Wild Geese

Gr 5 Up—In this sequel to Greener Grass (Red Deer, 2009), Kit Byrne finds herself on the run as a criminal, and with Mick O'Toole she boards the Erin, a ship bound for Quebec in 1847. On their journey, they fight to survive the horrendous Atlantic Ocean crossing with other Irish Famine families. While disguised as Mick's brother, "Kenny," Kit befriends a family who takes her under their wing. They lament meager rations, worry about people around them getting "the fever," and pray for the voyage to end. Tossed into the mix are a stowaway, Billy; a hateful sailor, Coyle, who wants "Kenny" and Mick dead; and the vengeful Lynch brothers who follow Kit from Ireland to bring her to justice. She manages to escape capture and make it ashore, but soon faces additional struggles. In Canada she learns the fate of her mother and siblings who sailed before her and has to adjust her plans for survival in a new world. Although Kit faces many adversities, she does not realize that she grows stronger with each one. She only knows that life is hard and that she does not know what to do with hers. Not until she understands her role in life is she able to open up and truly love. This is a compelling historical novel with well-researched details and plenty of backstory for those who have not read the first book.—Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY