The Boy With Wings
The Boy With Wings Series
What’s inside...
When Tunde sprouts wings on his twelfth birthday, he learns he’s all that stands between Earth and total destruction. With his new powers and a group of pals, Tunde faces danger and embraces his destiny as the boy with wings. 'The Boy with Wings' by Lenny Henry is an action-packed adventure for middle grade readers, featuring illustrations by Keenon Ferrell and an exclusive comic book adventure illustrated by Mark Buckingham.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tunde Wilkinson
Mrs. Wilkinson
Mr. Wilkinson
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like for Tunde to discover he has wings? Have you ever discovered something surprising about yourself?
How do Tunde’s friends react to his wings? What does this say about the importance of friendship and acceptance?
Tunde faces challenges because he is different. Can you think of a time when you felt different from others? How did you handle it?
If you had wings like Tunde, what would you do? Where would you go?
The story has both exciting and scary moments. Which part was your favorite, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child to imagine what they would do if they suddenly developed a superpower. This sets the stage for relating to Tunde's experiences.
While reading, pause at tense moments and ask your child to predict what might happen next. This keeps them engaged and curious about the story’s development.
Discuss the reactions of other characters to Tunde's wings. This opens up a dialogue about empathy, friendship, and how we treat people who are different.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw a picture of a scene where Tunde uses his wings. Discuss the drawing and what that moment means in the story and to your child.
Connect themes from the book to real-life situations, such as times when your child needed to be brave or received help from friends, to deepen their understanding and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The protagonist, Tunde, discovers he has wings, making him different from his peers. Throughout the story, he learns to embrace his uniqueness and use his abilities positively.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of accepting and celebrating their unique traits and those of others, promoting inclusivity and self-confidence in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Tunde faces various challenges and adversaries but shows bravery and determination. His journey illustrates the power of courage in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle difficulties in school or social situations with resilience and not to fear standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The support Tunde receives from his friends plays a crucial role in his adventures. The story highlights how true friends offer support and help one face life's challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining positive relationships, and how teamwork and support can help overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Tunde learns to take responsibility for his powers and how he chooses to use them, understanding the impact of his actions on others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that their actions have consequences and that they should think about how they use their own talents and abilities responsibly.