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Wings to Soar
A historically relevant middle-grade novel-in-verse about a girl's resiliency when faced with hatred towards refugees. Readers of The Night Diary and Inside Out and Back Again shouldn’t miss out.It's 1972 and Viva’s Indian family has been expelled from Uganda and sent to a resettlement camp in England, but not all of them made the trip. Her father is supposed to meet them in London, but he never shows up. As they wait for him, Viva, her mother, and her sister get settled in camp and try to make the best of their life there.Just when she is beginning to feel at home with new friends, Viva and her family move out of the camp and to a part of London where they are not welcome. While grappling with the hate for brown-skinned people in their new community, Viva is determined to find her missing father so they can finish their move to Canada. When it turns out he has been sponsored to move to the United States, they have to save enough money to join him.Told in verse, Wings to Soar follows a resilient girl and the friendships she forges during a turbulent time.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 11, 2025
Wings to Soar by Tina Athaide is a historical middle-grade novel in verse that delves into the refugee experience through the eyes of a young girl in the 1970s. The story follows Viva, an Indian girl from Uganda, as she is sent to a resettlement camp in the UK with her family after being uprooted from their home. Soon after arriving, Viva and her family are separated from her father, leaving her to navigate the challenges of the camp with her mother and older sister, Anna.
As Viva struggles to adapt to life in the camp and after that at school, she also wrestles with the uncertainty of her father's fate. The novel highlights the emotional and physical hardships faced by refugees, but Viva’s strength, resilience, and determination shine through. Despite the overwhelming obstacles in her path, she teaches us the power of perseverance during even the darkest moments, reminding us of the strength it takes to keep going when all seems lost. Highly recommended.
As Viva struggles to adapt to life in the camp and after that at school, she also wrestles with the uncertainty of her father's fate. The novel highlights the emotional and physical hardships faced by refugees, but Viva’s strength, resilience, and determination shine through. Despite the overwhelming obstacles in her path, she teaches us the power of perseverance during even the darkest moments, reminding us of the strength it takes to keep going when all seems lost. Highly recommended.
July 25, 2024
While looking through new releases of children’s books recently, I saw this one come up. I was immediately intrigued—it isn’t often that you come across books about refugees, and also uncommon to come across books set in the 1970s! I was also intrigued once I got into the story—I’ve read very few books written in verse, but this one was surprisingly easy to read and it flowed well.
There was a lot to love in the story—I enjoyed Viva’s Indian heritage; the foods she described sounded delicious! I was also able to identify with her longing to have a home for her family—and to have her family united again. I loved the way she enjoyed new words, and kept a word book. That was sweet.
In some ways, this is a difficult story; the racism her family experienced was hard to read about, as well as their struggles to reunite their family.
But overall, I really enjoyed this read and would like to share it with my siblings sometime. It’s an interesting picture of England in the 1970s, and it would also give children a good picture of some of the struggles refugees face as they try to build new lives for themselves in a new country.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
There was a lot to love in the story—I enjoyed Viva’s Indian heritage; the foods she described sounded delicious! I was also able to identify with her longing to have a home for her family—and to have her family united again. I loved the way she enjoyed new words, and kept a word book. That was sweet.
In some ways, this is a difficult story; the racism her family experienced was hard to read about, as well as their struggles to reunite their family.
But overall, I really enjoyed this read and would like to share it with my siblings sometime. It’s an interesting picture of England in the 1970s, and it would also give children a good picture of some of the struggles refugees face as they try to build new lives for themselves in a new country.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
March 3, 2024
Wings to Soar is a middle-grade story in verse about a young Indian girl from Ugunda named Viva, who has been displaced to England while her family try to reunite with their father. Issues constantly crop up that prevent the family from moving to Canada, where they're supposed to start a new life. This leaves Viva confused and angry, especially when her family has to deal with racism.
I felt emotionally attached to Viva right from the start of this novel, she is an innocent girl who is trying to understand the harshness of the world she's living in. She has to deal with a lot of issues that millions of people around the world still deal with and can relate to, so this will be a great book for all-ages to read.
