My all-time favorite book is Swordbird by Nancy Yi Fan. It’s about birds joining together to overpower an evil hawk to bring peace and freedom to all.

The message is cool, too-way better than Harry Potter’s.

_cat_girl4_

《剑鸟》系列虽然是童话，但它所具备的魅力就像磁石一样吸引着不同年龄段的人。人们读它像是在重温童年的梦，像是在寻找心底的那寸童心。

―程强

这本书读了以后觉得很喜欢，一个同龄的女孩能写出这么棒的书，实在很让我敬佩！

－C大调的浪漫

董熠

范祎是一位从小享有“神童”之称的中国小姑娘，1993年3月15日生于北京。
7岁那年，范祎随父母来到纽约。有一天，父亲带她登上了世茂大厦的顶层，四处眺望。只见一座座房子像一个个火柴盒，一辆辆汽车像一只只蚂蚁在地上爬行。她又发现两群鸟儿正在白云层里快乐地搭建房子。突然，一只老鹰冲进了鸟群，破坏了鸟儿们的愉快工作。
不久以后，范祎做了一个梦：一群蓝鸟和一群红鸟由于受到老鹰的挑拨离间，发生了战争。老鹰从中坐收渔利，抓了一群小鸟逼迫它们做苦役。一只逃离劫难的小鸟为了拯救森林，踏上了寻找太平之鸟“剑鸟”的危险征程……梦醒以后，她就开始着手写这本巨作。
每天放学做完作业以后，范祎就在互联网上搜寻鸟类的资料，比如它们的外貌特点、生活习性以及栖息地等等，又去图书馆借阅大量有彩色图片的书籍，研究不同文化所刻画的神鸟形象。为了写好《剑鸟》，她还特意报了武术班。经过艰苦不懈的努力，《剑鸟》这部世界闻名的寓言小说终于完成了。
小说出版后，范祎一夜之间名扬天下，别人都称她为“神童”、“天才”和“最有才华的华裔小作家”！

《剑鸟》？！这本书的名字你可能没有听过呢。这是一部儿童文学作品。确切地说，这是一部十二岁女孩写的中篇童话。这个女孩跟我们年纪相仿，却能写出这么结构紧凑、悬念迭起、扣人心弦的故事。

这部书的小作者名叫范祎，7岁就随父母移居美国。她能用中、英文双语写作呢！《剑鸟》就是她课余时间给自己布置的一个作业。她在书中创造了一个奇特的鸟的世界，其中有暴君，有奴隶，有勇士，还有神灵，就是那只爪持丽桑宝剑、为鸟除害、被誉为“和平勇士”的剑鸟。这部充满的奇幻色彩的童话故事，源于小作者的一个梦。她梦见两群鸟在一个巨大的白鸟的帮助下，打败了邪恶的魔王。就是这样一个简单的梦，她却用自己的笔写了下来，并创造出了孩子心中理想的世界——和平。

想当年，我们中国受到帝国的压迫，割土割地割财产，丧权辱国，连清政府都成了“洋人的朝廷”，我们中国人在国际上找不到一席之地。1936年7月7日，发生了卢沟桥事变，抗日战争便拉开了序幕。日军在我们中国犯下的恶行，是十分令人发指的。他们“烧光杀光抢光”，到处杀人，还进行杀人游戏。在他们心中，杀人是很简单的事，只是个游戏，但留给当时的中国老百姓的，是无尽的恐惧……

南京大屠杀，给人们带来了无限的悲痛和恐惧。人们被机枪扫射；人们被捆着丢进河里；人们被活埋；人们被活活地烧死……300000，300000人哪！直到现在，石头城的地下还埋着这些遇难同胞的遗骨……

1945年8月15日，日本终于无条件投降了……

1997年，香港回归了；1999年，澳门回归了；2xxx年，台湾也回归了吧。

这上世纪的种种事件，都能够看出了我们中国人是热爱和平的。面对敌人，中国的战士勇敢地杀敌，为保卫中国而奋战；香港澳门租期即将来临，中国马上派人去协商，争取国家的统一团结。而21世纪，我们中国人悼念在战争中被杀害的遇难同胞和牺牲在战场上的英勇的烈士，烈士永垂不朽！

