Duet: Our Journey in Song with the Northern Mockingbird

Phillip Hoose

sept 2022 · Distribuido por Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

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The story of the impactful partnership between humans and mockingbirds, both scientifically and culturally over the centuries, written for young adults by award-winning nonfiction powerhouse Phil Hoose.

The Northern mockingbird’s brilliant song—a loud, bright, liquid sampling of musical notes and phrases—has made it a beloved companion and the official bird of five states. Many of our favorite songs and poems feature mockingbirds.

Mockingbirds have been companions to humans for centuries. Many Native American myths and legends feature mockingbirds, often teaching humans to speak. Thomas Jefferson’s mockingbird, “Dick”, was the first White House pet. John James Audubon’s portrait of a rattlesnake raiding a mockingbird’s nest sparked outrage in the world of art. Atticus Finch’s somber warning to his children, “Remember, it’s a sin to kill a Mockingbird,” is known throughout the world. Some jazz musicians credit mockingbirds with teaching them a four-note call that says, “Break’s over.” And mockingjays—a hybrid between jabberjays and mockers—are a symbol of the rebel cause in the Hunger Games trilogy.

But in the early 1900s the mocker was plummeting toward extinction. Too many had been trapped, sold, and caged. Something had to be done. To the rescue came a powerful and determined group of women.

Now, National Book Award and Newbery honor-winner Phillip Hoose brings the story of the important and overlooked connection between humans and mockingbirds—past, present, and future. It is the third volume of his bird trilogy.

Duet is a study in the power of song. As author Steve Sheinkin puts it, “This book will change how you listen to the world.”

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Phillip Hoose is the author of Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, a National Book Award winner and a Newbery Honor Book. His other books include Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book; The Boys Who Challenged Hitler, also a Sibert Honor and Boston Globe–Horn Book Nonfiction Honor Winner; We Were There, Too!, a National Book Award finalist; and Hey, Little Ant, co-written with his daughter Hannah, winner of a Jane Addams Children’s Book Award. For 37 years he worked for the Nature Conservancy, which saves ecosystems and rare species throughout the world. He continues to enjoy observing a wide variety of bird species. Mr. Hoose lives in Portland, Maine.