Description:

Sometimes she wished she was an only child . . .

"She's lovely! Look at those curls. Those blue eyes. She's just beautiful!"

Berta was used to hearing comments like that. But they were not about her. . . . Whenever ladies came to the house or met her mother on the street, they exclaimed over Berta's little sister, Glenna.

Somewhere along the way, Berta decided that whatever Glenna was, she would not be. Whatever Glenna did, she would not do. Whatever Glenna liked, she would not like. She would be the opposite.

Sure enough, Glenna is sparkling, vivacious, outgoing, and adored, while Berta is serious, dependable, and prim. Their relationship grows more and more distant until, finally, Berta must look into her heart and discover what truly has caused the rift between them.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-A richly detailed inspirational novel from a prolific writer of Christian fiction. Set in the early 1900s on the Canadian prairie, the story centers on Berta, the older, plain, dependable sister of cheerful, beautiful, affectionate Glenna. From childhood on, Berta feels ignored as pretty Glenna receives most of the attention from family, friends, and especially young men. She develops a protective shell so as not to compete with her sister's limelight. Circumstances and the stress of not revealing her true feelings finally cause the young woman to seek the advice of her minister. Both sisters eventually discuss their feelings and Berta discovers her "true self." Oke presents believable characters in a well-paced story full of insight and common sense. It will be especially appealing to any young adult who feels like a "sparrow" in comparison to the "bluebirds." The religious message does not appear until the later half of the book and could be overpowering to some readers, but the universal message of acceptance of self is this book's strong point.
Judy R. Johnston, Auburn High School, WA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

The Bluebird and the Sparrow is the story of two sisters whose lives are set in contrast. As the older sister, Berta Berdette is serious determined, prim, and grows up feeling plain and ordinary (especially when she often compares herself to her sister). Glenna Berdette is sparkling, vivacious, outgoing, and beautiful. Within the family, Berta is depended upon while Glenna is adored. The Bluebird and the Sparrow is a heartwarming story of the sisters' relationships with each other, with family and friends, and eventually with the young man who came calling. Readers will identify closely with both sisters and celebrate they discovery found when personal value is separated from one' physical appearance. -- Midwest Book Review