The book has a recurring theme about words and language, which is something Viva and her father have a special interest in. This was a good way to not only get inside Viva's mind, but also a great learning tool for any younger reader who picks up this book.
I felt emotionally attached to Viva right from the start of this novel, she is an innocent girl who is trying to understand the harshness of the world she's living in. She has to deal with a lot of issues that millions of people around the world still deal with and can relate to, so this will be a great book for all-ages to read.
The book has a recurring theme about words and language, which is something Viva and her father have a special interest in. This was a good way to not only get inside Viva's mind, but also a great learning tool for any younger reader who picks up this book.
March 27, 2024
4.5 rounded up to 5 *****
Thank you to NetGalley, Charlesbridge, Charlesbridge Moves, and Tina Athaide for the opportunity to read Wings to Soar in exchange for an honest review.
The novel-in-verse style is perfect to tell the refugee experience from the middle grade perspective. I don't quite remember, but I believe the main character, Viva, is only 11 or 12 years old as she shares her experience as a Uganda Asian refugee in England.
In 1972, Viva's family was forced from Uganda to a resettlement camp in England. It's Viva, her sister Anna, and her mother, though they try patiently to awat the arrival of their father as well, so that they may then relocate to find a home in Canada.
When Viva's father doesn't show up when she is supposed to, she goes out of her way to try to contact him or get any information she can regarding his wharabouts. In the meantime, Viva's family has to move to Southall, where the news is riddles with refugee hatred. Viva, once an innocent child, learns about the world through the experience of a refugee not wanted in England. She likes to stand up for herself, but her mother deters her from speaking out, because that will only bring more trouble.
The hate crimes become more serious, Viva's father is still missing, and she must learn how to accept the reality of the world she is living in.
This novel is a powerful historical fiction that shares one view of a young refugee and what her experience was like. This novel is very eye-opening, and I would not only recommend it to a middle grade audience, but any reder who wants to learn and see a perspective that is likely different than their own experiences.
Thank you to NetGalley, Charlesbridge, Charlesbridge Moves, and Tina Athaide for the opportunity to read Wings to Soar in exchange for an honest review.
The novel-in-verse style is perfect to tell the refugee experience from the middle grade perspective. I don't quite remember, but I believe the main character, Viva, is only 11 or 12 years old as she shares her experience as a Uganda Asian refugee in England.
In 1972, Viva's family was forced from Uganda to a resettlement camp in England. It's Viva, her sister Anna, and her mother, though they try patiently to awat the arrival of their father as well, so that they may then relocate to find a home in Canada.
When Viva's father doesn't show up when she is supposed to, she goes out of her way to try to contact him or get any information she can regarding his wharabouts. In the meantime, Viva's family has to move to Southall, where the news is riddles with refugee hatred. Viva, once an innocent child, learns about the world through the experience of a refugee not wanted in England. She likes to stand up for herself, but her mother deters her from speaking out, because that will only bring more trouble.
The hate crimes become more serious, Viva's father is still missing, and she must learn how to accept the reality of the world she is living in.
This novel is a powerful historical fiction that shares one view of a young refugee and what her experience was like. This novel is very eye-opening, and I would not only recommend it to a middle grade audience, but any reder who wants to learn and see a perspective that is likely different than their own experiences.
March 23, 2024
"Wings to Soar" by Tina Athaide is a well-researched novel in verse based on the refugee crisis of 1972, when President Idi Amin of Uganda ordered the expulsion of all Ugandan Asians in the country, many of Indian and Pakistani origins. More than 27,000 emigrated to the UK, many ending up in resettlement camps run by the Red Cross, the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, and even the US Air Force. Viva is a young girl who has arrived at such a repurposed military base with her mother and older sister. Viva loves singing Supreme songs like her idol Diana Ross and learning the definitions of new words. Viva and her family are waiting for the arrival of their father so that they can then travel to Canada. However, her father's expected arrival does not happen, turning her world and her family's upside down. Meanwhile Viva finds friendship with twins Maggie and Mark, whose mom is a volunteer on the base. She also makes friends with a young American serviceman named Leroy. As the base gets overcrowded Viva must leave with her family for a new neighborhood where refugees are being made to feel unwelcome and unsafe. All the while Viva is determined to locate her father, even though her mom has seemingly given up hope, and her sister struggles to stay well. In order to reunite her family Viva must draw on the friendships she had made since arriving in England. The poems in this story are beautifully written, helping to connect Viva's story to the larger tale of political unrest occurring in 1970s era England.
