Wings

Amazing text and art work grace this book. Great book for 3-6 teaching them kindness to each other and celebrating their differences. Also great for teaching point of view. Highly recommend it:)

Ikarus Jackson is new to the neighborhood. He has long beautiful white wings and can fly gracefully over rooftops, diving and swooping. All the children call him strange, gawk, taunt and laugh at him. Even adults stare and make unkind comments. Everyone but a shy girl. She knows how Ikarus feels. She's heard them whispering and making fun of how quiet she is. She thinks what Ikarus can do is wonderful and when a policeman orders him to stop flying and stay on the ground, she bravely tells all the others to stop laughing and pointing and leave him alone. Then she turns to Ikarus and "told him what someone should have long ago: Your flying is beautiful." And for the first time, he smiled. "Ikarus had found his wings again."..... In this simple retelling of the Icarus myth, Christopher Myers' modern day Ikarus Jackson doesn't fall from the sky because he dared to fly too close to the sun, but because the neighborhood couldn't tolerate his differences and broke his spirit. His beautifully gentle, poetic text, full of imagery and magic is only outdone by his amazing cut paper and photo collage illustrations and both children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the bold colors and intricate detail. Together, word and art combine to make a very expressive and thoughtful story about the triumph of the human spirit, celebrating our differences and embracing what makes each and every one of us unique and special. Perfect as a read aloud story for youngsters 4-8, Wings will have even more meaning for older children and should open interesting family discussions.

"Wings," by Christopher Myers, is an excellent work of fiction for younger readers. Myers combines an easy-to-read text with colorful collage illustrations to tell the story of Ikarus Jackson.Ikarus has wings, and is able to fly. These characteristics make him different from the other kids. He faces prejudice and discrimination, but ultimately finds a friend who appreciates him for the unique person he is."Wings" is an effective blend of fantasy and urban realism. Myers' story captures universal truths, and his artwork is stunning. This book is a good tool for teaching children about diversity and tolerance.

My two children and I enjoyed reading this book. It exhibits to children that it is okay to be different. It also prompted a discussion with my children on the varying differences in the world which allowed me to express, again, our appreciation for diversity.