A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe
“The book boasts memorable characters and beautiful writing—especially the poems. It is singularly relevant in its unsparing examination of the plague and its impact on young lives.”
Booklist (starred review)
Longlisted for the National Book Award
Finalist for the Audie Award for Best Ensemble Narration
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2025
A Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Pick of 2025's Best Books
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A powerful, genre-bending mosaic of fiction and poetry that celebrates the humanity, grace, and resilience of teenage New Yorkers riding out the pandemic-from the award-winning author of Chlorine Sky
"We found out what true longing looked like. Longing for crushes to crush back the week after next. Longing for hugs. Longing for connection."
As New York goes into lockdown and neighborhoods begin to feel the brunt of the pandemic, the city's teens persevere with love and hope amidst all the fear and loss. Malachi writes an Armageddon short story inspired by his new reality. Tariq helps their ailing grandmother survive quarantine. Zamira struggles with depression and loneliness after losing her parents. Mohamed tries to help keep his community spirit alive.
Mahogany L. Browne's unforgettable, interconnected short stories and poems remind us to breathe as these New York City teens discover their will to survive, their determination to dream, and their joy.
Praise