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The Courage of Others

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scionjb, January 9, 2009 (view all comments by scionjb)
It was a great book... It had action, adventure, and tons of other good things!!!

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fans, November 25, 2007 (view all comments by fans)
Peace and freedom, filial piety, bravery and more
The biggest theme of Swordbird is peace and freedom. There are also themes of filial piety, bravery and selflessness. I just did a project on Swordbird and I found many readers’ reviews were so cool. I think it’s so meaningful to share some quotes with new readers:

At age 13, Nancy Yi Fan may be HarperCollins’s youngest author, but her fantasy novel about warring birds and their struggle for freedom is getting some adult-sized attention. ---Publishers Weekly
Fresh, vivid, compelling, full of fun and morals… Swordbird not only has the elements of a great story, but also contains the rich imagination and hopes of a child. --- A Jia
The book moves swiftly from chapter to chapter with help from sheer brevity, copious action scenes, and illustrations. --- Angelica Delgado
The story is full of suspense and the characters are all birds. --- Sharon
There are some lovely details and some remarkable use of language. --- Professornana
Swordbird is terrific and I was amazed that someone that young was capable of writing a really original and different book that always kept you interested. --- Laskaris
Swordbird was just fabulous! I cannot believe how well it was written, and how well every charactor was explained in it. ---Jenny
I think you will be the most famous author in the world, next to Charles Dickens and J. K. Rowling. --- Kim
Isn’t it just amazing to think that such an original story such as Swordbird can come from someone of this age. --- Russell
I was struck by the richness of your vocabulary, especially your descriptions of the forest and the names of the birds. When Turnatt appeared, your language became suitably ‘dark’. Your explanation of the way in which the Reds and Blues became enemies was believable - and meaningful for the world today. And you built up the suspense well near the end when Miltin was so brave.--- Dr. Barr
Your book was absolutely amazing. I have never had a book that I can read twice in a row and still love, but yours I can read multiple times and still not want to leave it. --- Alex
You have been a BIG inspiration to me. --- Olivia
A fantasy in the vein of the Redwall series, Fan’s precocious first book (the author’s only thirteen-years old) is enchanting and action-packed. --- Norwood School’s library, MD
Swordbird was a fantastic book for children and adults, it made you feel warm inside to know that such a little girl has gone this far to make such a wonderful book. --- Jackie
I think that swordbird is a marvelous book; the discriptions of the scenes were amazing, the characters WERE described very well, especially Turnatt. --- Vix
There are many messages carried inside Swordbird. The message of peace, of course, that is prevailing throughout the book; I respect this greatly because it is a hard feat to keep that message sailing whenever times are looking tough. I respect peace. It is a beautiful thing. And there is the outside message, which I believe will give hope and courage to generations of young writers to come. --- Duffy
You should be very proud that you have such a profound positive influence on kids. — Mrs. Barnello
It’s a wonderfully created novel rich in volume and depth. --- Jade
Great book. Keep me up on my toes, wanting to read more. --- Brooke
I think the book is fanciful, captivating. --- Carrie
You’ve inspired me so much, and this was like a kickstart! --- Grace.
Swordbird is a beautiful piece sparking the meanings of peace and war. --- Megan

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birdlover, April 15, 2007 (view all comments by birdlover)
Swordbird is a marvelous book! I am definitely a bird fan now! I highly recommend it. I love the "peace is wonderful; freedom is sacred" part. I did some research online and read all the reports on Nancy's website. Look at all these reviews that other people put on the web:

It's hard to believe but the author was only 12 years old when she wrote this thrilling, beautifully crafted fantasy about evil Lord Turnatt, a hawk who has enslaved birds to build a fortress and has set the cardinals and bluejays to fighting each other. She creates vivid characters with wonderful names (Flameback the cardinal, Dilby the loon) and other cool words like "nobird", "somebird," and "everybird". There's a hummingbird circus, birds dining on raspberry pie and fending off invaders with scalding bean soup. Best of all each chapter starts with a quotation from some book of bird lore, including the Book of Heresy which promises the terrible Turnatt eternal life - if he eats the egg of one woodbird every day.
Nancy Yi Fan is a talent to watch!
- Jean Westmoore

