Customer Reviews

Wings

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

"Ikarus Jackson, the fly boy,
came to my school last Thursday.
His long, strong, proud wings followed
where he went."

But people don't get it. They snicker and sneer and drive Ikarus to the top of an apartment building to sit "with the pigeons." Because "pigeons don't make fun of people." In a sort of "emperor's new clothes" moment, a young girl calls out "what someone should have long ago: "Your flying is beautiful."" That seems to be what Ikarus needs to break free of his self-doubts and insecurities and soar.

Christopher Myers' collages have an Ezra Jack Keats meets Romare Bearden feel to them. Look closer and images appear within the images. I wondered about the significance of these secondary images, but not knowing made them all the more appealing.

Wings is a book to explore and enjoy.

"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.

Wings is a beautiful story about a boy named Ikarus who has wings. The wings are a liability to most people but finally others begin to see the benefits to his wings. Very nice story about how people who are different are criticized for being so while their assets are dismissed.

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

This book was among my daughters choices to check out the last time we visited the Library. I read it to her before bed that night and found myself wanting to read it again because I loved the story and the illustrations so much. I returned the book back to the Library and bought her her own copy. Highly recommended!

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:)

I am an avid person when it comes to flight and I have a passion for being free as a bird. But a few weeks ago I passed by my local book store and saw in the window this very same book. Little did I know that this book would lead me to my demise. But I was so eager to learn so much from this book about learning how to fly that I raced home to read it! After finishing the book I believed I was ready to test my new flight skills. So I went up to the top of my appartment building to take flight; little did I know that i would not fly away but ended up hitting the street with such force that I fractured my skull, broke three ribs and my left arm, and shattered my pelvis. So I must warn you all that this book will not give you wings or teach you how to fly but I haven't given up hope and will continue my search for a way to finally fly!

I give this book a 2 Stars out of 5 for being a great read and false advertisement.