What do you think?
Rate this book
Wenny Has Wings
In the fight with the truck barreling toward them, Wenny and Will lost big. Wenny lost her life. Will lost a sister -- and lost faith in himself.
But then Will starts writing letters to Wenny. He tells her all about the secret of his near-death experience, and the troubles he's having at home. Some letters are funny. Some letters are harsh. And when read together, they tell the story of a boy who finds a way to move past death and learns how to live again....
But then Will starts writing letters to Wenny. He tells her all about the secret of his near-death experience, and the troubles he's having at home. Some letters are funny. Some letters are harsh. And when read together, they tell the story of a boy who finds a way to move past death and learns how to live again....
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
26 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
Janet Lee Carey
18 books545 followers~Things are never what they seem. Find the lost inside the dream ~
Janet Lee Carey is the award-winning author of nine Children's and YA novels. Her YA fantasy is critically acclaimed: "Verdict: This is quite simply fantasy at its best–original, beautiful, amazing, and deeply moving.” School Library Journal starred review. Janet links each new book with a charitable organization empowering readers to make a difference in the world. She tours in US and abroad presenting at schools, children’s book festivals, and conferences.
my website
Visit my blogs:
dreamwalks
Library Lions Roar
Book Party photos:
litartphotography
Janet Lee Carey is the award-winning author of nine Children's and YA novels. Her YA fantasy is critically acclaimed: "Verdict: This is quite simply fantasy at its best–original, beautiful, amazing, and deeply moving.” School Library Journal starred review. Janet links each new book with a charitable organization empowering readers to make a difference in the world. She tours in US and abroad presenting at schools, children’s book festivals, and conferences.
my website
Visit my blogs:
dreamwalks
Library Lions Roar
Book Party photos:
litartphotography
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
December 15, 2008
Although this book was sad I really enjoyed it. Its one of those books which its short, to the point, and that you make a connection with. I liked that the book was written in one-person perspective and that it was also written in a journal entry form. It created a more true story feel and it became a way of copping with someones death. I also liked that the book was written in a eleven year old point of view but in a way that teenagers wont get bored of reading. If the book was made into a movie I think that it will have a nature feel, very outdoors, with many flashbacks from the main character, something between "Bridge to Terabithia" and "August Rush". The movie would be a drama movie. I think that William North, the main character should be played by Freddie Highmore, (Evan Taylor in August Rush ). I think that the setting would be very forest like, somewhere like in North Carolina. I know that directors and screen writers will have to diverge form the book, because its somewhat short. I think that the story will market PG-13.
March 31, 2009
This is a perfect, poignant look at how an 11-year-old boy struggles to go on after the tragic death of his little sister and his own near-death experience. Many have called it sad, but I don't see it that way at all. It's brutal, yes, and honest, but also beautiful and filled with hope and healing. Nicely done, Janet!
July 14, 2011
You know how sometimes you start a book when you're a kid and then you spend years trying to find it again and when you finally do it's not anywhere near as cool as you remembered? Too bad. It shouldn't happen, but it does.
"Wenny Has Wings" is one of those books that never quite lives up to its potential. The idea is strong, there are many good elements, but the execution is somehow underwhelming. When I was 12 or 14 the voice worked just fine for me, but reading it now I have trouble connecting to Will. Instead of cynical, he just sees kind of whiny and childish. Carey just has a difficult task of not only telling the story in a child's voice, but staying within the limits of a child's writing capabilities. I know my prose wasn't too good when I was 11, and boys tend to be less expressive than girls the same age. It's just a hard style to pull off.
The plot seemed a little rambling to me somehow, even though there were interesting symbolic things like the tree house, the tunnel of death, and the father's photographs. I tended to get annoyed with the over-reactive parents and the rather stereotypical kids at school. Sometimes it's just all a little too obvious. You know Will is going to tell someone about his near death experience eventually. I just feel like it could have done better, like there was this postmodern, mystical, lyric, coming-of-age novel that was whirling around in the author's head and what came out was a simplified version of it.
"Wenny Has Wings" is one of those books that never quite lives up to its potential. The idea is strong, there are many good elements, but the execution is somehow underwhelming. When I was 12 or 14 the voice worked just fine for me, but reading it now I have trouble connecting to Will. Instead of cynical, he just sees kind of whiny and childish. Carey just has a difficult task of not only telling the story in a child's voice, but staying within the limits of a child's writing capabilities. I know my prose wasn't too good when I was 11, and boys tend to be less expressive than girls the same age. It's just a hard style to pull off.
