Citation: Walton, L. (2014). The strange and beautiful sorrows of Ava Lavender (C. Campbell, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Candelwick on Brilliance Audio.
Content Warning: This novel depicts sexual assault and mental health.
Beautifully written, this generational saga leads up to the birth of Ava Lavender, a girl born with bird wings. While Ava’s mother and grandmother learn to navigate and overcome the pain of love and heartbreak, sixteen-year-old Ava struggles to find her place in the world when tragedy hits.
Walton skillfully explores various levels of grief and loss. Different from much of contemporary teen fiction, both teens and adults will enjoy the lyrical prose that brings Ava’s magical world to life.