March 23, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grades book! The main characters were relatable and well developed. It was a quick read, as it is written in verse.
I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grades book! The main characters were relatable and well developed. It was a quick read, as it is written in verse.
April 3, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this novel in verse, Viva, her mother, and her sister Anna have left Uganda in October of 1972 when Idi Amin expelled Ugandans of Indian descent from the country. Her father is stuck in Kampala, and they don't have much news of him while they are waiting at the RAF base in Greenham, England. The plan is to move to Canada, but this can't happen until the family is reunited. Viva misses her father, and is angry that she has had to leave home, especially since the plans for the future have been put on hold. She dislikes the word "refugee" that she hears frequently, and is trying to learn more English by hunting down a mini Oxford English Dictionary. Her favorite singer is Diana Ross, and she tries to use music to keep her spirits up. She is befriended by Mark and Maggie McKay, as well as some young serviceman. When it becomes clear that the father won't be joining the family, the are moved off the base to live with Varun Uncle and Meena Auntie (no relation), and Viva has to go to school. Tensions are high in the UK about the influx of Asian immigrants, and there are protests by the National Front, as well as constant acts of aggression. After Viva's family moves into their own small apartment, a brick is thrown through a window. When a telegram arrives saying that the father is on his way, there is a brief moment of hope until the family realizes that the father should have arrived already. Viva decides to take off to London to find her father, but is unable to locate him, and gets into a lot of trouble. It turns out that her father's travel coucher had expired, and he ends up flying to the US. Viva's mother is working in a photo developing lab, so money is very tight, and tickets are expensive. Eventually, Viva's family moves back nearer to the base, and she is glad to be closer to Mark and Maggie. When the father is injured in a car accident, it becomes necessary to travel to him, but there's only enough resources for two tickets. Anna and the mother go, and Viva stays behind with Mrs. Robinson, who had volunteered at the base and is kinder than Viva had realized. They make a life together while Viva's family settles in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where they are the only brown people. In mid 1973, Viva is able to travel to the US thanks to the kindness of one of the serviceman.
Strengths: The parallels between Idi Amin's "Uganda for Ugandans", the National Front's "Britain for the British", and similar attempts around the world to limit refugees make this an important book for young readers to meet. I loved that the beginnings of the chapters had pictures of various places in the story from the time it was set. Viva's family has a plan, but like so many plans, not everything conspires to work for them. The problems that the father faces are heart breaking as he tries to reunite with his family. They are fortunate to have a support base, and while they experience a lot of racial discrimination, they also do encounter some kindnesses. There are some nice touches of ordinary social history, like Viva's love of Diana Ross. It is good that we are seeing a wider variety of immigrant experiences in middle grade literature.
Weaknesses: Since I have poor recollection of names in books, I thought this was a sequel to ORANGE FOR THE SUNSETS (https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...), but it involves a different family. I know that both books borrow a bit from the author's own experiences, but I would have like to follow Asha's family from Uganda. The in verse format limits the amount of details, but does showcase Viva's emotions nicely.
What I really think: This is a great story for readers who were enthralled by books like Yang's Finally Seen, Dobbs' The Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, and Dassu's Boy, Everywhere.
