Wings

Wings is the story of a young man named Ikarus Jackson who arrives at a new school with wings protruding from his back. His presence causes immediate reactions from students and adults in the community who have never seen anyone like him before. A girl at the school observes how others treat Ikarus and must decide how to respond to the situation. The story follows her perspective as she watches events unfold and considers her own role. The narrative addresses themes of difference, belonging, and the courage to stand up for others. Through striking collage-style illustrations and minimal text, Myers explores how communities react to those who don't conform to expected norms.

Readers connect with the urban basketball story and striking collage-style artwork that blends realism with imagination. Multiple reviews highlight how children relate to the themes of determination and believing in oneself. Positives from reviews: - Artwork engages young readers with dynamic action scenes - Message resonates with kids who face self-doubt - Effectively uses basketball as a metaphor - Works well as a read-aloud book Main criticisms: - Some find the metaphor too abstract for younger children - Text can be challenging for early readers - A few note the story feels incomplete Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (185 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (21 ratings) "The illustrations leap off the page" notes one teacher reviewer on Goodreads. A parent reviewer on Amazon states "My 7-year-old requests this book often but needs help understanding parts of it."

Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold A young girl spreads her wings and soars over 1930s Harlem, claiming her place in the city through magical realism and cultural heritage.

The Red Tree by Shaun Tan Through surreal artwork and minimal text, a child navigates feelings of isolation until finding hope and belonging.

Wind Flyers by Angela Johnson The story connects a young boy to his great-great-uncle's experience as a Tuskegee Airman, celebrating flight and determination.

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein Philippe Petit's 1974 high-wire walk between the Twin Towers demonstrates the human spirit's drive to defy limitations and reach for dreams.

After the Fall by Dan Santat Humpty Dumpty overcomes his fear of heights after his fall, transforming into a bird who learns to soar.

🔸 Christopher Myers created both the striking text and bold collage illustrations for Wings, following in the footsteps of his father, acclaimed children's book author and illustrator Walter Dean Myers. 🔸 The story was inspired by the Greek myth of Icarus but reimagined in a modern urban setting with a young basketball player as the protagonist. 🔸 The book addresses themes of being different and facing judgment from others, particularly resonating with children who feel like outsiders in their communities. 🔸 Wings received the Coretta Scott King Honor Award in 2001 for its illustrations, recognizing excellence in African American children's literature. 🔸 The collage technique used in the book combines photography, painted elements, and various textured papers to create dynamic, multilayered images that emphasize movement and flight.