Seabird

Michelle Kadarusman is a Canadian-based children’s author, who spends part 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.

CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens Spring 2026 Starred Selection – Junior & Intermediate FictionKirkus Best Book 2025Junior Library Guild Selection NCTE Freeman Book Award Honourable Mention Kirkus “150 Notable Fall Releases” 2025 Forest of Reading Red Maple Kid Committee Selection 20262025 Children’s Book Council “September Hot Off the Press” Feature 14 Canadian books for tweens and teens to read this summer"A first purchase for all libraries wishing to inspire readers to make their own path rather than follow the trail.”—School Library Journal“Kadarusman beautifully brings Kartini to life with clarity and empathy in a story that’s educational without being preachy and is a superb pick for readers interested in history and activism.”—Kirkus Reviews “Kadarusman reimagines a story of the past not often told, allowing for Kartini’s voice and message to fill a void in the present.”—Booklist“Although a short and easy read, this story gives readers much to think about. Highly recommended.” —Historical Novel Society“Indonesian-Canadian [author, Michelle Kadarusman]...once heard about this woman who fought for female rights. This book, Seabird, is a fictional retelling of that woman’s life.”—Fuse 8, Betsy Bird“This is a must-read for students. It offers an accessible entry point into discussions of colonization, patriarchy, and global history, while inspiring young readers with Kartini’s courage and conviction. Highly recommended for school and home libraries alike.”—Southern Librarian“Readers who enjoyed Kadarusman's modern day Music for Tigers or Girl of the Southern Sea will find this look into late 19th century women's history fascinating.” —YA Books Central“Seabird is a lovely and unique story that will both educate and surprise its audience. Rich in detail and vocabulary, the first person narration (interspersed with the letters) allows readers to fully immerse themselves in Kartini’s world.”—Youth Services Book Review “Based on the true story of a girl growing up in the 1890’s Dutch East Indies, we see the inequalities of a girl in her Javanese culture. Held back by her customs and the Dutch government colonizing them, she finds a way to make her voice heard.”—NetGalley Librarian “Though her name is well known in Indonesia, where Kartini Day is celebrated every year, this remarkable middle grade novel will help to elevate her name in the rest of the world.”—All Done Monkey Blog"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 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“Seabird is a charming story of friendship and fortitude, highlighting the challenges facing a young woman who desires freedom from traditional views of the role of women. The correspondence between two friends who are experiencing different cultural upbringing is both heartfelt and enlightening.”—Anne O’Brien, author of SPIRIT AND GRIT!: Women Entrepreneurs Who Blazed the Trail“This book is a beautiful testament to the power that one voice, one woman, can have to change the course of history.”—Sidura Ludwig, author of SWAN: THE GIRL WHO GREW