Gr 5–8—In an effort to help save her brother and family, Aisulu must become an Eagle Hunter, which is unheard of for a girl. Set in Mongolia, this is the tale of Aisulu and her family, who are part of a nomadic clan. Their sustenance depends on milking goats and yaks. Through a tragic, youthful act, Aisulu and her brother cause the death of a mother eagle. Feeling responsible, she risks her life to rescue the eaglet. While Bow uses a lot of details to relate the care of a baby eagle, too much focus is given to the hunting of mice and the carrying of water. Though an interesting and unique setting, there is a lack of character development and the eagle and familial relationships are somewhat flat.
VERDICT Readers looking for middle grade stories set in Mongolia, of which there are very few, may enjoy seeing Aisulu triumph. A secondary purchase for most collections.
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