by John Casey
First published 2015
Lucy arrives at Casey Farm as the smallest and most vulnerable chick in the flock. The other chickens reject her, leaving her to navigate the harsh social order of the barnyard alone. She faces daily challenges as an outsider, struggling to eat, find shelter, and avoid the pecking order that keeps her at the bottom. The red chick must prove herself worthy of acceptance while surviving the dangers that threaten the weakest members of the group. Lucy's journey becomes one of persistence and courage as she searches for belonging in a world that seems determined to exclude her. Through small victories and setbacks, she gradually learns the unwritten rules of chicken society. Her story reveals how even the smallest creatures must fight for their place in the world, and how acceptance sometimes comes only through proving one's worth to those who hold power.
Genres: fiction, animals, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, underdog
Setting: Casey Farm
30 pages · Paperback · CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform