Wings

by Christopher Myers

Are you brave enough to be your true self? Ikarus Jackson is, but it isn't always easy. The people in his neigborhood point at his wings. The kids at school laugh. The teachers call him a distraction. One girl identifies with Ikarus, but she is too shy to speak up for herself, let alone for him. Maybe I should have said something to those mean kids, she thinks, when their taunts send him drifting into the sky. Inspired by Ikarus's own courage, she sets out in search of him and so begins her own journey of self discovery -- leaving both of them transformed. "I wanted to create a book that tells kids never to abandon the things that make them different, to be proud of what makes them unique. Every child has their own beauty, their own talents. Ikarus Jackson can fly through the air; I want kids to find their own set of wings and soar with him." -- Christopher Myers

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Fantasy, Cultural, Poetry, Kids

40 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Christopher Dean "Chris" Myers is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. In 1998, Myers won a Caldecott Honor for his illustrations in Harlem. The following year, he wrote and illustrated Black Cat, a book that received a Coretta Scott King Award (2000). In addition to writing and illustrating his own stories, Myers often illustrates books written by his father Walter Dean Myers.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so grateful that I noticed this book featured on a shelf in my school library. How could I have missed this book, published in 2000! It’s about being oneself, the feeling lonely because of bullying, the celebration of looking at someone deemed “different” and seeing her or him through new eyes, and finally the bystander becomes an ally. A boy with wings is ridiculed. Even the teacher complains that his wings made it hard for students to see the blackboard. The ‘storyteller’ says: “They whispered about his wings/and his hair and shoes. Like they whisper about how quiet I am.” Earlier: “I don’t think he’s strange.” and Finally, “Stop.” I cried. “Leave him alone.” And they did. The illustrations are gorgeous “other-worldly” cutout collages on paint. You will love this book! Also look carefully at the cover, wonderful to examine.

[Dina Tberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book captured the concepts of bullying and accepting others in a unique way. I would definitely recommend this to teachers as a way to discuss topics such as racism and acceptance in the classroom. In addition, the unusual artwork and poetic storytelling really solidify the book’s important message.

[Rachel Self]

This is a beautifully drawn story that focuses on Ikarus Jackson, a boy who has wings and cannot seem to fit in wherever he goes. At school the students laugh at him and teachers call attention to him for blocking the backboard. Outside school he has no respite, as policemen call him down from flying, making children laugh even more. Only a quieter student who is teased understands his pain and defends him, creating a beautiful friendship that allows Ikarus to soar figuratively and literally. Ikarus’ special features make him different from everyone else, causing attention no matter where he goes. Differences in appearance and ability are touched in this story, which are textbook for Man vs. Society. Students can discuss what it’s like to feel the need to conform but not be able to, especially through Gallagher’s “Black Sheep” strategy. This strategy focuses primarily on people in the student’s lives like Ikarus, whose special circumstances do not allow them to connect to the society around them. This sensitive strategy can help students begin to understand the Ikarus in their own lives, as well as see the Man vs. Society conflicts all around them.

[Lauma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Award winning author, Myers, has written a beautiful story to encourage children to "Let your spirit soar." It's a powerful story about being different, accepting others, and feeling free to be who you are. Ikarus Jackson has "...strong, proud wings wherever he went." The whole school,"whispered about his wings and his hair and his shoes. Like they whisper about how quiet I am." One girl tells Jackson that his wings are beautiful and stands up for him. That is enough to send Jackson flying high!

This book combines simple text with complex collage illustrations that would appeal to children of all ages. Artfully stylized, the book takes place in an urban setting with colorful multi-cultural representations of silhouette figures. The artwork is as intriguing as the story!

[Gypsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to a group of children for an African American Read-in for at local elementary school. They all seemed to enjoy it. We had a discussion on differences and how people are often critical of our differences. It is our differences that make us unique. I was very impressed with the kids’ comments and their interest in the subject matter.

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about Ikarus Jackson, the new boy with wings. Ikarus' difference is misunderstood and unappreciated by his new classmates and teachers except by one young girl who often gets bullied herself. The illustrations are paper cutouts with many different textures and patterns that both abstracts and personalizes the characters.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book for it's universal message of taking pride in your uniqueness/differences. Although the art/illustrations contains African American influence the book is for everyone to enjoy and should not be limited to only African American studies!

[Agnė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another example of GREAT construction paper illustrations.