In this novel in verse, Viva, her mother, and her sister Anna have left Uganda in October of 1972 when Idi Amin expelled Ugandans of Indian descent from the country. Her father is stuck in Kampala, and they don't have much news of him while they are waiting at the RAF base in Greenham, England. The plan is to move to Canada, but this can't happen until the family is reunited. Viva misses her father, and is angry that she has had to leave home, especially since the plans for the future have been put on hold. She dislikes the word "refugee" that she hears frequently, and is trying to learn more English by hunting down a mini Oxford English Dictionary. Her favorite singer is Diana Ross, and she tries to use music to keep her spirits up. She is befriended by Mark and Maggie McKay, as well as some young serviceman. When it becomes clear that the father won't be joining the family, the are moved off the base to live with Varun Uncle and Meena Auntie (no relation), and Viva has to go to school. Tensions are high in the UK about the influx of Asian immigrants, and there are protests by the National Front, as well as constant acts of aggression. After Viva's family moves into their own small apartment, a brick is thrown through a window. When a telegram arrives saying that the father is on his way, there is a brief moment of hope until the family realizes that the father should have arrived already. Viva decides to take off to London to find her father, but is unable to locate him, and gets into a lot of trouble. It turns out that her father's travel coucher had expired, and he ends up flying to the US. Viva's mother is working in a photo developing lab, so money is very tight, and tickets are expensive. Eventually, Viva's family moves back nearer to the base, and she is glad to be closer to Mark and Maggie. When the father is injured in a car accident, it becomes necessary to travel to him, but there's only enough resources for two tickets. Anna and the mother go, and Viva stays behind with Mrs. Robinson, who had volunteered at the base and is kinder than Viva had realized. They make a life together while Viva's family settles in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where they are the only brown people. In mid 1973, Viva is able to travel to the US thanks to the kindness of one of the serviceman.
Strengths: The parallels between Idi Amin's "Uganda for Ugandans", the National Front's "Britain for the British", and similar attempts around the world to limit refugees make this an important book for young readers to meet. I loved that the beginnings of the chapters had pictures of various places in the story from the time it was set. Viva's family has a plan, but like so many plans, not everything conspires to work for them. The problems that the father faces are heart breaking as he tries to reunite with his family. They are fortunate to have a support base, and while they experience a lot of racial discrimination, they also do encounter some kindnesses. There are some nice touches of ordinary social history, like Viva's love of Diana Ross. It is good that we are seeing a wider variety of immigrant experiences in middle grade literature.
Weaknesses: Since I have poor recollection of names in books, I thought this was a sequel to ORANGE FOR THE SUNSETS (https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...), but it involves a different family. I know that both books borrow a bit from the author's own experiences, but I would have like to follow Asha's family from Uganda. The in verse format limits the amount of details, but does showcase Viva's emotions nicely.
What I really think: This is a great story for readers who were enthralled by books like Yang's Finally Seen, Dobbs' The Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, and Dassu's Boy, Everywhere.
July 23, 2024
I love a good novel in verse, especially the historical fiction kind, so when I had the opportunity to read Wings to Soar early, I was thrilled!
Wings to Soar tells the story of Viva and her family who have been displaced from their home in Uganda to a resettlement camp in England. Her father is forced to stay in Uganda while Viva, her mother, and her sister make the trip, but he promises he is not far behind. While Viva, her mom, and her sister wait for him, they settle in the camp. Soon it becomes clear that something is keeping him from being with his family. As Viva’s family waits for answers, her mom tries her best to settle their family in a town whose residents make it clear they are not wanted.
Vivia loves The Supremes and Diana Ross and shares a passion for words with her father. She has a spunky personality but fiercely loves her family and the friends she makes along the way. She is strong and passionate, and as I was reading, it was very easy to sympathize with Viva and her family.
My only criticism is that while it takes a while to build the plot, setting, and motivations in the first chunk of the book, the second half seems to move very quickly. The resolution feels rushed and there isn’t as much character growth as I was hoping for.
Overall I did enjoy this book. It shed light on a moment in history that I did not know much about in a way that is accessible but not overwhelming. It does read a bit young for a lot of my students, but it has themes that are relevant today, so I can overlook that. I would recommend this book to my students who like to read about history and family as it is a beautiful blend of the two.
