The Boy With Wings

April 17, 2023
British actor and comedian Henry (Black British Lives Matter, for adults) touches on issues of inclusivity, prejudice, and personal pride in this lively fantasy adventure. While Tunde, an adopted British-born Caribbean 12-year-old, publicly claims that he doesn’t mind not knowing anything about his birth family, his private feelings are “bendier and twistier than a rubber band in a microwave.” Still, he’s happy with his parents, who share and help him connect with his heritage, and who support him through relentless school bullying surrounding his “beaky” nose. When birds of all kinds begin defending Tunde from bullies, Tunde is grateful for their help, if a little weirded out. But nothing about the events could have prepared him for his suddenly sprouting wings. Tunde is soon summoned by a bird-like people called the Aavians to help combat their enemies, the mammalian Furleenians. Animated illustrations by Ferrell (Looking for Happy) depict Tunde’s school struggles alongside his high-flying adventures. Though Tunde’s unearthing of his paranormal past evokes standard superhero fare, Henry’s effusive first-person prose and solid grasp on heartwarming familial and friendship dynamics make for a high-spirited origin tale. A classic-feeling superhero comic by Buckingham (Dead Boy Detectives) concludes, depicting further adventures. Ages 8–12.

May 15, 2023
In actor and comedian Henry's latest, an adopted 12-year-old English boy has an epic adventure after discovering his origin story. As one of the few Black kids at his primarily White school, Tunde Wilkinson often feels like an outsider, but his adoptive parents, Ron and Ruth (British Caribbean), make sure to show him examples of influential Black people so that he knows he is capable of anything. He has his close-knit group of friends--Jiah Patel (cued as Indian), Kylie Collins (who is assumed White and uses a wheelchair), and Nev Carter (cued as Black). This supportive community becomes vital after Tunde disobeys his parents' wishes never to play sports because it would risk his safety. During a game, Tunde sprouts wings, shocking everyone and unveiling his identity to the alien species looking for him. With the truth revealed, Tunde and his friends are tasked with preventing intergalactic war and ensuring lasting peace. This is a funny, fast-paced story with an authentic voice; the use of wacky, emphasized fonts will immediately hook readers. Children will be invested in Tunde's attempts to lead with kindness and be courageous in the face of adversity. The illustrations are detailed but simple enough to inspire young artists to re-create their own adventures with Tunde and his friends. Tunde's exploits continue at the end with a comic book feature written by Henry and illustrated by Buckingham, hinting at more to come for the dynamic group. A thrilling tale brimming with spirit. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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