Dr. Birds advice for sad poets

The novel is a young adult fiction story that explores themes of family, depression, and mental illness. It follows 16-year-old James Whitman, who struggles with anxiety and depression and talks to an imaginary pigeon named Dr. Bird, whom he believes acts as his therapist. James is on a mission to find his older sister, Jorie, after she is kicked out of their home by their abusive parents. The book is a sensitive portrayal of James's struggle and his journey to understand his family situation, finding solace in Walt Whitman's poetry.