Seabird

Praise for Seabird Kirkus “150 Notable Fall Releases” 2025  ""A first purchase for all libraries wishing to inspire readers to make their own path rather than follow the trail.”—School Library Journal “Kadarusman beautifully brings Kartini to life with clarity and empathy in a story that’s educational without being preachy and is a superb pick for readers interested in history and activism.”—Kirkus Reviews  “Indonesian-Canadian [author, Michelle Kadarusman]...once heard about this woman who fought for female rights. This book, Seabird, is a fictional retelling of that woman’s life.”—Fuse 8, Betsy Bird “In this fictitious depiction of Kartini, a quietly resolute visionary and Indonesian icon, Michelle Kadarusman brings to life the struggle between tradition and progress and the courage of a girl who dared to stand up against the sequestering of women to fulfill her own dreams.”—Wendy Orr, author of Out of the Valley of Horses, Swallows Dance, and Nim’s Island “Seabird is an enchanting feminist story of a young woman in late 19th century Indonesia. By advocating for change in her family and her community, Kartini inspires change throughout the world.”—Linda Trinh, award-winning author of The Nguyen Kids series “Seabird is a charming story of friendship and fortitude, highlighting the challenges facing a young woman who desires freedom from traditional views of the role of women. The correspondence between two friends who are experiencing different cultural upbringing is both heartfelt and enlightening.”—Anne O’Brien, author of SPIRIT AND GRIT!: Women Entrepreneurs Who Blazed the Trail “This book is a beautiful testament to the power that one voice, one woman, can have to change the course of history.”—Sidura Ludwig, author of SWAN: THE GIRL WHO GREW