*This title will is available for purchase as of today, July 23, 2024, but was read with early access courtesy of @netgalley, @charlesbridgepublishing, and @charlesbridge_moves*
For more book reviews, follow me on Instagram @readlearncreate
Wings to Soar tells the story of Viva and her family who have been displaced from their home in Uganda to a resettlement camp in England. Her father is forced to stay in Uganda while Viva, her mother, and her sister make the trip, but he promises he is not far behind. While Viva, her mom, and her sister wait for him, they settle in the camp. Soon it becomes clear that something is keeping him from being with his family. As Viva’s family waits for answers, her mom tries her best to settle their family in a town whose residents make it clear they are not wanted.
Vivia loves The Supremes and Diana Ross and shares a passion for words with her father. She has a spunky personality but fiercely loves her family and the friends she makes along the way. She is strong and passionate, and as I was reading, it was very easy to sympathize with Viva and her family.
My only criticism is that while it takes a while to build the plot, setting, and motivations in the first chunk of the book, the second half seems to move very quickly. The resolution feels rushed and there isn’t as much character growth as I was hoping for.
Overall I did enjoy this book. It shed light on a moment in history that I did not know much about in a way that is accessible but not overwhelming. It does read a bit young for a lot of my students, but it has themes that are relevant today, so I can overlook that. I would recommend this book to my students who like to read about history and family as it is a beautiful blend of the two.
*This title will is available for purchase as of today, July 23, 2024, but was read with early access courtesy of @netgalley, @charlesbridgepublishing, and @charlesbridge_moves*
For more book reviews, follow me on Instagram @readlearncreate
July 22, 2024
The first thing I thought when reading the plot of this book was: a poetry book for kids about immigration, cool! Once I started, I realized I had a truly well-constructed text in my hands, where the stylistic choice to use poetic verses to tell a story filled with pain exceeded any expectations I could have had. Poetry helps convey both the drama of the theme and makes the characters human and tangible.
Viva is a protagonist who enters the reader’s heart and soul, making them want to help her in every possible way. Through her, one can understand the reality of what happens when a migrant is welcomed into a country and neighborhood that barely tolerates and doesn't want them.
Viva's quest to find her father, who disappeared while trying to reach England from Uganda, is dramatic and frantic, showing how connections and friendships formed in a moment of crisis and loneliness can prove invaluable.
I deeply loved the author’s ability to create a tangible narrative that is perfect both for the young audience the book is aimed at and for adult readers who want a poetry collection capable of telling dramatic and recent events from an unusual, original, and deeply emotional perspective.
A book I highly recommend to everyone. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Viva is a protagonist who enters the reader’s heart and soul, making them want to help her in every possible way. Through her, one can understand the reality of what happens when a migrant is welcomed into a country and neighborhood that barely tolerates and doesn't want them.
Viva's quest to find her father, who disappeared while trying to reach England from Uganda, is dramatic and frantic, showing how connections and friendships formed in a moment of crisis and loneliness can prove invaluable.
I deeply loved the author’s ability to create a tangible narrative that is perfect both for the young audience the book is aimed at and for adult readers who want a poetry collection capable of telling dramatic and recent events from an unusual, original, and deeply emotional perspective.
A book I highly recommend to everyone. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
May 19, 2024
Wings to Soar
by Tina Athaide
Pub DateJul 23 2024
Charlesbridge |Charlesbridge Moves
Children's Fiction| Historical Fiction| Middle Grade
Netgalley and Charlesbridge have provided me with a copy of Wings to Soar for review:
It's 1972, and Viva's Indian family has been expelled from Uganda and sent to a resettlement camp in England, but not all of them made it. They are supposed to meet her father in London, but he never shows up. As they wait for him, Viva, her mother, and her sister get settled in camp and try to make the best of their life there.Viva, her mother, and her sister settle into camp while they wait for him.
When Viva and her family begin to feel at home with new friends, they are forced to leave the camp and move to an area of London where they are not welcome. While Viva grapples with the hatred for brown-skinned people in their new community, she is determined to find her missing father so they can move to Canada. He has been sponsored to move to the United States, so they have to save money to join him.