[Cassidy Flood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations in this book. Myers is a unique author

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allyanna

12/18/17

The text wings teaches us that we should be compassionate. one reason is a little kid helped Ikarus jackson from not getting bullied anymore. Another reason is , ikarus he was lonely and the little kid did not know what to do and the little kid wanted to help.one more reason is the little kid complements ikarus Jackson.these are all the the reasons why the text wings teaches us that we should be compassionate.


The text teaches us that we should be compassionate . One reason is a little kid helped Ikarus Jackson from not getting bullied anymore. For example, people bullying him because his wings so the little kid said your wings are are pretty and he did not pay no mine to the bullyings. Another example walking home from school, i knew how he felt , how lonely he must be. Maybe i should have something to those means kid. One more reason is the kid complement ikarus jackson for the last example look at that amazing i called to all the people on the street as i pointed to my new friend ikarus swirling through the sky.

The text teaches us that we should be compassionate. Ikarus was lonely and the little kid didn’t know what to do and the little kid wanted to help. Ikarus was getting bullied because his wings. People were saying he was showing off. The little kid wanted to help but he didn’t know how. So, he was going to say something to the mean kids. “Maybe I should have said something to those mean kids.” People think Ikarus is showing off but he’s not.

The text teaches us that we should be compassionate. The kid complements Ikarus Jackson. “Look at that amazing boy I called to all the people on the street as I pointed to my new friend Ikarus swirling through the sky.” It’s a compliment! “Next, I called to Ikarus and he sailed closer to me. I told him what someone else should have long ago: ‘Your flying is beautiful.’” Also, “for the first time, I saw Ikarus smile. At that moment I forgot about the kids who had laughed at him and me.” This makes me think that they were both getting bullied and one of them stand up for each other.

The text teaches us that we should be compassionate. One reason is a little kid helped Ikarus Jackson from not getting bullied anymore. Another reason is Ikarus he was lonely and the little kid didn’t know what to do and the little kid wanted to help. One more reason is the kid compliments Ikarus Jackson. This shows that they’re good friends and they stick up for each other. Next time, if your friend is getting bullied stand up for each other.

-----------------------------

In life, people say to be someone else, but I think to be yourself. in the text Wings by Christopher Myers, Ikarus learns to be yourself. This was seen when in the text in the beginning Ikarus thought if he flew once everyone will stop laughing at him. Also, when in the end Ikarus flew once and one of the kids said they like his flying and the first time Ikarus had a smile.

First Ikarus learns to be yourself when in the beginning Ikarus thought if he flew once everyone will stop laughing, For example all the kids didn’t like for who Ikarus is. The kid didn’t like him because he have wings and on one else does. In the text it said, “Nobody likes a showoff.” This shows that you should never make fun of a person that not the same like you.

Ikarus learn to be yourself. In the end, Ikarus flew and one of the kids like his flying. For example, Ikarus had his first smile because a kid said, “Your flying is beautiful. In the text it said, “Your flying is beautiful.” This shows that you should always say something nice about a person to make them feel good.

In the text Wings by Christopher Myers, Ikarus learns to be himself. This was seen in the beginning he thought if he flew once everyone will stop laughing. In the end Ikarus flew and a kid said they like his flying. This make me thinks that you can get a friend anywhere and anytime if you be yourself. Next time, you should be yourself and people will like like you and you will have friendship.

BY RUBY LOPEZ J.R
---------------------------------
“Wings” by Christoper Myers
By Kailey Molina

In life, you can’t make friends that fast. In the text Wings by Christoper Myer, Ikarus learns you can’t make friends fast. This was seen when everybody was laughing at him. Also, when people made him cry. Most of all, when Ikarus was walking home from school he felt lonely.


First, Ikarus learns you can’t make friends fast. When everybody was laughing at him. For example the text said,” At recess the snicker grew into a giggle and spread across the playground.” Soon all the kids were laughing at Ikarus Jackson’s useless wings. This shows that not always you could make friends fast because they don’t like how you are.


In addition, Ikarus learns you friends fast. People made him cry. For example, in the text it said, “When Ikarus dropped to the ground, “ STOP” and he stared to cry.” This is important because like when the policeman told Ikarus to come down that’s why the kids were laughing at him and that why Ikarus started to cry.


Finally, Ikarus learns you can’t make friends fast, when Ikarus was walking home from school he felt lonely. For example, the text said, “Walking home from school I knew how he felt how lonely he must be”. Maybe I should have said something to those mean kids. This shows that’s Ikarus really wants friends.