The plot seemed a little rambling to me somehow, even though there were interesting symbolic things like the tree house, the tunnel of death, and the father's photographs. I tended to get annoyed with the over-reactive parents and the rather stereotypical kids at school. Sometimes it's just all a little too obvious. You know Will is going to tell someone about his near death experience eventually. I just feel like it could have done better, like there was this postmodern, mystical, lyric, coming-of-age novel that was whirling around in the author's head and what came out was a simplified version of it.
Read
October 15, 2010Wenny Has Wings was a marvelous book. Janet Lee Carey captured all the aspects of a great book. If you read this book, make sure you have a couple of tissues on hand. Wenny Has Wings will more than likely make you shed a few tears.
Eleven year old Will and his sister, Wenny, both get hit by an eighteen wheeler. Will makes it through, but just barely. Wenny, unfortunately, does not. Will remembers a warm, bright light in a tunnel.
Even with all of his broken body parts, Will writes letters to his deceased sister. He explains to her how lonely and mad he is that she left him. Through all of his letters Will is getting stronger, and more dependent from her. As he works through his sisters death, his parents and his relationship is starting to go downhill.
His mother becomes pregnant, his father is in a depression, and because of this, his parents relationship is suffering. When Will’s mother starts to clean out Wenny’s room, his father leaves, and goes to stay with his friend. Will tries to get him to come back, but his father needs to sort things out. Will’s mother is trying to get through Wenny’s death, and the pregnancy.
As the book goes on, Will overcomes some tribulations, and his father comes home. On Wenny’s birthday Will and his parents have a break through and they all start to get over Wenny’s death. This book is the best book I’ve ever read. I recommend this book to anyone, young or old.
Eleven year old Will and his sister, Wenny, both get hit by an eighteen wheeler. Will makes it through, but just barely. Wenny, unfortunately, does not. Will remembers a warm, bright light in a tunnel.
Even with all of his broken body parts, Will writes letters to his deceased sister. He explains to her how lonely and mad he is that she left him. Through all of his letters Will is getting stronger, and more dependent from her. As he works through his sisters death, his parents and his relationship is starting to go downhill.
His mother becomes pregnant, his father is in a depression, and because of this, his parents relationship is suffering. When Will’s mother starts to clean out Wenny’s room, his father leaves, and goes to stay with his friend. Will tries to get him to come back, but his father needs to sort things out. Will’s mother is trying to get through Wenny’s death, and the pregnancy.
As the book goes on, Will overcomes some tribulations, and his father comes home. On Wenny’s birthday Will and his parents have a break through and they all start to get over Wenny’s death. This book is the best book I’ve ever read. I recommend this book to anyone, young or old.
March 17, 2014
Dealing with the death of a loved one is a hard thing to deal with for anyone, but it's even harder when it's through the eyes of a young child. This book is about a boy named Will that was walking across the street with his little sister, Wenny, when a truck came by and hit the both of them. When this happened, Will was hospitalized and badly hurt, but Wenny died. While Will was in the hospital, the doctors gave him a note book to sketch in when he was bored, but instead he wrote letters to Wenny describing how life was going without her. I think the format that this book is written in makes the words and stories throughout it more powerful than just a regular book because it really is his thoughts and opinions and it is probably exactly what he would say to Wenny if she was still there with him. This book is sad however, so if that's not the style of book that you're into then I would not suggest reading this book. However, if you can handle that then I strongly recommend reading it. It's an easy read and a great book that I enjoyed reading.
June 26, 2014
I read this book for our kids book club at the library. Little did I know when I chose it three months prior that this book would reflect my life. Two weeks before meeting with the kids to review the book, I lost my brother. We were very close and this book just brought so much to me. It was hard to read at times, just because I would cry, but the story is amazing. I think it was great and healthy for him to wrote to his sister and give her a birthday party. It was just an amazing book. I think it would be helpful reading for a young kid to read if the have lost someone they love and are that close to. Taking with the kids they had all pretty much lost someone or even a pet (these are 3-6th grade kids) and they all thought the journal was a great idea and liked the things he did for his sister.
February 5, 2011
This is such a good book. Once I started it I couldnt put it down. The ending made me cry.... And I dont ever cry at any books! Janet Lee Carey is an amazing author.
January 6, 2026
Only read if you're ready to cry
July 28, 2011
Very, very, very, sad. As a mother, I had a very hard time getting through a paragraph. This story is about a young boy who lost his sister. It's a journal of his experience after a serious accident.
In the fight with the truck barreling toward them, Wenny and Will lost big. Wenny lost her life. Will lost a sister — and lost faith in himself.
But then Will starts writing letters to Wenny. He tells her all about the secret of his near-death experience, and the troubles he's having at home. Some letters are funny. Some letters are harsh. And when read together, they tell the story of a boy who finds a way to move past death and learns how to live again....
