice dismaying.

Finally, something to give them focus. Their ideas are numerous, their successes not so. As each new plan fails, the threat of being discovered and the knowledge that the pageant is creeping ever closer forces them to make a decision about further action. What happens in the end will affect each of them in resoundingly different ways because of their backgrounds and present circumstances. 

The strength that comes from their developing closeness and respect for each other is what holds them together despite those differing familial circumstances and expectations. Communication is at the heart of their growth as worthy characters. Ms. Perez gives each a distinct identity and voice as they navigate the ups and downs that come with burgeoning friendship and loyalty. The chapters focus on each of the club members in turn, allowing readers a close-up look.

"So, you think it’s important to fight for what you believe in even if it means getting in trouble,’ Aster said, looking her grandpa in the eye. "Sometimes it just can’t be helped," her grandfather said. "Sometimes the desire for change is bigger than anything else. It has to be."

The Ostentation's Handbook and an author's note are perfect additions to this tale of fierce, yet complicated friendship.

Once you have read Strange Birds, head to your local or school library, or to your favorite bookstore and find a copy of Ms. Perez's earlier book, The First Rule of Punk (2017). You will not be disappointed.