Wings

A must-share book for kids of all ages. A powerful story of being different, standing up for a classmate, and acceptance. Great to spur writing and discussion regarding bullying and acceptance.

As expected

Christopher Meyeres always makes beautiful books/illustrations. The story in this book, Wings, is so deep. I love reading it to my 4 year old and it is very peaceful, he often falls asleep while I am reading it to him (something that doesn't easily happen with my boy). I love the message which is that it is up to you to stand up for others, and that the unique things about yourself and others is what is fantastic in this world (not weird). The way the illustrations are printed and bound in this book makes it an all around beautiful book.

Great story and material to teach kids an important lesson without being too obvious what we are trying to do. And the wings are interesting enough to trigger lots of questions out of curiosity.

I ordered this book for a third grade girls book club at an elementary school. The book is well written, beautifully illustrated, and has a positive message!

This is exactly what you expect, a book about being different - and not having to fit in. Great illustrations.

After a visit to the library last week, we came home with ten new picture books. The first one the kids chose to read was Wings by Christopher Myers, a book with colorful collage illustrations which complement the story beautifully. The story is a sad one, but with a rather happy and hopeful end, undoubtedly guaranteed to give its readers a surge of joy and inspiration, and courage to speak up for those who can't. At least, that's what it did for me and my boys—and our little visitors that day. Wings is about a boy named Ikarus Jackson, who clearly stands out from the crowd. Because he has wings, the kids in his neighbourhood, at school, and even his teacher neither understand nor accept him, and are very quick to judge and point their fingers. Ikarus goes from a fun-loving child at the beginning of the story, to a much sadder one later on, after all the snickering and isolation finally get to him. One girl, a quiet girl, thinks Ikarus is amazing. She watches as the others mock Ikarus Jackson and exclude him from their games. She feel bad for him; she knows what it feels like to be left out because you're different. The author illustrates at the end of the story what a difference one person's courage to speak up can make in another person's life, a difference which ripples through the communities we live in, and eventually the world. A beautiful book about kindness and courage; a must-read for everyone, young and old!This review first appeared on My Quiet Adventures[...]

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.

Wonderful book, just as described.

Cool illustrations and a superb story about accepting people's differences.