Adri á n and Santiago live in a “neighborhood that has been forgotten by everybody.” Every day after school, the two Latino boys sit in a garbage and weed-filled lot, Santiago reading and Adri á n climbing trees, looking for “little creatures.” On this day, Adri á n is angry. He’s been in a fight and has a black eye and a cut lip. And then he finds a wounded falcon. (A two-page spread before the title page shows a rock hitting the falcon’s wing as it flies.) Adri á n takes the bird home; later, the boys take it to a man Santiago’s uncle knows, “a guy who cures broken bones.” “It’s scared, like me,” Adri á n thinks. This quiet story has so many deeper layers. It’s implied Adri á n’s home life may be abusive or neglectful, and he is clearly a kid easily judged by others. Here, the side of him only Santiago sees is revealed to readers and a few others. His interest in animals, his role as nurturer/protector and companion to the bird, make clear he is so much more than what most people may see. It’s also clear his love for animals brings him solace and healing, as does the quietly supportive friendship Santiago offers. The fate of the falcon is left open-ended, much like the fate of Adri á n, but neither are without hope. Digital illustrations reminiscent of pen-and-ink in their clean lines and details form an arresting backdrop for this moving story. (Ages 5-9)