In the text Wings by Christoper Myers, Ikarus learns you can’t make friends fast. This was seen everybody was laughing at him. Also, when people made him cry. Most of all, when Ikarus was walking home from school he felt lonely. This makes me think Ikarus is going to make friends someday. Next time, try your best to make friends.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ! What a wonderful way to show the effects of bullying and stopping it!

[Veronica Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book would make a great read aloud in the classroom for almost any age group. It could be followed by a discussion and real life connections.

[Adynah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece!

[Xiaoting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings by Christopher Myers
It is well known that good books can trigger readers’ thinking. Wings is such good book. Ikarus Jackson 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 a girl who appreciates him for the unique person he is. This is powerful and thought-provoking story.
1) The jacket flaps shows us a question that Are you brave enough to be your true self. This question is good children and adults. When parents read this book for their children, this question can influence the discussion about this question. What is the true self? How to face the true self? A series of questions can trigger our interesting to read this book. This book answer the questions. Ikarus Jackson is brave enough to be his true self. Christopher Myers challenges us to embrace our differences and celebrate our individuality.
2) In this book, the boy has a pair of wing. To be honest, I have a dream that I can fly in the sky. Yes, I believe that many children also have the same dream as me. When I read this book, it is very different. The students gawk and stare Ikarus Jackson’s wings. The teacher complain him and tell Ikarus to leave class. The policeman yells at Ikarus to get down from the roof top and put him in jail for flying. Sometimes, our envy and curiosity maybe transfer hurt to someone. Although this is simple picture book, it trigger me to think something. I always say that I do not discriminate gay. However, when I see a couple of gay hand in hand, I would stare them and even want to take photos. In fact that someone are brave to face their true self is very hard. The surrounding people do not give more difficulties to them. The girl do not think that the boy is very stranger and she give encouragement to this boy. We need to be this girl.
3) The boy is very unique that he own wings. In fact, he get hurt from this unique wings. However, the girl admit him and think he is an amazing boy. According the author Christopher Myers, “I wanted to create a book that tell kids never to abandon the things that make them different, to be proud of what makes them unique. Every child has his own beauty, her own talents. Ikarus Jackson can fly through the air; I want kids to find their own set of wings and soar with him.” The author use the wings to symbol the unique. Maybe some children have own “wings”. This story is very good to lead children to face their difference between other people.
4) The illustration of this book is also very amazing. It is not look like a drawing. This is collage art. The girl in the illustration is yellow that it is very bright and stand out. I like this art’s expression. It is very unique. The word of this book is also very beautiful, like a poem. The illiustration is very match the words.
This book is very nice. I strongly recommend this book to people.

[Alli Serrano]

Wings by Christopher Myers is a story about a not so typical young boy that can’t help but stand out, and a young girl who tries to do the complete opposite. The one thing they have in common is how they both get made fun of by the other kids. The boy, Ikarus Jackson, is different. He has these magnificent wings that no one else has seen. His peers tease him again and again. He even tried to show them all the cool stuff he could do with them like fly, leap, and jump through the sky but they weren’t impressed. This caused him to get upset and sad, and decided to fly away. The girl who knew how he must of felt ran after him. The kids continued to laugh, could she do something to help him?
The book is beautifully and creatively done. The back cover states “let your spirit soar” and that is exactly what this book represents. In this book, Myers makes it clear how important it is to be yourself no matter what other people are saying or doing. You should love yourself and accept yourself for all your differences. He does a great job relating this message to the younger crowd. The book is very uniquely illustrated which enhances the uniqueness in the theme. It is very abstract and there isn’t a lot of the little details in the images. As well, there is usually only one page spreads of illustrations with the other page being text or sometimes only a small image on a page with text. The backgrounds and borders are plain white. Normally, I would find this boring for the reader, especially children, but the story is so entertaining and the illustrations are so unique and full of color that it isn’t necessary for them to be double page spreads. The use of lines is relevant. There are many diagonal lines showing movement of him flying, while horizontal lines show the still buildings and people in the backgrounds. There are awesome textures in each image along with realistic photos as backgrounds. Overall, this book is extremely unique and it is an awesome one to share with children.

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

Ikarus Jackson is the new kid on the block and baffles all of the other kids by flying with his magnificent wings. However, everyone tries to break his spirit by telling Ikarus to hide his wings until a new friend stands up to say his wings are beautiful.