让我们再回到《剑鸟》中。故事是这样的：石头跑森林有两个鸟部落，一个是红鸟的“红日头部落“，一个则是蓝鸟的”蓝翅部落“。两个部落之间的鸟儿以前十分友好。可现在它们都开始怀疑对方部落的鸟儿来偷自己部落的粮食了，所以双方发生了战争。这些都是一个鸟儿所为，那就是邪恶的老鹰特耐特。它抓了许多奴鸟在森林的那一头建造阴森堡垒，然后再准备抓红、蓝鸟做它的奴隶。而奴鸟之中有一个瘦小的鸫鸟，叫米尔顿。他来自水荆部落。老鹰曾到它的部落去，而它们部落却召唤来了剑鸟，所以特耐特只抓了个米尔顿回来。通过在森林里捡树枝的米尔顿，蓝鸟爱斯卡明白了真相，便回去告诉了蓝、红鸟，它们知道真相后，便和好了，准备一起决战老鹰。从堡垒里逃出来的米尔顿受了重伤，被爱斯卡所救。它告诉它们，可以召唤剑鸟来打败老鹰，但必须要有一颗丽桑宝石，水荆部落就有一颗。于是爱斯卡和米尔顿便前往水荆部落。到达了目的地，米尔顿便因为伤势太重去世了。爱斯卡与米尔顿的父亲拿着丽桑宝石回来了。这时，老鹰特耐特展开了进攻。战士们奋勇杀敌，把那些渡鸦的羽毛砍得稀巴烂。一些鸟儿则在唱召唤剑鸟之歌，爱斯卡站在台上，喙中叼着丽桑宝石，宝石在阳光下是那么地闪耀。这时天空中出现了一道光——剑鸟来了！它用丽桑宝剑往老鹰身上一指，那老鹰身上便着了火，咆哮着摔下山谷了……奴鸟也解放了，石头跑森林又恢复往日的光彩了……

从这个童话故事中，让我们看到了小作者那细腻的笔调和她丰富的想象力。她是那么爱好和平，热爱自然。她对于战争与和平的见解是独到的——就是一个鸟儿的世界。是啊，不止是我们人类爱和平，连大自然中的每一个成员都热爱和平哪！

Bluejays and cardinals at war. An evil hawk named Turnatt rules Stone-Run Forest. Who will save them? Swordbird-from the Old Scripture-can! If you love birds and fantastical books this is one for you!

— Peri B., age 11

–Cele

— The Girls’ Life Magazine

Your stories are amazing! I have only read swordbid so far, but I really liked it. I think that you have really made the characters in the book realistic. Also, I think that this should be made a movie so as to spread the word of peace!
I am currently writing a story right now, and have just finished the first chapter. At first, I didn’t like to write, but after I went to the US and staying there for two years, I now like writing. You have played a part in inspriring me. If you could write a book at 12, why couldn’t I, either?

Thanks for reading this,
Rose

I am Caitlyn from Singapore. I am 6 years old and I am in Primary 1.

I like the books that you wrote. They are very interesting.

My mother borrowed the audiobook on Swordbird from the library a month ago. It was very exciting and I was always looking forward to know what the next chapter would be. My mother then borrowed the SwordQuest audiobook as well as the actual books. I read the books but I have not finished reading them as they are very long stories. I am finishing the books soon.

The names of the birds are very unique. How did you find the names for the birds in the books?

Thank you for reading my email.

Bye Bye
Caitlyn, Singapore

Nancy Yi Fan is only 16 years old, yet she’s written two books, Swordbird and Swordquest, which have been published. Inspired by the events surrounding 9-11 Fan wrote of a hero, Swordbird saying “In real life, we don’t have a Swordbird. All we have is each other and I think it’s important for us to create that Swordbird by our understanding and friendship.” Fan spoke to a group of teenagers and encouraged them to write about what excites them. “From my research, I realized if you have the experience doing something — suppose you’re very good at a sport — when you write about it, it flows more naturally to you.” It’s never too late (or too early) to write.