I read Swordbird last weekend and was amazed. It's an extraordinary work, and would be an accomplishment for an adult author. That the writer was so young really makes this work remarkable. The bird characters, the juxtaposition of the Book of Heresy and Old Scripture sayings, and the almost allegorical tone give it a solid fantasy feel. In short, I loved it, and I think kids will really enjoy it, both as a great story and as a phenomenal work by one of their peers.
We'll be adding the book to the reading program and including it in our book fair offerings!
Congrats!
Kevin Washburn, Ed.D.
Clerestory Learning/Make Way for Books
Pelham, AL

I am a 10 year old who has just devoured the book Swordbird by Nancy Yi Fan. I loved the book! I think it will be a hit and anxiously await a sequel.
- Paul Carstens

Be sure to read Swordbird by Nancy Yi Fan. It is not only a wonderful story about the birds of Stone-Run Forest, it is a lesson in what fighting can do to a community and the heroism and courage needed to find peace.
- Mrs. Chenique

This book is the best book ever!
I think this book should be made a best seller, it has what all books need, a great story, adventure, and a great writer to write. Nancy Yi Fan should continue writing!
- Catherine M Newman

This was an engaging, amazing ,beautifully written book. I loved her first sentence and called my sister, a school librarian in California, who orders books for her district, right away. She is going to order it for her schools. I love birds and the cardinals and blue jays are here in New Jersey in abundance and peaked my interest. I am a retired teacher and if still teaching 3rd grade, would read this book to the class. We would do a unit, including the different birds, vocabulary, and theme. I gave the book to my daughter, who is a teacher and she is going to read it and do activities with her 5th graders. Good luck to Nancy with her writing career.
by: Mary Lou Neill
New Jersey
Retired elem teacher

I just finished Swordbird and it's an excellent book. I thought it was nice that I'm not the only one who has thoughts about peace and war. It was a powerful book. If the book becomes a movie, I think it would win an award. Great job. It gave me inspiration to turn my story into a book.
- Megan Cahill

Most impressive! It will be interesting to see how Fan develops as an author as she matures. The next great American novelist just may be from China.
- Linda Manchester Center, VT

What an incredible story! It's exciting, adventurous, and magnificent. It has fabulous characters in a captivating world that really sucked me in. Loved it!
- Linh (San Jose, CA)

This book is amazing, the characters and the plot were magical. This book is for people who like Warriors! I should know I am one. Yeah, overall the book was very great. I hope Nancy Yi Fan continues writing for the rest of her life!
Mychajlo
Philadelphia, PA

I don't like fantasy books, but I thought Swordbird was marvelous! Nancy Yi Fan is an incredible young writer. She cleverly uses personification to show how war hurts both sides and the strong feelings that evolve from it. In fact, her characters become so life-like that at times I cried along beside them, laughed at them, or became angry with them. I look forward to Nancy's next creation!
Toni
Onalaska, WI

Swordbird was an interesting look at war through the eyes of a child. Young writer Nancy Yi Fan transferred her 6th grade girl's perception of war and resulting fears to a war situation in a forest inhabited by cardinals, blue jays, robins, assorted songbirds, and a terroristic hawk with his army of crows and ravens. The author gave human characteristics to the birds while keeping their birdlike qualities as well, which would keep the subject more approachable to children reading her book. I liked how the enslaved birds as well as the birds under attack fought back and thought of ways to join together to beat the evil dictator. This book may help children realize that although fighting a war is never pleasant, those under attack should unite, have faith, and work together to maintain freedom.
- Thomas
Dover, DE

I think Swordbird is amazing. It is the kind of book that I love to read, and the author is around my age. I bought it and read it in one night. I only hope that someday I will write that well.
by Emily Anderson

