World’s Worst Parrot

Ava works hard at maintaining a certain image online and at school. As far as anyone else knows, life is great. But when she inherits an African gray parrot from her great-uncle Bernie (whom she barely remembers), Ava’s carefully crafted world starts to crumble. The parrot, Mervin, is loud and messy and obnoxious. Ava’s brother thinks it’s hilarious to post videos of Ava trying to deal with the crazy bird. He even creates a profile for the two of them. Everyone wants to see more of Ava and Mervin. Suddenly, Ava is internet famous—in the worst possible way. Her friends think the parrot is gross and start acting weird. But then a new girl at school helps Ava see that this parrot might not be the worst gift in the world and that just being yourself is the best way to be.

REVIEWS

“Ava is determined to keep up a social media facade of a “#perfect” life, despite her parents’ recent split, a deteriorating social life, and a terribly irritating older brother. It becomes exponentially harder to keep up the pretense when a raucous African Grey parrot appears at her doorstep. Her great-uncle Bernie left her the bird, Mervin, in his will, remembering how she loved him on a visit many years before, but Avaarranges for the local zoo to take the bird away. In the intervening time, however, Mervin works his squawky brand of magic on Ava and her world, leading her to wonder if she’s making the right choice in letting him go. As a high-interest novel for middle readers, this book is a breezy read but still touches on many of the struggles of middle-grade students in the digital age…. it’s a pleasure to follow the avian antics and watch as Mervin squawks his way into everyone’s hearts.”
— Emily Graham, Booklist