Customer Testimonies

Best Selling Author (World Shaker; Liberator; The Ferren Series)

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Most Necessary Book!

Reviewed in Australia on 16 January 2025

Here’s a well-told story with a great premise that unfolds through some surprising developments. The supernatural scare element merges perfectly with the realistic worries of adolescent life - the sometimes-jarring relationships in one family and the domestic violence in another. As in all these Jay Bird stories, there’s no pulling of punches or sugarcoating, only the reality of growing up in contemporary Australia. This one ends optimistically as Taj completes his growth into a new maturity - but only after passing through some very dark shadows on the way.​

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I know from my wife’s experience with high school students who were still catching up on their reading skills that there’s a crying need for more easy-to-read books like this!

Finding high-quality, age-appropriate literature for struggling teen readers can be a daunting task, as most easy-to-read texts are often geared towards much younger audiences, leaving older students disengaged and frustrated. Jay Bird’s latest book is a remarkable exception. This novel masterfully combines accessible language with mature themes and relatable characters, making it an ideal choice for adolescent readers who are still developing their literacy skills.

As an educator who has worked extensively with remedial reading groups, I am thrilled to have found a book that meets the unique needs of my students. This novel not only respects their maturity but also fosters a genuine love of reading. I am confident that my students will find Seth’s journey as captivating and inspiring as I have. This is a must-read for any educator or parent looking to support teen readers in their literacy journey.

My child (9) hated reading and although she was a fluent reader she struggled to comprehend text. She has now read the first 4 Jay bird books and we have just ordered the next 3. She literally cannot put the books down, she loves the stories, laughs and now looks forward to reading!

These short novels have been a fantastic addition to the reading intervention program at Moranbah High School in 2025. 

Our year 7 and 8 students have built confidence in their reading ability through engaging with simplified, achievable texts that are relevant, and interesting for teenage readers.  Pig girl in particular has been a favourite, as students who have previously avoided reading, connect with the character Patricia, and the themes of bullying, peer pressure, teen romance and friendship.

Kareana’s books have been a great tool in building a connection and enjoyment of text in students who have often given up on achieving reading fluency.