Evaluation:

This story teaches a strong lesson for students: don't let the world change who you are. Ikarus has something that makes him unique and at the end of the story he learns that he should be proud of this difference. The illustrations for the story is the reason why I could not rate the story higher because I did not feel that they were the best fit. They were done in a collage style and while artistic, they were not my favorite.

Teaching Tip:

I think this would be a good story for students to read and then write about a quality they like about themselves. This is another opportunity for a good social skills lesson with students. This would also be a good time for a teacher to talk about the negative effects of bullying.

[Riley Cockerham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ikarus Jackson is a young boy with wings. He flies all around town but everyone thinks he is strange. At school everyone makes fun of him because his wings block the board. His teacher even sends him out of the classroom because of them. Poor Ikarus does not know what to do and grows tired of trying, until one girl is courageous enough to tell him she likes his wings. This book celebrates a child's differences and is one all children will relate too.

I liked this book, it was not one I would typically reach for but I'm glad I did. I like how this book celebrates what makes people different.

I would use this in my classroom to spark a conversation about our differences and how they are not something bad or something to be ashamed of.

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story, both in narrative and in illustration.  Ikarus is a social outcast due to his wings, though he tries his best to make friends.  But it isn't until one of Ikarus' classmates truly sees him that they both come to understand each other.  Myers crafts a truly nuanced story and retelling which subtly offers commentary on race in the United States.  His collages are incredible, and every aspect of this book is absolutely amazing.  I'd definitely recommend this to anybody who loves children's literature.

Review cross-listed here!

[Lucy Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ikarus is a boy that has wings. He is consistently being made fun of as well. He hangs his head low until a young girl makes an entrance into his life. The illustrations are captivating and unique. I absolutely loved how this book ended and was put together. I would definitely put this book on my bookshelf.This could be used to teach children that we all have our differences and to stand up for the underdog. This could definitely be used to warn others against bullying and treating others equally.

[Philicia Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is a story about a young black male who is brave enough to be he even though the students make fun of him and the teachers thinks he is a distraction. Even though there are students who make fun of him there is one student who can relate to him, but she is too afraid to speak up. This book is a great addiction because so often students keep quiet about things because they are afraid of what other students are going to say about them.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Zolotow Award
ALA Notable Book
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book
Booklist Editor's Choice

Author of Black Cat, this uniquely illustrated book has a wonderful author's message. This book would make a nice read aloud at the beginning of the year as we build community.

[Rachel]

This is a beautiful story about Ikarus Jackson, a boy who know how to fly. He is encouraged to be different and let his own unique spirit go. Students can feel with this book. This can help students feel more comfortable about writing about personal and meaningful things.

[Lebit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is interesting because it talks about friendship and it give us a good lesson. The lesson is that it doesn't matter if you are not like the other kids in your school. Just be yourself and remember that there are people that think that you are equal to the other kids but more special.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had an awesome anti-bullying theme appropriate for 5th grade students. The artwork is interesting - cut paper collage. I had never heard of it before, nor seen it implemented into children's literature, and I thought it added another element to the book.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ikarus Jackson, the new boy in school, is outcast because he has wings. But his resilient spirit inspires one girl to speak up for him in this thought provoking story about celebrating individuality.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ikarus Jackson is a boy--with wings. Ostracized for being different by his teachers and peers, he is also lonely...until one brave child dares to recognize the beauty in his ability to fly, giving him the confidence he needs to embrace who he is.

A surreal, moving story with a great message.

[Gregory Rothbard · Rating 3 out of 5]

In light of this article:

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/bo...

I have read a picture book that I think can be read at any age. This book is an inspiration.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

îkarus Jackson can fly. And that's a wonderful thing. In Wings, Christopher Myers reminds us to embrace our differences and celebrate each other's unique giftedness. Thought-provoking and beautifully illustrated, this book should be on every child's bookshelf. Simply powerful.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bullying is a serious issue, yes, but I'm getting a little tired of reading about it. The story here is fine, though, about learning to appreciate yourself and others for their own unique gifts. That being said, the wings are silly. And the illustrations are visually unappealing. Yuck.

[Kyra Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful! There are so many bright colors and designs to keep students engaged and it has a wonderful message about standing up for others. It hints at how African-Americans are stereotyped against and get in trouble despite having done nothing wrong. Just a powerful, powerful book.