Just Write!

— Fiction writers

I am really impressed. If someone hadn’t told me that this book was written by someone my age, I never would have guessed. Although the story lost me at times, I found this to be a wonderfully written book. It was inspiring to me, being a writer, to see such talent in this young author. The battle between good birds and bad birds was very intriuging and I reccomend it to everybird.

— Sasha

It was a great book… It had action, adventure, and tons of other good things!!!

—scionjb

I finished a book called Swordbird and it is like my favorite book of all time. This book is by Nacey yi fan and i recomend this book for 4th and 5th graders. This book is about the Bluejays, The robins and the cardinals all fighting aganst Turnatt the halk for freedom and peace in the Stone-run forest. You have to read the book to figure out the rest!!!!!

—paige

范禕以生动、轻快的文字呈现森林中的鸟国风光，和有如纸上电玩的刺激打斗画面，赢得大批书迷喜爱。

–林欣谊

Sword Quest by Nancy Yi Fan is a wonderful story of a world inhabited by birds. The archaeopteryxes rule the other bird types through power and cruelty, and the only way to break this is for a hero to reclaim a magical sword believed to rest on a mythical island. Wind-voice, the main character and eventual hero, breaks away from slavery and embarks on an epic journey to make a difference. Along the way he meets friends and allies that teach him and inspire him, showing him the true meaning of friendship and peace. My intention is not to give a detailed summary about this book’s plot, but to explain what I received as a message, what I gathered personally about the book.

First of all, I am an avid birder. I have been watching birds for many years, and have devoted feeding stations in my yard in order to enjoy their company. I have seen many different types build their nests and raise their young on my property. The interactions of wildlife and with my family have been priceless. They really do have personalities and quirks, and we consider them as members of our own family. The fact that the book chronicles different bird tribes and their struggles was real fun for me, in that I got to extend the human characteristics further into their being. It is also clever for the author to use birds to convey human concepts, in order to give the author’s insights on moral and life issues to a younger audience. In short, birds allowed the author to connect to the younger audience.

Philosophically, I could see many different possible influences on the author and/or story. For example, the book stresses peace and harmony, as well as excerpts such as “One of the hardest things to break is the tie of family.” (p142) I reflect on Confucianism and think of its value of harmony, and the relationships. Indeed, loyalty to one’s heart and one’s friends/family was another concept touched upon. Stormac dealt with loyalty to himself, as he was constantly, knowingly, making the wrong decision and struggling with the consequences. Fleydur being disowned by his tribe of eagles shows a struggle of loyalty as well. He followed his heart for music and change, but this put him at odds with his family. The hero, stays loyal to all of his friends. I feel the author was displaying these Confucian values not as stand alone values, but also showed various aspects of each, as with loyalty.

Fate and choice are intertwined as well. Fate continuously puts the characters of the story in many situations, but choice determines the outcome. Even in the end, wind-voice is choosing between images in the magical pyramid of Kauria. It is fate that takes him to that place in time, but the way the author stresses the different possibilities and options at each step, show the importance of choice. Wind-voice rationally approaches the options, knowing the consequences if he is wrong. The world is doomed if he chooses selfishly or poorly. She is saying that fate only takes us so far; it is up to us to choose and move forward, to choose the right way.

Aside from these messages, I feel the greatest one of all is the need for peace and harmony. True peace is not one that is enforced as mentioned in the book. The constant sharing of the scant resources between the bird tribes, the continuous aid and help shown between them, and eventually the coalition of the tribes to fight the villains reflect the ideal of working together for a better, common, good. One should be unselfish and persevere even when fate hands you a difficult situation or many options. Peace is restored in the book only when the tribes learn to work together unselfishly. Wind-voice is the hero, but he needed the support of all these others to get there, so in the end, peace is something they all, we all, must strive for.

