A book that celebrates difference, in the guise of Icarus. Poor Icarus doesn't fit in at school, or in his neighborhood. He is mocked, except one person thinks he is very cool, and that makes all he difference. ( )

Summary:
"Wings" by Christopher Myer is a short picture book about a boy name Ikarus Jackson who is teased and made fun of because of the wings that sprout from his back. Throughout the story the teasing from classmates and community members gets worse and eventually leads to Ikarcus leaving to be alone. However, one girl sees the beauty in Ikarcus's wings and in the end becomes his friend.

Personal Reaction:
This is a charming book about differences and learning how to appreciate what makes us unique as individuals. This book is enjoyable because it proves the true value of acceptance and friendship. This is a book that child can learn from when it comes to standing up for each other and learning to make friends even though we are different. I can personally relate to the physical differences in this book.

Extension Ideas:
1.) Using this book as a example, children could be ask to identify their differences or the things that make them unique.
2.) This book could also serve as a "no bullying" lesson for younger children. ( )

I liked this book for a few reasons. The first reason is because of the moral of the story. Even though you may be different, you should still love yourself and be yourself. Everyone should accept each other for who they are. If they have wings. two noses, or four eyes, everyone has feelings that should be respected. Laughing at people and making fun of them is not right no matter what. I also like this book because it is great for a bullying lesson. The students can read hte book and see how Ikarus was bullied and how it affected him and others. This could teach the kids to not bully and stand up for someone who might be getting bullied. ( )

I liked this book because each picture is different. The art in this book is done in a collage form, so every picture the boys wings look different! At different parts in the book the wings look bigger, and at other times they look small. I also like this book because the illustrations are so pretty. The collages on each page are interesting for the reader and the pictures of roses were my favorite collage. This technique keeps the reader engaged in the story as well as in the illustrations accompanying the words. The big idea of this story was friendship, because the little girl thought the wings were beautiful and that made the boy feel better and they became friends. ( )

"Are you brave enough to be your true self?" 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.

How do you treat those people who look different than you? How does it feel to be different? What impact does it have when one person treats someone with respect and dignity? What is special about being different? What is hard about being different? These are all questions that can be discussed after reading this book. It would be a great dialog starter around differences, but more importantly, similarities between people. ( )