Bird Parade

A new graphic novel, Bird Parade by Patrick Loehr (with a fabulous introduction by Nathan Ballingrud) is a dark, coming of age narrative about two young boys and a gun. Set in rural Colorado, the story exposes a somber world wherein notions of strength and maturity are deeply intertwined with the mystique of firearms and family legend. The young narrator’s eagerness to grow up — to complete a rite of passage — compels him towards actions that ultimately shatter his childhood. The richly illustrated volume is awash in muted textures of brown and gray, a visually appropriate setting for this dark, thought provoking, and timely tale.