I greatly enjoyed this book because it was able to take somewhat more difficult concepts, somewhat more adult concepts, and present them in a fun, and yet entertaining way to younger generations. Even at my age, I felt the writing simple enough for must young adults, but complex enough to keep an adult interested. Just as the book uses many influences and concepts, and the characters themselves show a need for one to evolve and change, I think it takes many sources and much experience for one to be cultivated. It also reinforces the notion of choice, that despite one’s position, there is potential for positive change, to make a difference. I feel this book propones just that, not just peace, but a cultivated, intelligent type of peace.

— Tom

Swordbird is a children’s book published in 2007 by Nancy Yi Fan. The book, although intended for a younger audience, has very advanced sentence structure, vocabulary and depth. Further, there are strong parallels between Chinese and American culture found throughout the book.

The first aspect of Chinese culture is found in the name of the book. All of the characters are birds. In the story, a nasty falcon has move into the forest and is ‘birdnapping’ the residents and using them as slaves. Early on in the book it is revealed that two tribes of birds are on the brink of war because of an initial misunderstanding, caused by none other than the falcon.

The two tribes of birds are the Bluewingle tribe and the Sunrise tribe. If one were to look for symbolism, they might find a connection between the United States (the west) and China (the east) using sweeping stereotypes. Looking at the map, you can see that first of all, the Sunrise tribe is east of the Bluewingle tribe. Geographically, the Sunrise tribe is east of the Bluewingle tribe, where the sun might begin its rise.
The Sunrise tribe is comprised of cardinals could be thought of as being Chinese. Cardinals are red as is a popular color in China and denoting good luck and are smaller than bluejays (Bluewingle tribe). The Cardinals, although described as being smaller than the bluejays, are more dexterous, agile, nimble and quick. The Bluewingle tribe on the other hand is larger and stronger than the cardinals. They also use a different method to fighting than the cardinals, using more swords than bows and arrows. The Bluewingle tribe also is said to sleep in later than the Sunrise tribe, which is something I have personally noticed about westerner’s over Chinese, who are always early to rise from bed.

There are some similarities that both tribes share in respect to either Chinese culture or western culture. One is Bright Moon festival, in which both tribes celebrate with cakes, pies, foods and drink. The traditional Chinese calendar was measured off of the lunisolar cycle. The Chinese New Year then may be represented by the presence of the Bright Moon Festival.

Another similarity between both American and Chinese cultures is the reverence towards Swordbird, the Son of the Great Spirit who is very representational of Jesus Christ. Most birds in the book seem to revere Swordbird, from whom the book gets its title. Swordbird is a white bird that appears after acquisition of a leasorn gem and chanting a song. When Swordbird appears there is a halo of light surrounding him.
Before every chapter there is a proverb from either the book of Old Scripture or Book of Heresy. The former book’s proverbs are inspiring and peaceful while the latter’s are evil and violent in nature. The Book of Heresy immediately reminded me of the Sun Zi’s Art of War while the Old Scripture reminded me of the Christian bible.

The book ends with the birds eliminating the evil falcon Turnatt with the help of the mythical Snowbird. The bird’s agree that there will be no more fighting amongst their tribes and that any bird is allowed to settle anywhere in the forest they wish. This is certainly evident in today’s world where westerner’s and Asian’s alike are settling around the world making a global community.

Overall, I believe the book melded two very different cultures amazingly well. I have always thought of the east and west as being yin and yang in some aspects. Even though similar behaviors are shared, they may be done for different purposes or with different ideological or philosophical reasons as a vehicle. Although some of the things I feel might be symbolism are not consistent throughout the book, I believe these were purposefully included by the author.

— Rob

Hi! I really love your book! I am 10 years old and my name is Caitlin. I live in Austalia. I really love your book Swordbird. I have my own copy. And I am doing the book for my school book report and I think you’re amazing! Because I found out that you started to write the book and you had just moved from China to America? Was it? And thats when you started writing the book. I think that is just amazing!

— Caitlin

— Cassandra

This book had an interesting plot. I think my friend baily would like this book. She would like it because it had lots of details, exciting, and action.

