When Pigs Fly

by June Rae Wood

After struggling with the bills, her parents sell the family home and, much to Buddy's dismay, move to an old farmhouse, but the farmhouse seems to hold some special charms, and Buddy soon realizes it was the right move after all. Reprint.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Young Adult

259 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 1995

About the author

June Rae Wood, the author of the famous The Man WHo Loved Clowns , was born in 1946 in Sedalia, Missouri . "My brother Richard was born [in 1948] with Down's syndrome and a heart defect," author June Rae Wood wrote in the Sedalia Democrat in 1995. "The doctor said he wouldn't live, and even if he did, he would never walk or talk. He advised my parents to send Richard to die in an institution, rather than take him home and let the family get attached to him." Wood, the second of what would eventually be eight children, was only two years old when her parents brought Richard, their third child, home from the hospital. Although her parents gave all their children special attention, Richard, whom Wood's mother called her little "Dickey-bird," was doted on and protected by all the family members. This was not just because he was handicapped, but also because Richard was very special to them all. He would eventually become the subject of Wood's award-winning first book, The Man Who Loved Clowns.

Reviews

[Molly Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. It made me think about how I treat others. I LOVE the characters. Rennie is adorable. My favorite quirk of hers is when she collects rocks, calls then dollars and tries to use them to barter. Buddy is caring and through the rough time of having to move out to the farm, she still watches out for Reenie, and doesn't focus too much on how much she hates it. Jiniwin is also caring and usually looking on the bright side besides when it comes to her mother, whom she refers to by her first name, which I think is very funny. I like to use the imagery the author provides to make up my own picture in my head. I think if I saw three young girls walking around with eggs I'd giggle. Another part of this book that I like is when Buddy's teacher sends her to the animals to readjust, I can relate to that because sometimes when I just don't feel right, going to the barn helps me. As I was reading there were parts that made me so mad. Usually they were when kids would call Reenie names and make fun of her. Another one is when Jim Bob, Buddy's older brother, picks on Buddy. As a younger sister I know how that feels. Overall I would really recommend this book.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book as a little Girl. It’s been YEARS since i’ve read it, and still I remember it so clearly!

[Rad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was in eighth grade. The things I remembered from it were the glamorous best friend with an interesting name who turned out to have a drinking problem (a little bit like my own best friend at the time), egg babies, a main character named Buddy, and her sister Reenie, who had Down syndrome.

Every now and again, I'd remember the book but not the title, so I'd hit up Google typing in things like "Buddy downs syndrome" and the like, never quite finding the result I was looking for.

UNTIL I discovered Library catalogues! Then, it was easy for me to just search subjects - apparently people with Down syndrome fall under the subject of "People with mental disabilities."

Anyway, I finally got to reread the book. Back then, I loved it. Now, I liked most of it, although the ending seemed a bit allofasudden to me - something like a deus ex machina but not quite.

One other thing that bothered me was that Buddy always talks about how chubby she feels, and often deprives herself of food. It reminded me of something a friend of mine told me about how fat characters in fiction usually end up losing weight and feeling good about themselves because of it, which kind of reinforces the idea that being skinny - instead of just being okay with who you are - will make you happy.

However, for the most part it was really enjoyable, again. Eighth grade me clearly had taste.

[Taylor Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for children who believe that their life couldn't get any worst. This is a book that enlightens children about the constant juggle it is to have a sibling that has Down Syndrome. Buddy and her family move out to a farm, just where she doesn't want to be, and is always out looking for her younger sister who has Down Syndrome. Buddy hates that she had to move away from her best friend, and out to a farm. As time goes on, Buddy's best friend starts acting different. Buddy then thinks that she will never be happy ever again, that it would only happen "when pigs fly". But soon, she realizes that she can be happy and she didn't have to wait for pigs to fly.

This would be a great read to teach to children about differences and diversities. It can be shown how all families are different, and that just because someone is different doesn't make it okay to be mean. Reenie, Buddy's little sister is the cutest character ever. She's so innocent and just wants everyone to like her. She is obsessed with purses and thinks rocks are money, and is always giving away her "money". This could be taught that everyone has something that is likeable about them, even if they have Down Syndrome. Sometimes, the kids that have disabilities are the ones that steal your heart.

Very good read, it touches your heart!

[Stephanie Whittit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be amazing to teach students about disabilities and diversity. Just because someone is mentally handicapped, it doesn't make them any less special. I loved reading this book and I think it would be great for anyone to read.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book when I read it - it was one of my pre-Harry Potter favorites

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

When will things be okay again?

