The Pigeon Man, by Joel Stein, is included in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum collection.

A wounded pigeon. A haunted janitor. A refugee boy looking for hope.

When Danny Simon rescues a bloodied pigeon from a vicious flock attack, he has no idea he’s about to change his life—and someone else’s. New to America and still reeling from the horrors of war in his Russian homeland, Danny finds an unexpected friendship with Mike Delaney, the gruff, pigeon-loving janitor who lives in the basement of Danny’s Bronx apartment building.

As Danny learns to care for the injured bird, “Feisty,” he and Delaney forge a bond built on trust, healing, and second chances. But when bullies from Danny’s school discover his rooftop refuge, everything is threatened—including the birds, the loft, and the fragile peace both Danny and Delaney have just begun to find.

The Pigeon Man is a heartfelt, coming-of-age story set in the post-WWII era, perfect for middle grade and young adult readers. It explores friendship, resilience, and the healing power of animals—and how even the most broken wings can learn to fly again.