Sea Bird

About the Book

By award-winning author Michelle Kadarusman comes an inspiring story of resilience, friendship, and fighting for change. Based on the true story of Raden Adjeng Kartini, a nineteenth century feminist.

Book Synopsis

Inspired by the true story of a nineteenth century feminist. Seabird follows Kartini's early teen years as a young noble girl. Confined to the family home in preparation for an arranged marriage, Kartini's desire for freedom ignites as she fights to have a say in the decisions that shape her life.
In late nineteenth century Indonesia --then known as the Dutch East Indies--a Javanese girl from a noble family is confined to her home before her thirteenth birthday, where she must remain until she is married. Removed from school and the outside world, Kartini writes to her former Dutch schoolmate, Lesty, who has returned to the Netherlands. With Lesty's support Kartini begins to challenge the role expected of her, and that of girls and women in her community. Determined to gain her freedom, Kartini bravely battles prejudice and tradition stirring change for her family, and for her country.
Governor General's Award finalist Michelle Kadarusman shows us that no matter how powerless you feel, your voice can have great impact. By virtue of writing down your dreams and ideas, you can inspire generations to come--was Kartini continues to do through Kartini Day in Indonesia.

Review Quotes

Praise for Seabird

"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 the 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

About the Author

Michelle Kadarusman is a Canadian-based children's author, who spends part of the year in Australia. She is twice-nominated for a Governor General's Literary Award and her work has been translated into Spanish, German, Japanese and Turkish. Her middle-grade novels have earned many nominations and honors, including the Freeman Book Awards, TD Award for Children's Literature, Green Earth Books Awards, USBBY Outstanding International Books and Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children's Literature. She's originally from Australia and Indonesia.