"Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment", James Patterson (young adult, fantasy)

"The Angel Experiment" is the first volume in the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson.  In this edition, we are introduced to the flock and get the basic background and set up for the rest of the series.  This storyline revolves around a group of children who have undergone genetic manipulation by a secret government or wealthy private medical group (the specifics are unclear).  These doctors/scientists have spliced animal DNA with human DNA and created a variety of experiments, similar to what happened in "Dark Angel", if you're familiar with that TV show, or inspired by H.G. Well's Dr. Moreau even.  There are mentions of several experiments, but the main focus is on a wolf/human hybrid group and a human/avian group.  There are 6 members of the avian flock, ranging in ages 6-14, who are trying to live on their own and outwit the wolf packs sent to find and retrieve them.  At one point the youngest gets caught and the rest try to rescue her but get caught in the process.  Find out what happens after they break out, as well as who their parents are, what Max's mysterious destiny is and where they go from here...