On a Wing and a Tear

Gr 4-6–Smith’s (Muscogee) latest middle grade novel is Taylor-Corbett’s (Blackfeet) third affecting narration of her titles, especially fitting after aurally introducing Ray and Grampa Halfmoon in Indian Shoes. Connections, as Smith writes in her author’s note, are the core of her stories. Ray (Cherokee and Seminole) and Mel (Muscogee, Odawa, French American) aren’t related by blood, but they’re practically siblings living together in Grampa Halfmoon’s home. Ray’s been worried about Grampa’s “blah”-ness, preoccupied by “bad stuff in the world.” Mel’s idea to “put more goodness in the world” leads to a Chicago-to-Georgia spring break road trip for personal discoveries and healing reunions. Serendipitously, the humans get the honor of ferrying Great-Grandfather Bat, recovering from injury, and Gray Squirrel, to the Great Ball Game for a legendary Birds vs. Animals rematch.