—Kayla Ky. (age 11, grade 6)

I’m posting the review below for my 10 yr old daughter who devours books — particularly adventures and fairy tales (old and new). We lived out of the country for a couple of years and had no idea about this author, or that she was featured on Oprah — impressive!

“I loved this book about peace and freedom. Swordbird has become my number one favorite book (and I have read many wonderful books). I am eager to read the prequel! It is excellent for all ages and for either boys or girls. There are both male and female main characters and it is intriguing and action-packed. Great for those who love nature. I felt like I was part of the story. It’s very cleverly written.”

—homeschooler (Amazon.com)

I read this book because I lOVE birds. I’ve been very into them lately! I really enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down, but the ending was a little sad. I can’t wait to read the next book.

– Emma

As I read, I was thinking, “Oh wow, this part is so beautiful,” or, “This is nice,”, but some parts were not very vivid in my mind. If there were less PICTURES, then I think it would make a better book.

Thank you, Nancy Yi Fan, for being such a great writer and inspiring me so much. You are my idol.

~Cassie, age 11

Wind-voice, a half-dove, is a slave of the giant archeopteryx empire. His mother was a dove, and he never knew his father. The king of the archeopteryx is permanently power-hungry and Wind-voice is the only one standing firmly in front of his goal: a beautiful sword said to bring peace to the fighting world. Can Wind-voice and his powerful friends get to the sword before the archeopteryx king and deliver peace to all birdkind? Read this wonderful and exciting book to find out! I liked it very much because the plot was extremily exciting, and the bad guys made me tremble! Wind-voice’s quest for peace was breathtaking, and most parts made me gasp with astonishment. It’s amazing that a fourteen-year-old wrote this! I loved this book; and the book before it, and can’t wait for the third one!

—Grimstnzborith Janeen-san-elda svit-kona

—The Guardian

– Mojo

I really like this book because it was much more exciting then Swordbird. One part is very sad because one of the main characters dies. I would recommend this book to people you like adventure with little violence.

— Percy Potter, 9 year old bookworm (from Amazon.com)

Families can talk about the author’s intentions. She has stated that this book grew out of her feelings about terrorism and the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and that it carries a message of peace. What do you think she was trying to convey? What is her message? How can a book filled with warfare be about peace? Also, how could an 11-year-old write a book like this? Do you have any ideas for a story?
–Commonsense media

I read your book, Swordbird, 4 times already. It’s my favorite book. Can you please write a sequel? I love your books.

My class is doing different author studies, and I chose you! Who inspired you to start writing at such a young age? Are you planning to write another book? What do you like to do when you aren’t writing books?

Sincerely,

Dylan

2/10/09 Sword Quest
One effect from the book is that wind-voice had his foot cut. The cause of that is that some one swung a sword down at him.

2/5/09 Sword Quest
I do not agree with 013-unidentified being wanted for escaping because he was a slave be for he escaped. He did nothing to the people who wants him died. Also his friends are wanted died too just for being with him. His friends are 216-woodpecker and 987-myna. They are also wanted for escaping.

1/22/09 Sword Quest
If I could persuade the main character I would persuade them to continue the fit against the archaeopteryxes. Also to find the Leasorn gem so that the hero can come to help them.

1/21/09 Sword Quest
Today I started on chapter 5 soon, soon. So far Wind-voice is learning how to wheeled the sword of the heron. His teacher is Fisher the bird how wheeled the sword before him.

1/7/09
One character in the book is Wind-voice. An opinions of his is that he should not do what the archaeopteryx said to do because Wind-voice can see the true evil in the archaeopteryx. Also he thinks that when the archaeopteryx is transforming it sounds like a bird is vomiting.

12/18/08
The major problem in Swordbird was that a crow was trying to chapter all the woodland birds to make them into slaves. He wants to make the woodland birds into slaves because he wanted power over all the birds. Also he wants to control everything.