Nancy, you are an inspiration to me. Not only did you write an amazingly fun book, but you showed me that if you follow your dreams and never give up, you can accomplish anything!!!
- Willow (12 years old)

Your book is the best book ever. I read it in one day. You should make it into a movie. I'm making my mom read the book. Your book was featured in my TFK magazine. I love the book so much.
- Mia

I saw an article in a children's newspaper about a young girl called Nancy Yi Fan who had published a book. When I read Swordbird, I was amazed how the author described every character, event, and place with such detail, and how the plot worked out so well. I really enjoyed reding Swordbird, and cannot wait for the sequel to come out!
I think your book is awesome. We read it at school but I wanted to read it again because it was so good. You have encouraged me to write. I liked seeing you at my school too. Thank you!
-Jessica

Hi, Nancy.
I enjoyed your story. The best part is the way you write -- crisp, clear, not a wasted word. The story as well is tidy, pleasant, and compelling.
I loved your use of language -- your precise use of verbs such as "pinioned", "scurry", "bobbed", "gurgles", "rippled", etc, the made-up pronouns with such clarity (e.g. "anybird") and the images like "a thick wall of pines". The names and terms you used drew me into the story. "Slavebird", "Flame-back" for a cardinal, "Skylion" for a blue jay, "Bone-squawk", and "Swordbird" are all in a true fantasy fashion. The index of names at the end is kind of a treat. Actually all the extra stuff enhanced the book appropriately¡­.
Your book is brilliant in all of its detail and craft.
Linda Leonard Lamme,
Professor of Children¡¯s Literature, Ph.D.
University of Florida

Swordbird is the most inspirational book for kids wanting to write their own books. It has everything an important book should have, and you may not even believe that a 12/13 year old wrote this. When I write my books and I get stuck, I find myself thinking "What would Nancy do?" It's real great.
- Erin G.

Dear Nancy, today I finished Swordbird. You are such an inspiring author!!! I think you should write a sequel or turn it into the first book of a series. It would be cool if we could see Miltin again!
£­Valerie (Val)

Dear Nancy, When is your next book going to come? Just to tell you, your book is great!
- Alex

First "Eragon", Now "Swordbird"
Another young author is hitting the big time with a published book. Nancy Yi Fan dreamt of her story when she was 11. At 13, her first book - Swordbird - is due out in February from Harper Collins - with a first printing of 50,000 copies. That is HUGE. What a great story.
- Permalink

This young author has a very Tolkien-esque storytelling style. Her book shows the power of friendship to overcome difficulties and portrays a desire for peace that I think every reader will be able to relate with. The characters are endearing and their struggles seem like my own as I read this creative fantasy.
- Kirsten (Great Meadows, NJ)

Stone-Run Forest is home to the tribes of Sunrise and Bluewingle. The cardinals and blue jays have enjoyed living in peaceful harmony for many seasons. When supplies and eggs begin to go missing, however, suspicions arise from both tribes that their friends are stealing from them. Soon there is tension in the air, and random raids threaten to turn into a war between the tribes. Meanwhile, birds on either side sadly wonder what could have ended the long friendship.
One day, Aska from the Bluewingle tribe is chased by a murder of crows and stumbles across a young robin named Miltin. Miltin had escaped from a torturous place called Fortress Glooming where he was forced to work as a slavebird under a hawk tyrant, Turnatt. He is seeking the help of woodbirds to rescue the slavebirds and stop the hawk's evil plans once and for all. When Aska relays the unpleasant discovery to the rest of Stone-Run, the old friends realize they have a common enemy who has been pitting the two tribes against each other.
As the tribes begin to heal their broken friendship, they are visited by the Flying Willowleaf Theater, minstrels who have stopped by to help celebrate the Bright Moon Festival. In the midst of these festivities, however, the tribes are attacked by an army of Turnatt's followers. Sunrise and Bluewingle are aware that they need some extra help to accomplish the mission of restoring peace to Stone-Run Forest.
They hold faith in Swordbird, the legendary hero who fights evil and restores peace to those who seek him. But there are doubts as to whether or not Swordbird is real, and, if so, whether or not he can help Stone-Run Forest before evil has the chance to prevail.
Talented young author Nancy Yi Fan wrote SWORDBIRD when she was just 11 years old and will continue to be a notable writer for many years to come. While fans of the Redwall series especially will appreciate the story, I recommend this debut novel to anyone who believes in peace.
- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle

The Swordbird,is especially notable because the author, Nancy Yi Fan, is only 12 years old; Nancy had a vivid dream one night about birds at war while she was also wrestling with her feelings about Sept. 11. She wrote the book to convey a message of peace, but she also succeeded in writing a remarkable piece of fantasy literature.
- Phyllis Peter

"Nancy Yi Fan has done a lot in 13 years."
- Time for Kids

SWORDBIRD is a great read! It's like the air I breathe every morning when I open the windows: fresh and cool. The 12-year-old young writer, Nancy Yi Fan, drew me completely into her imaginative world with "freshly brewed acorn and dandelion tea" and the hawk Turnatt's attitude "a woodbird egg a day will keep death away". The book's simple yet poetic language, its smooth and natural flow, its story structure and cliff-hangers deeply impressed me. It's natural, plain and pure. The moral of Swordbird is strong: war hurts both parties; selflessness is powerful. Young readers can realize these between lines. I strongly recommend the book!
- John Lockhart

I always knew there was greatness inside this English as a second language learner. I was her teacher. I wondered as I read Swordbird how the author would create an ending. I was not disappointed.
-Diane Goodwin

Over the course of two nights I read Swordbird a young adult fantasy by Nancy Yi Fan. I actually stole this one from my wife's collection. I don't read a lot of young adult fiction or fantasies but this one was written by a young girl, eleven or twelve when she started writing it if I remember right, who came to America at an early age. I was curious to see how someone so young writing in what I believe was her second language, I could be wrong about that since it has been awhile since i heard her background, pulled off such an ambitious project.
-Travis Erwin

I am honored to make a statement about Swordbird and its remarkable 13 year-old author, Nancy Yi Fan. The more I learn about Nancy, the more I admire her. I was so impressed to find out that even though Nancy had to learn English when she moved to the US from China [at age 7], she studied so hard that she was able write an entire book in English just a few years after learning it! I am very happy that she has continued to study Chinese and was even able to translate Swordbird from English to Chinese. It always makes me sad to hear about Chinese who move overseas and leave behind their language and customs. I am so proud of Nancy for continuing to treasure our culture.
Swordbird is a story about peace, freedom, and tolerance. These are all things that are very close to my heart. When I travel throughout the world and see what happens to people because of war and violence ¨C for example, the landmine victims in Cambodia ¨C it breaks my heart. I know that Nancy wrote her story partly as a reaction to the events of 9/11. I'm happy that she found a way to express her desire for peace and freedom. I think that Nancy is an inspiration to a lot of people and she is proof that if you work hard and dream big, anything can happen!
- Jackie Chan (the famous martial arts film star)
from Los Angeles, CA
March 22, 2007

At age 13, Nancy Yi Fan may be HarperCollins's youngest author, but her fantasy novel about warring birds and their struggle for freedom is getting some adult-sized attention. As part of a five-city tour, Nancy discussed her book on Martha on February 12. There, the Audubon Society of Florida made her an honorary member, and a bald eagle from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey was adopted in her name.
-Publishers Weekly

Having read the excerpt I just can't help but want to buy one to read myself.­ It's my favorite line of fiction.­
- Sweet Grapes

Dear Nancy,
Thank you for writing Swordbird. I loved reading it. I think this book should be made into a kids movie because it is a learning story about peace. I hope you write more awesome books for young adults.
Keep writing.
Your Reader,
Mark Brown (10)
Mokena, IL