I give Wings to Soar five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Tina Athaide
Pub DateJul 23 2024
Charlesbridge |Charlesbridge Moves
Children's Fiction| Historical Fiction| Middle Grade
Netgalley and Charlesbridge have provided me with a copy of Wings to Soar for review:
It's 1972, and Viva's Indian family has been expelled from Uganda and sent to a resettlement camp in England, but not all of them made it. They are supposed to meet her father in London, but he never shows up. As they wait for him, Viva, her mother, and her sister get settled in camp and try to make the best of their life there.Viva, her mother, and her sister settle into camp while they wait for him.
When Viva and her family begin to feel at home with new friends, they are forced to leave the camp and move to an area of London where they are not welcome. While Viva grapples with the hatred for brown-skinned people in their new community, she is determined to find her missing father so they can move to Canada. He has been sponsored to move to the United States, so they have to save money to join him.
I give Wings to Soar five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
June 10, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Charlesbridge Moves, and Tina Athaide for the early access copy of Wings to Soar.
Wings to Soar is a story of ten-year-old Viva and her family who are forced to relocate to a resettlement camp in England after being sent away from Uganda. The end goal is to move to Canada. That is until her father doesn't make the trip from Uganda and goes missing. Viva must learn to live in this new reality of uncertainty if her family will reunite.
Wings to Soar is a novel-in-verse, middle grade story of resilience, friendship, family bonds, and the racism and hatred faced by refugees in 1972. This will be a great tool for middle grade readers to learn and understand the racism faced by refugees, the impact of the displacement, and the strength of the families. This is a beautiful novel-in-verse with significant emotion.
Wings to Soar is a story of ten-year-old Viva and her family who are forced to relocate to a resettlement camp in England after being sent away from Uganda. The end goal is to move to Canada. That is until her father doesn't make the trip from Uganda and goes missing. Viva must learn to live in this new reality of uncertainty if her family will reunite.
Wings to Soar is a novel-in-verse, middle grade story of resilience, friendship, family bonds, and the racism and hatred faced by refugees in 1972. This will be a great tool for middle grade readers to learn and understand the racism faced by refugees, the impact of the displacement, and the strength of the families. This is a beautiful novel-in-verse with significant emotion.
May 29, 2024
I love stories that give me glimpses into a world or slice of history that I never knew existed before, and this is exactly that sort of book. I'd never in my life heard about this particular refugee crises from the 1970s, and following this Indian family en route from Uganda to England in search of safe harbor and a forever home was not only enlightening, but also quite apt for current times. The verse makes this book a quick and pleasant read, but it's the main character who really brings it to life. A ten-year-old full of spunk who adores The Supremes, speaks her mind, and sometimes has trouble keeping her impulses and temper in check? That's the kind of character who keeps me rooting for her all the way to the end.
September 1, 2024
3.71 - Average
The mother-daughter relationship brings forth teary-eyes and a raw connection. Viva's narration reminded me of my own childhood diary entries that were filled with personality. Side characters aren't as influential but serve their purpose. Cliché and predictable plot but has an impactful execution. Prose takes a while to get used to and the flow is at times awkward. The cohesive message is important yet shy in its approach. Rushed pacing and characters lack development. Viva's inner thoughts are relatable and full of emotion. Induces a break-neck accumulation of youth, longing, and hope. Recommended for those searching for a quick story that reminds you of the courage of living.
The mother-daughter relationship brings forth teary-eyes and a raw connection. Viva's narration reminded me of my own childhood diary entries that were filled with personality. Side characters aren't as influential but serve their purpose. Cliché and predictable plot but has an impactful execution. Prose takes a while to get used to and the flow is at times awkward. The cohesive message is important yet shy in its approach. Rushed pacing and characters lack development. Viva's inner thoughts are relatable and full of emotion. Induces a break-neck accumulation of youth, longing, and hope. Recommended for those searching for a quick story that reminds you of the courage of living.
