Yellow Bird and Me (163rd Street Trilogy)

This story was an early chapter book about a young girl named Doris who's best friend had to move due to his foster parents giving him up. Through letters she learns to befriend the class jokester Bird (James) who struggles to read and deal with his academics. Together they study hard and join a new theatre club where both Doris and Bird learn to work hard and become more social. As the play draws near and their friendship strengthens, Doris is able to help Bird figure out why he struggles so much with reading and ultimately help him get the help he needs.