"Corbin's bipolar mother is often unemployed, and their apartment has no furniture, and sometimes no food. When his classmate offers Corbin the bird she can no longer keep, he's all-in. When his mother overdoses and Corbin can no longer get her - or himself - through the darkness, he discovers his neighbours aren't the unfriendly bunch he thought they were. Maybe this bird has a bit of magic in him. Birdspell features celebrated author Valerie Sherrard's trademark blend of humour and warmth. It's a book about mental illness and poverty, but also hope, and the reminder that friends can be found anywhere.