Book Review of Words with Wings

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grimes, Nikki. 2013. WORDS WITH WINGS. Honesdale, PA: WordSong, an imprint of Highlights. ISBN 9781590789858    

PLOT SUMMARY

Gabriella is a “Daddy’s Girl” who must move across the city and start going to a new school. Gabby has a connection to words that sends her into daydreams. The word “fly” allows her to escape her parents’ fighting. The words “concert” and “Scrabble” conjure happy memories of her parents before her dad moved out. Gabby’s daydreams now interfere with her daily tasks, both at home and at school. She tries to stop daydreaming. Her teacher notices and talks to her about it. He explains that there are right times and wrong times to daydream, and that she shouldn’t give up daydreaming completely. Gabby learns to pay attention when she should, and daydream when it’s the right time to. One day her teacher realizes that daydreaming can be an inspiration for writing. Gabby starts to regularly write her daydreams and becomes a successful writer.        

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The short chapters of this book lend themselves to early readers (and writers.) The chronological progression piques the readers’ interest in the protagonist, her life, and struggles. We’re happy when she is happy, and we’re sad when things aren’t going well for her. When Gabby makes a friend at school, we are reassured for her. When her teacher gives her supportive feedback, we feel Gabby’s relief. The author builds the story to an ending that is both entertaining and gratifying. This story is a great reminder of the relationship between imagination (in the form of daydreaming) and literature; and how “real life” is the foundation of creativity.    

AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPTS

2014 CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR BOOK

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A perfect book for poets, dreamers, and reluctant readers.”

KIRKUS: “An inspirational exploration of caring among parent, teacher and child – one of Grimes’ best.”

BOOKLIST Starred Review: “Grimes, recipient of the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, has written a novel in verse that is an enthusiastic celebration of the power of words and imagination and a dramatic demonstration that daydreamers are, as Gabby hopes, “cool.””

CONNECTIONS

* This is a great book to read with students who are learning how to write. It encourages the relationship between imagination and writing. It also shows that daydreamers can become successful people.

* Other books related to this one:

Creech, Sharon. LOVE THAT DOG. ISBN 9780064409599

Creech, Sharon. HATE THAT CAT. ISBN 9780061430947

Polacco, Patricia. THANK YOU, MR. FALKER. ISBN 9780399257629  

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