Mercy's birds - Linda Holeman

Mercy is nearly sixteen, a loner, and a misfit, or at least that's how she likes to appear -- but her dyed hair and black clothes don't fool everyone. At home, Mercy has to cope with her depressed mother and eccentric aunt, who is a larger than life fortune-teller and alcoholic. Terrified by the impending return of her aunt's boyfriend, Mercy retreats further behind her image as she tries to maintain that all is well. However, Mercy's barriers are gradually eroded by unexpected friendships, and she learns to open up and accept help from others.