Wild Wings
on Goodreads (2,825)
What’s inside...
This vividly imagined and well-written novel tells a gripping story about a boy from Scotland and a girl from West Africa who join together to save a migrating Osprey and end up saving each other. When Callum spots Iona McNair on his family's property, she's catching a fish with her bare hands. She won't share the fish, but does share a secret: she's discovered a rare endangered bird, an Osprey. It's clear that if anyone finds out about the bird, it and its species are likely doomed due to poachers, egg thieves, and wild weather. Iona and Callum vow to keep track of the bird and monitor her migratory progress using a code tagged on her ankle, no matter what. When one of them can no longer keep the promise, it's up to the other to fulfill it. Set against the dramatic landscapes of Scotland and West Africa, this story explores unlikely friendships, the wonders of the wild, and the everyday leaps of faith that set our souls to flight.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Callum
Jeneba
Iona
Discussion points
How did the friendship between Iona and Callum influence their actions towards saving the osprey?
What emotions did you feel when the osprey was in danger, and how do you think the characters felt?
Why is it important to protect wildlife, and how can we help in our own community?
What did you learn about the challenges of migration for birds like the osprey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes of friendship and conservation, encouraging your child to express their views.
Ask your child to imagine themselves in the characters' shoes, discussing how they would handle similar challenges.
Link the story to real-world wildlife conservation efforts, which can foster a deeper connection and understanding.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite scene, focusing on how it made them feel and why it stood out.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Wild Wings', the characters show deep empathy towards an injured osprey, leading them to protect and nurture it. This care for another living being demonstrates compassion in action.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, whether it's helping a friend in need or caring for animals.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book illustrates how characters from different backgrounds come together to save the osprey, showing that teamwork can overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to work cooperatively in group settings, be it in school projects or sports, appreciating that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Responsibility towards Nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of preserving wildlife and natural habitats, as the characters undertake a mission to save an endangered bird.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be mindful of their environment, promoting activities like recycling, conserving water, or participating in local clean-up days.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Characters face various obstacles but persist in their mission, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This serves as a model for children to remain determined and resilient when facing their own challenges, whether in academics, sports, or interpersonal relationships.