  | On a wing and a tear Author: Smith, Cynthia Leitich | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
Close friends Melanie and Ray join Grampa Charlie Halfmoon to drive the legendary player Great-Grandfather Bat to the rematch of the Great Ball Game on a road trip where nothing goes as expected and love saves the day.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.90 Points: 7.0 Quiz: 552418 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (08/15/24)
School Library Journal (00/08/24)
Booklist (+) (09/01/24)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/10/24)
The Hornbook (00/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 08/01/2024 Gr 4–6—Drawing on characters that may be familiar to readers of Smith's other works, the novel follows Mel Roberts and Ray Halfmoon as their families move in together after meeting at a powwow. The Indigenous preteens provide each other with a built-in support system at school and on the road as they, along with Ray's grandfather and their animal companions, go on a road trip for spring break. The story feels rooted in folklore, with the travelers seeking to get Bat, an animal elder, to a legendary rematch for a race against the birds. However, an author's note clarifies that the book isn't an "age-old traditional story" but pays tribute to Muscogee storytelling. History and romance dot the narrative, though this is an adventure story at its heart. Modern twists include high jinks from vloggers that threaten to derail the road-trippers' successful arrival at their destination. The novel's pacing elicits feelings of a never-ending school break, which may confuse some readers. VERDICT Recommended as an additional purchase for elementary collections where books featuring animals circulate well. Hand to fans of Kate DiCamillo or Katherine Applegate.—Monisha Blair - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 09/01/2024 *Starred Review* Mel and her mom have moved to Chicago to live with Grampa Halfmoon, who has also taken in his orphaned grandson, Ray. Delightfully, among Mel’s new acquaintances are a bat and a gray squirrel, both of whom possess the ability to converse with humans. Exciting times are afoot for Great-Grandfather Bat, who is eager to participate in the Great Ball Game, which will see a rematch for the ages: Animals versus Birds! Unfortunately, he has a wing injury that might prevent him from getting to Georgia in time for the game. Cue a spring-break road trip like no other, on which Grampa, Mel, and Ray help Bat journey south, making meaningful connections along the way with others and their Indigenous heritage. Of course, there are many bumps in the road, including an attempted capture of Bat for viral YouTube fame, but the light narrative tone and charming characters ensure an upbeat adventure. Incorporating exceptional Native American representation throughout—Mel is Muscogee-Odawa and Ray is Cherokee-Seminole—Leitich Smith (Muscogee) also provides a glossary and a meaningful author’s note that speaks to certain Indigenous beliefs, storytelling traditions, and history. Similar in spirit to Nic Stone’s Clean Getaway (2020), this book will appeal to fans of road-trip novels and character-driven stories. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
