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“Young people and their families try to survive during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic…Browne’s use of varied formats and content offers a fresh and incisive look at the impact of the pandemic on young people’s lives as they dated, worked, attended school, and grew up while their world shut down around them. Grief becomes a palpable presence, as heightened responsibilities and innumerable losses demand from teens levels of grace, honesty, and care that many adults bowed under…Heavy, important, powerful and evergreen; remembers kids during the time when the world stopped.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“An emotionally impactful read.”

—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“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

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe

Written by Mahogany L. Browne
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers

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.

Primary ISBN: 9780593486474
Publication Date: March 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older

Community Represented: , ,

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New York City NY)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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Mahogany L. Browne Author Study Guide

Source: Crown