The Amazing Life of Birds (The Twenty-Day Puberty Journal of Duane Homer Leech)

The Amazing Life of Birds (The Twenty-Day Puberty Journal of Duane Homer Leech) (2006) by Gary Paulsen. 84 pages.
ISBN: 0-385-90897-0

Duane Homer Leech is in the "Puberty Zone". Frequent thoughts about the female anatomy (which he refers to as "ELBOWS") distract his daily activities and he wakes from having crazy dreams. Duane is disturbed by his name, wishing he was called something else. At home, his parents seem oblivious to his puberty onset and his sister constantly annoys him. He watches a bird family from his window. Keeping an eye on the young bird growing up and learning to fly, Duane's relates similar clumsy experiences.

Puberty has brought zits, hair cowlicks, a voice change and a growing interest in girls. In his journal, Duane recounts his decline caused puberty. His efforst to hide his zits are useless and his attempts to impress girls turn into catastrophes. In one exaggerated incident in the library, Duane falls into a book shelf, knocking over a fish tank and gerbil cage, while reaching for a book on puberty. Duane finds support and perspective from his best friend, Willy. Their phone conversations are brief, almost monosyllabic, but authentically portray boys discussing their issues. Getting perspective and support from Willy, Duane gains some confidence in dealing with the effects of puberty in his life.

This book brings the reader into the daily occurences of a tween dealing with the onset of puberty; with a youth's perspective with funny dialogue and descriptions crazy incidents. Many readers may find themselves relating to this confusing time of life. Good read for 10 to 13 year olds.

More on Gary Paulsen.