I first heard about Swordbird while reading a Discovery Girls magazine.
I read that article about Nancy Yi Fan over and over. In fact, the page has lost its glossy shine.
I was amazed that a girl my age had written a book- and gotten it published! You see, that has been my dream since 3rd grade.
Reading about Nancy's success helped me realize that I needed to write. Writing is my passion (one of them!) and I'll never stop.
A few weeks later, my mom was at her school's bookfair. She called me and asked what book I wanted. Immediately, I said "Swordbird", by Nancy Yi Fan.
They didn't have it, so my mother ordered it. There was a mix up at the place where she ordered it, so I didn't get it. A while later, they called and said that they would mail it. So, I waited in anticipation.
About 4 days later, it came. I had just gotten home from a muddy trip to a park and museum, and was engrossed in the book "Troll Hill".
Mom said to me "Your book is here!" Almost at once, I sat the other book down and started Swordbird.
A couple pages in, my little neighbor came by with a care package, because I was sick at the time. (Actually, that was just a few hours ago- I'm still sick of course!)
Sitting down to some ginger tea with honey in it, I returned to the book.
It was better than I thought. In just about an hour and a half or two ,I finished Swordbird. Wow. All I could say was "Wow".
Such a powerful story, with a powerful message, written by a girl not much older than myself. "Wow."
And so, that is how I heard about, anticipated, read, and thought about Swordbird.
Best Wishes,
Emily H.
Age:12

Swordbird has a more straightforward presentation but a more unusual provenance.
Swordbird is basically a revamped fairy tale with Aesopian overtones. This does not make it an uninteresting book; in fact, the target audience of readers ages 8-12 will likely find it enthralling.
- The Infodad Team

Fan weaves a compelling tale whose intent is not only to entertain but to uplift, to inspire people into seeking peace and unity. She's already working on a related novel, and I wish her the best of luck.

I read an interview with the young author of this book; she's mighty impressive, and you can tell somehow intuitively thinks like a writer, even at eleven. Haven't read the book yet, though your review reminded me I want to!
Beth

That was a great read. You can tell from her quotes that she has a gift.
- Sam Hranac

Dear Nancy,
I bought your book yesterday and I've already finished it! I really enjoyed reading it and can't wait for your next book. By the way, I'm a 8 year old girl from England.
-Amy

Great book!
This is a great book of fiction and violence, very enjoyable.
-Animal lover

An action-packed adventure that readers won't be able to put down,
Swordbird has all the makings for a classic epic fantasy novel.
- HarperCollins, UK

I really like this book because it's exciting and different because the characters are all birds. The blue jays are battling the cardinals because an evil hawk is tricking them by stealing their food and eggs. The hawk is trying to build a fortress so he can rule the bird world and he makes the other birds into slaves. Swordbird is the hero in the story because he saves the other birds. The story is exciting because there are many different places in the bird world and the hawk is trying to rule it all. I also like this book because the author wrote it when she was in the sixth grade.
- Dalton Booker, 3rd grade

When I taught her in 2005 she was a middle school student in a group of mainly university students, and her English was head and shoulders over theirs! After doing some Google searches and learning more about her background. I learned that when I taught her she was only 11 years old, but she had lived for several years in the USA.
- Professor Loach

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Product Details

ISBN:

9780061130991

Author:

Nancy Yi Fan and Mark Zug

Publisher:

HarperCollins Publishers

Illustrator:

Zug, Mark

Author:

Zug, Nancy Yi Fan and Mark

Author:

by Nancy Yi Fan

Author:

Fan, Nancy Yi

Subject:

Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic

Subject:

Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General

Subject:

Animals - Birds

Subject:

Birds

Subject:

War

Subject:

General Juvenile Fiction

Subject:

Children's writings, American

Subject:

Fantasy & Magic

Subject:

Fantasy

Series:

Swordbird

Publication Date:

February 2007

Binding:

Hardcover

Grade Level:

Children/juvenile

Language:

English

Illustrations:

Y

Pages:

219

Dimensions:

8.52x5.84x.86 in. .78 lbs.

Age Level:

08-12