In the fight with the truck barreling toward them, Wenny and Will lost big. Wenny lost her life. Will lost a sister — and lost faith in himself.
But then Will starts writing letters to Wenny. He tells her all about the secret of his near-death experience, and the troubles he's having at home. Some letters are funny. Some letters are harsh. And when read together, they tell the story of a boy who finds a way to move past death and learns how to live again....
June 28, 2013
The book I am going to review is Wenny Has Wings. I think that this is probably one of my all time favorite books, and that is the reason I chose to review it. At the beginning of the book, Wenny dies and her brother writes in his journal to her every day. This book truly shows what happens to a family and how emotional it is in a family when a child dies. I definitely think that if you just went through a loss of a young friend or family member, this book will help you cope with that. Wenny Has Wings was truly heart rendering, but I seriously enjoyed it and if my friends or family wanted to read an easy book, I would definitely recommend this to them.
September 20, 2023
This was the first chapter book I’ve ever read on my own in fifth grade. I was always a comic and graphic novel kid growing up, and after reading this book, I fell in love with chapter books. I reread it this year, but I don’t read books like this anymore, I don’t even know why I started reading this fr I just picked it up one day and probably said “fuck it” and read it. It’s a TEAR JERKER. I cried so much at this book. Back then, I read it as a sad story, but now, especially as someone who went through the loss of my best friend, It HIT differently and I still am in love with this book to this day.
March 1, 2018
When eleven-year-old Will North wakes up in a hospital bed, he is not only confused but devastated. After a tragic accident, leaving his little sister, Wenny, dead when a truck struck both of them. Will can remember dying and finding his way through a tunnel towards a light. He can also remember spending time with Wenny while he was there, but when Will came back he was suffering from major injuries. “When I woke up I found out you didn't come back like I did.” (pg 4). Will began to write letters to Wenny in the journal in which his church provided him as he is in the hospital recuperating. He does this because he wants to express these feelings no one else will listen to. Will’s parents can barely stand to look at each other let alone talk to Will after the tragic accident with Wenny. Unable to talk to his parents and friends about his near-death experience, Will finds comfort in writing to Wenny. As time passes Will writes to Wenny less and less. During this time of grief Will’s father seems to struggle the most with Wenny’s death and his feelings of guilt after not watching out for her while Will walked to the store. However, with a new baby on the way, the family must learn to move on while still holding Wenny’s memory dear to their hearts.
Author Janet Lee Carey’s writing explains that dealing with the death of a loved one is a hard thing to deal with for anyone, but it's even harder when it's through the eyes of a young child. In all conclusion, Wenny has wings is an absolutely beautiful book. It’s a story about love, grief, loss, and a form of acceptance of Wenny’s loss through Will’s letters. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who is looking for an example of an epistolary novel
Author Janet Lee Carey’s writing explains that dealing with the death of a loved one is a hard thing to deal with for anyone, but it's even harder when it's through the eyes of a young child. In all conclusion, Wenny has wings is an absolutely beautiful book. It’s a story about love, grief, loss, and a form of acceptance of Wenny’s loss through Will’s letters. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who is looking for an example of an epistolary novel
August 27, 2024
I read Wenny Has Wings by Janet Lee Carey a couple of years ago, but it has stuck with me because it is one of the best books I've read dealing with the death of a child and the resultant grieving process. Will North and his little sister, Wenny, are hit by a truck on their way to the store. When Will wakes up in the hospital, he remembers that both he and Wenny started flying "towards the light" but that he pulled back because he didn't want his parents to be left alone. The author guides us on Will's (and his parents') journey of recovery through a series of letters Will writes to Wenny.
He's angry...at Wenny for leaving, his parents for being so lost in their grief, and himself for letting Wenny accompany him to the store that day and for not being able to save her. His parents are incapable of helping him, so it is a youth minister who finally suggests that Will start writing letters to God. Instead, he chooses to write to Wenny.
This story is a tear-jerker, but it's also a message of hope and redemption. I recommend that librarians and counselors read it, and add it to their bibliotherapy toolbox.
He's angry...at Wenny for leaving, his parents for being so lost in their grief, and himself for letting Wenny accompany him to the store that day and for not being able to save her. His parents are incapable of helping him, so it is a youth minister who finally suggests that Will start writing letters to God. Instead, he chooses to write to Wenny.
This story is a tear-jerker, but it's also a message of hope and redemption. I recommend that librarians and counselors read it, and add it to their bibliotherapy toolbox.
February 4, 2025
I read this for the first time in probably 2010 or so, as a child. Today, I’m 27. I’ve dealt with loss more than many people have.
When I found my childhood copy of Wenny Has Wings, I knew it was for a reason. I read it over the last few days - about 50 pages or so a night.
