about uplift
Born high in a spruce tree, Columbina and her brothers grow up listening to ancestral tales through long winters and harvesting pine seeds in summer. But Columbina begins to question her clan's traditions and forms bonds with creatures beyond her species. When she uncovers a looming threat from the mysterious Tall Ones, she must decide how far she'll go to protect her world.
A richly imaginative novel told through avian eyes, UPLIFT explores the strength of community, the power of interconnection, and the impact of environmental change.
praise for uplift
“An excellent read for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a tale with heart and purpose. Uplift is a remarkable work... a standout novel that deserves to be cherished and shared.”
—IBPA Book Awards
"Uplift joins Watership Down, The Secret of NIMH, and other stories that use animals to illuminate human concerns... Poignant, lyrical, and elegantly written... Mann's story doesn't just take flight, it soars."
—BlueInk "Starred"review
"Emotionally stirring story with appeal to adults as well as younger readers... Boasts a well-crafted universe and appealing characters that lift this tale to entertaining heights."
—Indie Reader "IR Approved" review
"Enchanting and enlightening… Highly recommended read for its captivating narrative and important central message."
—Readers' Favorite 5-stars
“A beautiful portrait of nature’s cycles... An immersive debut with an environmentally conscious message.”
—Publishers Weekly/BookLife
"A riveting must-read… A compelling and moving story with an important message."
—Psychology Today
"Exceptionally beautiful and inspiring story... Highly recommended to anyone looking for a heartfelt story."
—Online Book Club 5-stars
“Reading like part ancient myth and part experimental fiction, Uplift is a great read for a cold winter’s night.”
—The Nature Conservancy
"The notion that all creatures have the capacity to do either harm or good is exemplified in this eco-conscious novel...
An enchanting allegorical story."
—Foreword/Clarion 4-star review
Interviews (listen wherever you get your podcasts)
The Authors Show
Bringing Inspiration to Earth
Bringing Inspiration to Earth
Bringing Inspiration to Earth
Bringing Inspiration to Earth
Bringing Inspiration to Earth
Kickass Boomers
Bringing Inspiration to Earth
Kickass Boomers
uplift featured in psychology today
"Jessica Mann's book is a must-read for appreciating how birds sense their world.... A compelling and moving story with an important message."
uplift listed in the Nature Conservancy holiday books
"Reading like part ancient myth and part experimental fiction, (Uplift) is a great read for a cold winter's night, transporting you deep into the Rocky Mountains with some of its most fascinating inhabitants."
Uplift wins two awards at NIEA
Uplift won awards in two categories from the National Indie Excellence Awards! The book was Winner in the cross-genre category; and Finalist in the nature category.
NIEA is proud to be a champion of self-publishing and small independent presses that go the extra mile to produce books of excellence.
Uplift wins Silver in IBPA book awards
Uplift was awarded the Silver medal in the Independent Book Publisher’s Association book awards! IBPA is the largest association for independent publishers in the country, and their book awards are regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers.
UPLIFT wins "Indies Today" book award
Uplift wins Runner-Up award in Indies Today 2024 book awards (genre: fantasy)