My mom and I first read my journal. Then we read through the questions and wrote our answers down. After that we looked at the grading sheet and figured out my grade. (And. . . How did this go?) We also went through the questions again to see if we missed any of them.

12/10/08 Swordbird list two events and tell why they were important
Turnatt and his troops were took away because they were bringing destruction to Stone-Run. Another event that happend in the book is that Miltin died from loss of

12/8/08 Swordbird tell me about the main character
One of the main character in the book is Aska. Aska is a member of the Bluewingles tribe. She also is not afraid to put herself in the middle of danger to do what she needs to do. Also she will not give up intell she completes her mission. She’ll do anything to help others.

12/4/08 Swordbird
Today in the book Miltin’s lift wing tightened when he was fling and he landed safely on the deck of a boat. The boat he landed on was his old friend’s boat. His old friend invited him and Aska in to eat.

12/2/08 Swordbird
I read that Shadow, Flame-back, and Skylion are fitting in a sword battle. Shadow is now being chased by Flame-back and Skylion.

11/20/08 Swordbird
Miltin a slavebird was shot in the right arm with an arrow.

11/18/08 Predict the Ending of the book Swordbird
My prediction for the end of the book is that all the birds will be able to live in peace and that there won’t be any more wars between the birds for a very long time.

11/17/08 Swordbird
I thought that the blue jays and the cardinals were going to save the slaves. But the slaves are going to save them self.

11/14/08 Cody said:
The book Sworndbird looks and saws like a good book to read.

11/14/08 Swordbird
The cardinals and the blue jays are listening to music when they were attacked by crows. The blue jays started to through nuts at the enemies and pies.

11/13/08 The Main Character Swordbird
In the book I am reading there is not a main character. Also the book is a fantasy book.

11/12/08 Mr. McGuire said
OK, now I am confused. What genre is this book? Is it fantasy?

11/12/08 Swordbird
Now the Willowleaf Theater is putting on a play.

11/11/08 The Best Part So far Swordbird
The best part so far in the book I am reading is that a slave told Aska the blue jay that the war should not be going on. The war should not be going on because the cardinals did not steel from them. Also a Hawk was the one that stole from them. The Hawk’s name is Turnatt and he’s planing to take all the birds and make them into slaves.

11/10/08 Mr. McGuire said
Please tell me more!!!!!!!! I would like to see a lot more detail in your journal.

11/10/08 Five Things That Happened in the Book Swordbird

A slave asked to gather firewood for the other slaves.
A crow had been yelled at for not overseeing the slave.
The slave was slipping around in the mud.

11/7/08 Swordbird
My prediction for the book I am reading is that a Blue Jay named Aska will be captured.

11/6/08 Swordbird
Now in the book the Blue Jay’s slaves are going to see if one of them can go pickup sticks for the fire.

11/5/08 Swordbird
So fare in the book the Cardinal’s are going to attack the Blue Jay’s camp. Only thing the Cardinal’s are going to scare the Blue Jay’s.

-Abby, 11 years old

快乐菠萝

“和平是美好的，自由是神圣的。”这名话是出自范祎创作的《剑鸟》中的一句话。作者在这本书中创造了一个奇特的鸟类世界。这个世界与我们人类的世界一样，有暴君，有奴隶，有勇士，还有神灵，尤其是那只爪持丽桑宝剑、为鸟除害、被誉为“和平卫士”的剑鸟更是正义、和平和自由的化身。
说到和平，我猛然想起了奥运会。奥运会是世界大家庭热爱的体育盛典，也是人类追求共同理想的精神聚会。“和平、友谊、进步”是奥林匹克运动宗旨的集中体现，赋予了现代奥林匹克运动强大的生命力。和平，是奥林匹克运动的永恒追求；友谊，是奥林匹克运动的欢乐之源；进步，是奥林匹克运动的生机所在。四年一度的奥运会，把“和平、友谊、进步”的火种撒向全球。带着13亿中国人民的庄严承诺，北京接过了五环旗，把她送向更加辉煌的新里程。北京奥运会将为全世界展现“和平、友谊、进步”的壮丽画卷，将为全人类奏响“更快、更高、更强”的激情乐章。
大家知道为什么中国将国家体育场建设成“鸟巢”模样吗？那是因为它包含着世界各国“和平与友谊之鸟”从各地飞向北京参加奥运会的意义。就是因为咱们中国人和平友好，才受到全国各地人民的好评。可见，和平对于一个国家的荣誉来说是极有帮助的。
朋友们，让我们打起维持和平的旗号，一起大声喊道：“和平万岁！”