Buddy Rae Richter and her bestie Jiniwin are new mothers -- to hard-boiled eggs. It's a school assignment and losing or damaging your "baby" could result in a big fat "F." That was quite a start for this heartwarming classic from 1995.

Here are five things I LOVED about this middle-grade read set in Turnback, MO (it's a real place):

👭The friendship between Buddy and Jiniwin has its ups and downs. They are in middle school, after all. Buddy's supportive family is a lifeline for Jiniwin with an unengaged divorced mom.
👱‍♀️Buddy's little sister Reenie can be a challenge. She has Down's and a heart of gold. The older girls take such loving care of Reenie. Buddy helps Reenie get dressed and does her hair in "pogs" (ponytails) and Jiniwin paints her nails (getting paid with the "dollars" --actually rocks--that Reenie has collected in her many beloved purses.
👩‍⚕️With Buddy's dad recently laid off, her mom is taking on shifts as a nurse's aide. She treausures their "grafitti wall" in the living area.
🐈Tripod, the three-legged cat, is Reenie's constant companion. He even gets his nails painted along with Reenie.
🏡The Richter family has to move out of their town house to a somewhat derelict country house. The family's team effort to spruce up the place (and evict the mice and snakes) is inspiring. I also loved their neighbor Dallas and his contributions to making them all feel welcome and at home there.

A few years ago I read The Man Who Loved Clowns by this author and was blown away. This title did not have quite the impact, but is still an amazing read. I highly recommend this author.

[Melody Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is a fictional account of how far one sister would go to save another’s life as well as disputing societies commonly held perception of people with disabilities. Yes, we certainly can be the ones to take quick instant spontaneous action to save the lives of those we love and care about.

[Danny Mcalister · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good book

[JoAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a young girl named Buddy who has a younger sister with Down’s syndrome. She always feels taunted by that and then when her father loses his job, they have to leave their home and move to a farm that was inherited to them. When she thinks life could not get any worse, she finds out that one of her friends is becoming an alcoholic and her other close friend was abandoned by his father. It talks about many family conflicts and opens Buddy’s eyes about her life. At the end of the story, she is not the girl who once felt sorry for herself and moped around but wants to help others. This story could be used to talk about character and who the antagonist/protagonist is. Also, it could be used when talking about diversity and teaching your students that not all families are the same.

[Amanda Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it is really touching and emotional. Buddy and her little sister Reenie live in a nice house in this quiet neiborhood, Buddy's best friend Jiniwin walk to school every day. Reenie has down' syndrome and loves purses and thinks rocks are dollars. i reccomend this book to everyone . super great book and it shows that just because your different from every one else doesn't mean you you have to act different. buddy's house is very organised and neat but one day there father called a family meeting and said that they have to move to their aunt Ruby's farm and move away from Jiniwin and take the bus. i cant imagine what it would feel like moving away from your best friend.

[kibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Read it back in lower primary I'm pretty sure cuz I borrowed it from Pasir Ris library. I remember reading it twice even, it was that good.

Anyway it's from a big sister's perspective and she has a younger sister w Down Syndrome and it was just really sweet. I remember she had a cool friend who made/collected stuff? and then their uncle had a farm too? With a swing? (LOL I may be completely wrong...)

[Kimberly Neff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the first chapter books I read completely on my own. It would be a great addition to a middle school classroom. It has very strong themes about family, love, and what is truly important to be happy. I worked in a middle school for the past four years as a para, and it was always one of the first books I would recommend to any student that asked me which book would be a good one.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I believe I read this in the fourth grade.
It really explains what living with a handicapped child can be like.
The bond between these sisters is beautiful.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very moving, but at the same time it's easy to forget. I read this book a long time ago (like 3 or 4 years maybe) so I'll have to re-read it and add more to this review.

[Dee6265 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed every one of her books

[Lupita · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is about a girl whos sister has down syndrome and every body makes fun of her and her sister unil one day she meets a boy and they become friends.i love it

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing i loved it . I told my class about it and now they are all asking me where to find it

[Andrea]

This was recommended to me by a student at my son's school. I loved the story, but the ending wasn't as satisfying as it could have been. Too many loose ends. The book begs for a sequel.

[Chad Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

l thought this was a very well written coming of age book. It covers a number of issues that Jr high kids face.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was heartbreaking and wonderful. I <3 Reenie and Buddy!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite book when I was in elementary. The author came to my school and even signed my copy. I was freaking out about it lol

[Partridge Public]

Wood, June Rae

[Cws]

JAR5-Woo

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a follow-up to "The Man Who Loved Clowns". Not as good as the first but still good.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a sweet and charming book, but also sad :(