It’s time for another Bookanista recommendation: 
Nikki Loftin’s Nightingale’s Nest
Here’s the jacket copy from the publisher:
Twelve-year-old John Fischer Jr., or “Little John” as he’s always been known, is spending his summer helping his father with his tree removal business, clearing brush for Mr. King, the wealthy owner of a chain of Texas dollar stores, when he hears a beautiful song that transfixes him. He follows the melody and finds, not a bird, but a young girl sitting in the branches of a tall sycamore tree.
But then Mr. King draws Little John into an impossible choice—forced to choose between his family’s survival and a betrayal of Gayle that puts her future in jeopardy.
Inspired by a Hans Christian Andersen story, Nightingale’s Nest is an unforgettable novel about a boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders and a girl with the gift of healing in her voice.
Isn’t the cover stunning? It might be my favorite of the year. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this incredible MG last fall, and I’ve been sitting on my recommendation until closer to Nightingale’s Nest pub date (which has been hard, as I wanted to tell the whole world to read it!). But I’ve still thought about this book countless times since I turned the last page–it is a story that takes root in your heart. Powerful and moving, Nightingale’s Nest is a story of grief, love, and forgiveness, told in lyrical prose that remains accessible to MG readers. The magical realism elements were perfectly woven into a starkly realistic setting. One thing I appreciated so much was how sensitively and truthfully Nightingale’s Nest portrayed a family struggling not only emotionally but financially, and how the two can relate. Nikki is such a gifted writer and storyteller: the delicious The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy (also a re-imagining, of Hansel & Gretel) was one of my favorite reads of 2012. It recently released in paperback. Both books are truly unique, and wonderful.
Nightingale’s Nest releases on February 20 from Razorbill/Penguin.
See what my fellow Bookanistas are recommending today:
- Shari Arnold is loving LADY THIEF (Scarlet #2) by A.C. Gaughen
- Katy Upperman is pulsating for HEARTBEAT by Elizabeth Scott
- Jessica Love is over the moon for THE LOST PLANET by Rachel Searles
- Tracy Banghart is spellbound by CAPTIVATE by Vanessa Garden
- Christine Fonseca is intrigued by VENGEANCE by Megan Miranda
- Kimberly Sabatini is riveted by PUSH by Corrine Jackson
- Tracey Neithercott is hypnotized by THESE BROKEN STARS by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
You had me at the comparison to Terabithia 🙂 This book sounds amazing, definitely adding to my TBR-list.
You will love it!
This book sounds like one I will love. The comparison to Bridge to Terabithia got my attention right away. Plus, I love the cover and your review was excellent. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thanks!