Julia: I hope – that this young girl – since she is apparently talented enough for someone to recognize that talent – and apparently driven enough to have written the book (her research is definitely a credit to her desire to write an accurate work) – that she doesn’t stop writing!

I LOVE your books! I am ten and hope to become an author someday. Animals are my favorite things to write about. I have read your two spectacular books, SWORDBIRD and SWORD QUEST. Do you get a lot fo homework still? How did you get all the names for the birds? They genius? Wind-voice is an awesome name for SWORDBIRD. It’s a majestic, magical name. I hope you write more books with SWORDBIRD.

Sincerely,

Hannah

— kenzie

–coolgirl

–54jj

Yes, it’s true, and Nancy Yi Fan seems never to have lost her love for literature or her focus at doing something well.

Her books, Swordbird and its prequel Swordquest, have created a very favorable response among writers and reviewers and readers everywhere.

— Dao

Hi,I’ve read both of your books and they’re WONDERFUL!!!!!
I, of course love birds as much as you do. When I got allergic to cats and dogs I fell in love with them.
I wish I could meet you , I have a parakeet named Angel he is adorable! I live in Illinois and am only 10.
But I still think you are the best author in the WORLD!!!

— Lisa

If I have one wish I would get a lot of stuff for myself. So I would have everything I ever wanted in my hand and sometimes no caring for others too much. That at first would be the best thing that would happen to me, right? Wrong.

When I finished your book SWORDBIRD it changed my wish into something else. I know what the “so what” is, it is how our people fight in Iraq with other people. Then I put myself in a soldier’s shoes and thought to myself would I go away from my family for many years without seeing them, and I wouldn’t get a comfortable place to sleep and I would suffer sudden attacks? So the real “so waht” is that why are people fighting and why can’t we just negotiate world peace with others and not fight each other? That then changed my whole mind into a new wish. I just wanted to get world peace and share with one another. I’m not just saying this — I’m really meaning this from my heart.

This book has changed my way of thinking a lot and thinking of others too in my life. This book has taught me a valuable lesson about others.

From

Fernando, 10 years old

仔细看了一下….真的很好 惭愧哦……. 　　　　　它大概讲的就是蓝鸟和红鸟受老鹰特耐特挑拨发生战争，认识到错误后遭受到特耐特的突袭，最终借助神鸟——剑鸟的力量取得了胜利。作品在宣扬战争与恐怖袭击是非常错误的，要把和平的信息传达给其他人。
　　其实剑鸟就是一种白色的十分大白鸽…它象征着和平和自由,………
真的很好看…大家有空一定要看一下….
　　　\ 　　　 不错滴 真的…….

— 寶鋇_べ乖

Great prequel to the amazing Swordbird. Once again, everything is perfect. The adventure is very captivating and the characters are great. I actually cared if somebody died. I can’t decide which is better…this or Swordbird?

–Angelika

The plot is great. Im not very far in Swordquest, but im at the part where Wingle when to tell him about the birds who took Windvoice. Anyway, if you haven’t read her books, you have to!

~ Mayshi, 9 year old girl.

I read your book, SWORDBIRD and I thought it was great! I haven’t been able to buy SWORD QUEST yet, but I want to. It’s so cool that kids can publish books! I really like the way you write.

I am only ten, but I am turning eleven in June. My friends and I have a little group we call the writing group. We meet every week at a different person’s house. I have to write this because of school, but it is still fun.