"You get courage by doing small things, one at a time."
July 14, 2024
Displaced from her home in Uganda, Viva, a ten-year-old girl, and her family begrudgingly begin a new life in England without her father, facing hardships including discrimination and loneliness. I immediately felt connected to the main character in this fictional, historical novel. Athaide crafted a thoughtful, charismatic character written in the first person. Her thoughts and questions about racism and unfair cultural prejudices are countered by the deep and caring relationships she cultivates in the story. Written in verse, the book is easy to read and packed with emotional moments. I love this book! Highly recommended!
September 18, 2024
I may have to stop saying I don’t like novels in verse. I definitely enjoyed this. It could be useful since I can’t think of another book that mentions Idi Amin, even if just barely mentioned him. It may be a challenge to get middle grades to read this because of the size. Perhaps show kids how much white is on each page. Viva loves Diana and the Supremes and so does Daddy. But Daddy isn’t here. No one is sure where he is. Viva, her mummy and sister are in a refugee camp in England. Vivacious Viva helps to keep her family afloat, except when her temper gets the better of her. When will Daddy come? Will he come? Read and find out!
January 11, 2025
Although a YA Novel, anyone would enjoy the book. Its verse format adds to the intrigue. Viva tells of her life as a refuge in London, waiting for her father to come for her sister, mother and her to travel to Canada. An enhancing element is “mini blue”, a journal of words from the dictionary that she and her father create, documenting unique vocabulary that describe their multiple situations. There’s surprises and angst at times. It paints an honest look at families created out of need and love.
July 22, 2024
A novel-in-verse about a young Indian girl whose family is expelled from Uganda in 1972. They are sent to a resettlement camp in England while they await for her father to arrive. I knew nothing about the South Asian population of Uganda being expelled by Idi Amin and very little about the National Front in the United Kingdom but that isn't necessary to feel the heartbreak of what it means to be a refugee without a country. ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley.
June 27, 2025
This book is truly excellent. The poetry style in this book does not take away from the narrative of this story. I loved hearing Viva’s story even though it was hard to suffer with her.
My parents went through this Ugandan expulsion and I know it was really hard on them. Her bullying experience is really similar to my own in Canada in the 80’s so that was hard to read. Overall it was a fantastic book and I highly recommend it!!
My parents went through this Ugandan expulsion and I know it was really hard on them. Her bullying experience is really similar to my own in Canada in the 80’s so that was hard to read. Overall it was a fantastic book and I highly recommend it!!
November 14, 2024
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Wings to Soar by Tina Athaide
(Available now)
Thank you @charlesbridgepublishing and the author for an advanced copy ofthis book.
💭BLURB💭
A powerful collection of poetry, Wings to Soar is from the perspective of Viva, a young refugee girl. Her family separated and her life uprooted, through verse you experience the trials and emotional journey Viva goes through.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I thought that this was particularly enjoyable because although dealing with hard, complicated issues, having it be the perspective of a child helps you see the hope in the situation. There can be joy, even when there is sorrow. Belonging while displaced. While sharing joy that can be found, it does not glaze over the difficultly Viva faces as she waits for family to be reunited. The novel being in verse helped with the simplicity and sometimes jumbled thoughts of a child
Wings to Soar by Tina Athaide
(Available now)
Thank you @charlesbridgepublishing and the author for an advanced copy ofthis book.
💭BLURB💭
A powerful collection of poetry, Wings to Soar is from the perspective of Viva, a young refugee girl. Her family separated and her life uprooted, through verse you experience the trials and emotional journey Viva goes through.
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I thought that this was particularly enjoyable because although dealing with hard, complicated issues, having it be the perspective of a child helps you see the hope in the situation. There can be joy, even when there is sorrow. Belonging while displaced. While sharing joy that can be found, it does not glaze over the difficultly Viva faces as she waits for family to be reunited. The novel being in verse helped with the simplicity and sometimes jumbled thoughts of a child
April 14, 2025
Viva is an Ugandan Asian whose family gets waylaid on their way to Canada in an English refugee camp when their father is missing.