I finished it tonight. I cried. For the main character, for the parents, for the people and pets I’ve lost.
This book captures the essence of why it hurts when we lose those we love.
“"It's been one hundred fifty-two days," I said.
"You've been counting?"
"I've been counting.'
Dad put his arm around me. We looked out over the neighborhood rooftops. 'Things will never be the same," he said.
"I know."
We watched the wind blow thick clouds across the whole sky, but the sun broke through in some places.”
When I found my childhood copy of Wenny Has Wings, I knew it was for a reason. I read it over the last few days - about 50 pages or so a night.
I finished it tonight. I cried. For the main character, for the parents, for the people and pets I’ve lost.
This book captures the essence of why it hurts when we lose those we love.
“"It's been one hundred fifty-two days," I said.
"You've been counting?"
"I've been counting.'
Dad put his arm around me. We looked out over the neighborhood rooftops. 'Things will never be the same," he said.
"I know."
We watched the wind blow thick clouds across the whole sky, but the sun broke through in some places.”
November 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, the story behind the letters was extremely sad. The story made me think about the things I would normally not think about in everyday life. For example, that my family is all in well health. This book was an emotional story and when reading about the hard time the family was going through after losing a family member was probably the most emotional part of the book. In this book, Will loses his sister, Wenny, and blames himself for her death. I can't imagine what it would have been like to lose someone that I have such a strong relationship with and I would have felt even worse if it could have been me instead of her.
January 6, 2019
Wenny Has Wings is a sweet children's book about an eleven-year-old dealing with the trauma of losing his little sister in a terrible accident. The entire book is made up of letters that Will writes to his deceased sister, describing his own near-death experience and his family life after the tragedy. The author does an excellent job of showing Will's state of mind and the devastation of his family through these letters. Although sad, I found the book to be optimistic. It's definitely a quick read.
March 11, 2022
I honestly remember very little about Wenny Has Wings. I read it in middle school (So long ago) and just could not remember the title or much more about it until right now. I could see the cover photo in my mind for the longest time and just had no clue what it was. After seeing some reviews though, I would rather not tarnish my memory by rereading the whole book. Maybe just a chapter or two lol. 3 stars because it has stuck with me for a long time.
September 24, 2021
This is a book I was absolutely obsessed with as a 10-12 year old. I read it over and over and over again, I could probably still to this day recite it. I haven’t re read it as an adult and I probably won’t after reading other reviews I don’t want to destroy the magic I have in my head of what this book was to me.
March 7, 2019
I decided to revisit this book from my childhood. I needed a quick read and this one has always stuck with me. There was lots I remembered and lots I didn't, so much of it was a new experience. This is an important book about grief and the aftermath of a tragedy. Highly recommend!
June 12, 2019
This book was way too fucking depressing for my young, 4th grade ass. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed it at the time even though it tore out my heart and ripped it to shreds while laughing cruelly as I sobbed while clutching my teddy bears.
January 25, 2021
I've kept this book for many years and decided to read it again. It was one of my favorite books growing up. Such a sad story of a family losing a child. However their journey through healing is brought full circle by the end.
September 22, 2021
I wish I could give this sad book more than 5/5. I would love to give the book a 10/10. I felt pretty emotional about everything that Will was experiencing, and at times, I would find myself holding back tears.
Read this when you need a good cry.
Read this when you need a good cry.
December 18, 2021
1000000000000000000/10 Very excellent book I really love it What the sad part about it is that wenny died I'd read this book at school and it was amazing! I'm you should read it Spoil alert that can be sad at some points
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2022
This is a good book I had read before. It’s a very heart warming story with little bits of the author’s childhood incorporated in the story as well.
It’s about a sister and brother that get hit by a car. It takes you on the journey of how the tragic loss of a child affects a family from a child’s pov.
It’s about a sister and brother that get hit by a car. It takes you on the journey of how the tragic loss of a child affects a family from a child’s pov.
June 26, 2023
This book was given to me by one of my favorite teachers in middle school who later passed we used to talk about it and explore the meaning of the book together it’s a good read very emotional and healing
November 14, 2023
It is light reading...it is good for night reading. This book is about a boy who lost his sister and blamed himself for it. He thought his parents were upset with him for living. It is a journal type writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2024
Incredibly heart-wrenching. Easy to read through but definitely going to bring the tears. I read this in 3rd grade and it always stuck with me. Reading it as an adult who now has children has made this strike me even harder in the heart. Would recommend to anyone
May 14, 2017
Sweet and poignant story told in journal entry style of a young boy's thoughts and feelings coping with the death of his little sister.
October 26, 2017
Very emotional but It had a lovely ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews