Highlights

Below are the themes and writing elements that the youth author chose to explore in this story.

  • Imagery & Characterization

    What does this flashback to his childhood tell us about the character? What does his turning back to his time on Earth when faced with an identity struggle tell us about his relationship with his migration?

  • Identity & Socioeconomic Status

    Why are Ellie’s parents able to go back to Earth so often? How does that affect their relationship to it? What is the professor’s reaction to being given this gift that he would never have been able to afford on his own?

  • Changing Times & Cultural Isolation

    How does the professor react to changes on Earth that he isn’t aware of? What is Ellie’s reaction like, considering that she’s never seen the bird before? As the professor, Ellie, and her parents navigate between interplanetary cultures, what does the bird represent?

What's Inside

To start reading, click on the button at the top.

  • 1

    Story

    • Notes from an Interplanetary Bird-Watcher

    • Chapter One

    • Chapter Two

    • Chapter Three

    • Chapter Four

    • Chapter Five

    • Chapter Six

    • Chapter Seven

    • Chapter Eight

    • Chapter Nine

    • Chapter Ten

    • About the Author

  • 2

    Related Resources

    • Author Interview

    • Discussion Questions