Soon they are”resettled” to a town where racism is running high and they fear for their lives after a brick is thrown through their window. Because of this, Viva and her sister make a desperate and foolish? attempt to find their father.
Soon they are”resettled” to a town where racism is running high and they fear for their lives after a brick is thrown through their window. Because of this, Viva and her sister make a desperate and foolish? attempt to find their father.
November 22, 2025
Another subject I didn’t know anything about before reading the book! Really well put together, and the length was perfect. I didn’t get bored, and everything felt properly explored. This seems like a good choice for explaining life as a refugee for kids- I’ve seen some books that are much darker, and some that are too light. This book hits a good sweet spot.
July 14, 2024
My thanks to Charlesbridge for providing an ARC.
A beautiful, heartfelt book. I simply loved Viva and was rooting for her from the opening poem. Though this is historical fiction, the story of a refugee family finding a safe, welcoming place to land couldn't be more timely.
A beautiful, heartfelt book. I simply loved Viva and was rooting for her from the opening poem. Though this is historical fiction, the story of a refugee family finding a safe, welcoming place to land couldn't be more timely.
November 2, 2024
A displaced girl’s hope takes wing in this verse novel. Set in 1972, after the president of Uganda exiles people of Indian descent, many of whom take refuge at Royal Air Force Greenham camp in England.
January 2, 2025
This book is such an important and beautifully written novel and verse! I highly recommend every middle and high school library order it today! Not sure how it fell off of my radar, but I am so glad I was able to get it in my hands and I devoured it in one day.
March 7, 2025
While there are a few bumps in the flow of things, this is a timely story. Even though it is set in 1972 and 1973 in England, the events could be happening here. Some racial slurs and acts of violence could be triggers for sensitive readers, but over all a good age 10 and up read.
June 7, 2025
Written in prose, which makes it a quick read. I think the method is successful here because the author is able to convey the heavy nature of the situation the family is in while also keeping the whole book light and readable.
June 10, 2024
3.5/ An important subject of history, but not sure the verse is as powerfully executed as it could be. Dialogue is unnecessarily confusing in how it’s delineated. I did enjoy Viva as a protagonist. A very timely book. Unfortunately, nothing is new under the sun, including anti-immigration hate.
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December 18, 2024Read as part of the NCTE Children’s Poetry Awards Committee.
March 31, 2025
One last book to count toward my school's March Madness reading competition!
September 5, 2024
Viva's spunky personality comes through from the start. She can't quite stop herself from saying the wrong thing sometimes but she's faced with the hardships of not knowing what happened to her dad as he travled to join them in a new country. Throughout, she turns to Diana Ross (the book is set in 1972), signing lyrics that she finds meaning in.
Viva, her sister, and her mom have a lot of challenges: the moves, plus the pushback from what's being said in the media and to their faces about how refugees aren't wanted in England. However, Viva finds friends along the way that help lighten the problems of where they can live and how the family can be reunited.
This book is a fast read with lively verse. Kids will enjoy the story because of Viva's vivacious personality and, along the way, learn about Ugandan Asians who were forced out of their country. Those with British citizenship were sent to the UK where they were met with anti-immigration propaganda.
Though the book is fictional, the author underwent similar situations, being expelled from Uganda as a child.
Kids will like the poster hiddem under the beautifully illustrated, sparkly cover.
Viva, her sister, and her mom have a lot of challenges: the moves, plus the pushback from what's being said in the media and to their faces about how refugees aren't wanted in England. However, Viva finds friends along the way that help lighten the problems of where they can live and how the family can be reunited.
This book is a fast read with lively verse. Kids will enjoy the story because of Viva's vivacious personality and, along the way, learn about Ugandan Asians who were forced out of their country. Those with British citizenship were sent to the UK where they were met with anti-immigration propaganda.
Though the book is fictional, the author underwent similar situations, being expelled from Uganda as a child.
Kids will like the poster hiddem under the beautifully illustrated, sparkly cover.
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