Words with Wings

 

Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki, 2013. WORDS WITH WINGS. New York, NY: Astra Publishing House. ISBN 9781635924787.

Plot Summary
Learning to cope with her parents separating and moving to a new school, Gabriella daydreams to escape it all. Her vivid daydreams take her away from the pain of moving, having to restart, and make new friends. As Gabriella's mind wanders away, her new teacher and mother become worried of how often she is leaving them, wondering how to keep her grounded. However, her new teacher sees her gift and manages to turn daydreaming into a positive activity and brings the class together to let their minds gather wings and wander away.
 
Critical Analysis
Gabriella is relatable to kids who have separated parents, as she shares her experience in first person and how she escapes the pain through her daydreams. What also makes Gabby relatable to young readers is her experience with moving to a new home, new school, and having to restart. She finds her way of coping through her daydreams, something she's taken after her father. Gabby's mother was unable to understand the beautiful gift her family held, as she becomes worried Gabby's mind is elsewhere too often. Luckily, her new teacher sees the gift in daydreaming, He manages to turn her coping mechanism into a positive and allow Gabby's class to partake in daydreaming as well. Even Gabby's mother starts to see the magic in her daydreams, making Gabby's life feel at ease and even magical.

Grimes' writing is relatable and fills readers heads with vivid, colorful images of what Gabby's daydreams entail. Grimes' poems are written in short verse, with words sliding down or emphasized so loudly. Gabby tells her story in first person, sharing details of her imagination. Gabby's words paints impressive, detailed images, truly giving meaning to "words with wings". The poems are written so fluently, readers will soar right through the book and be enjoyed immensely. Gabriella's imagination will invite everyone to take some time to let their mind wander to a peaceful, magical dream. 

Review Excerpt(s)
Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
ALSC Notable Children's Book
Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of the Year
- Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A perfect book for poets, dreamers, and reluctant readers." 
- Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "An inspirational exploration of caring among parent, teacher and child - one of Grimes' best." 

Connections
- For children who have experienced the pain of parents separating, the perfect escape. 
- For young daydreamers, excited to see how colorful daydreams play out.
- Young readers who have moved to new places will find the experience of being a new home and school relatable. 
- Similar book recommendations: 
Brooks, Gwendolyn, 2015. BRONZEVILLE BOYS AND GIRLS. Ill. by Faith Ringgold. ISBN 9780064437721.
Grimes, Nikki, 2010. MAKE WAY FOR DYAMONDE DANIEL. ISBN 9780142415559.

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