— Raybigh

I absolutely LOVE your books. You are my role model. Seriously! Your book Swordbird was inspirational to me. When I read it, the details were so precise that I felt like I was inside the pages. Nowhere else is the saying “power of the pen” (power of the keyboard?) more true.

— Connie

My name is Kent. I’m from California! But I happened to come to New York. He tried to come and get me (my brother). He and I loved your books Swordbird and Sword Quest. Those were one of my favorite books in the world! I got the books by going to a book store. Fun, Fun, Fun! I hope YOU write more books!

From: Kent
To: My favorite author Nancy Yi Fan

A debut by an author, especially one that generates quite a buzz, pumps up a lot of anticipation among its fans. When The Sequel or Book 2 comes out, though, it’s not uncommon to hear “Pretty great! But somehow Book 1 is better…” (remember the reception to Paolini’s Eldest)

Why? Is this really a trend of skill decline? A drying up of inspiration? Or is #2 merely eclipsed by the publicity and fame of its predecessor? (Thus the infamous “curse”.) Still, there are some cases where authors have pulled off a book that is an equal, if not a superior.

What more interesting to apply this to the unique case of a teen author, Nancy Yi Fan, whose fantasy fiction Swordbird (HarperCollins, no less) was published in 2007 when she was 13. The kid was 10 when she started writing it. About “the impact of war on trust and friendship among bird characters in a forest”, the book’s been widely touted and widely liked by tweens. I took it up out of curiosity—and frankly, it’s a commendable offering: somewhat simplistic characterization, but forgivable for a kid, and besides the plot was compelling enough; a child’s voice, but a promising one. You should definitely consider letting your child read it if you want to see him/her motivated to read and write more. Anyhow, at the time it was said that Fan was writing Book 2.

And that book is now in bookstores. Called Sword Quest, a prequel. I’ve read it. The book follows good ol’ epic journey, with a Hitler-like arch-villain who grows bitter because he has only one wing. But I believe the book was restricted from its potential because it was a prequel. Isn’t there a mindset that you don’t have to rush through a prequel, since you know pretty much the results?

So: what do you think about the “Book 2 Curse”? Do you Nancy Yi Fan’s second book broke it? Any examples of other authors, or tips to avoid such a scenario…

Swordbirdclub: I disagree. I love Swordbird , but Sword Quest is distinctly better. There’s no “slump”. It’s stronger.
Nancy Yi Fan improved on her second book. You know why? She is in high school now, and her writing is much more mature than when she was 10. This accounts for the significant leap of sophistication that’s special to her case. I didn’t think being a prequel detracted from it. It tells the story of how the god-like “Swordbird” was once a simple mortal dishwasher who set out to do good. And the sardonically malicious villain Maldeor, I thought he is more realistic, three-dimensional, and more interesting than the “plain evil” hawk Turnatt in the first book. I was really fascinated by the characters themselves not the outcome, which is what a good prequel should do.
Most people though, only know Swordbird because it was first and it was featured on the Martha Stewart Show. They’re missing out!
Of course, another example of an author who kept writing as good or better: J K Rowling, great books, even down to the last one! I think a remedy to your “curse” is to not repeat plot devices, add new characters to the cast. Or to make the book longer and “heftier”.

因為作者很年輕，出於好奇，我買了此書來看。那是一個很簡單的故事，情節並不如宣傳所說般那麼複雜。這書是為年輕讀者而設的，但成年人讀來亦會覺得趣味無窮。

范禕十大寫作秘訣, 首重熱情
范禕接受內地媒體訪問時，談到自己有十大寫作心得﹕

●在寧靜環境下寫作

●全神貫注

●抓住紮實的意念起筆，撰寫真正熱愛的題材

●列出寫作大綱，但緊記可隨時偏離大綱

●訂立寫作目標、有條不紊地實踐

●故事的資訊必須準確，須進行資料搜集

●要有耐性，初稿毋須盡善盡美

●間中小休，如觀察窗外築巢的雀鳥及散步

●改動故事時持開放態度，修改是提升作品的好方法

●最重要是對寫作有熱情，並完全獻身於故事創作

—alancheah