Patrick Loehr 
Bird Parade 

Bird Parade is the Winner of the Colorado Book Awards in the Pictorial category. It is a dark, coming of age story 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 innocence. Recommended for ages 11 and up.