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 narrators 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.