
A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with the profound grief of losing a sibling or very close loved one. "Blue Wings" tells the story of Jadran, whose older brother, Josh, is building a pair of wings before he passes away from an illness. After Josh's death, a heartbroken Jadran is determined to finish the wings and take flight to find his brother. It's a poignant and beautifully written story that uses magical realism to explore grief, memory, and the enduring power of love. Appropriate for ages 9 to 13, this book offers a gentle yet direct way to approach the topic of death, providing comfort and a language for feelings that are often hard to express.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA character runs away and intends to jump from a cliff with homemade wings. The situation is tense.
The central topic is the death of a child/sibling from a terminal illness. The approach is direct in that the death occurs and is not shied away from, but it is handled with immense gentleness. The processing of grief is explored through the powerful metaphor of flight and magical realism. The book is secular, focusing on memory and enduring connection rather than a specific religious afterlife. The resolution is hopeful and realistic: Jadran accepts his brother is gone but realizes their bond remains, allowing him to begin healing.
An introspective child, aged 10-13, who is processing the death of a close family member, particularly a sibling. It is especially suited for a child who connects with metaphor and imagination as a way to understand difficult emotions, and who may feel the need to *do* something with their grief rather than just talk about it.
The scenes depicting Josh's final days and his death are gentle but emotionally intense and may be difficult for a sensitive child (or parent). Parents should be prepared to discuss these moments. Additionally, Jadran runs away from home and plans a dangerous act (jumping from a cliff), which warrants a conversation about finding safe ways to express big emotions. A parent observes their child becoming withdrawn or creating elaborate fantasy worlds after a loss. The child might express a desperate wish to see their loved one again or ask questions about where people go when they die. This book is for the child who is struggling to find words for their overwhelming feelings.
A younger reader (9-10) will likely connect most with the adventure plot: the secret plan, running away with a friend, and the excitement of building the wings. The sadness will be present, but the quest will be the focus. An older reader (11-13) will more deeply appreciate the lyrical prose and the rich symbolism of flight as a metaphor for letting go, memory, and love's persistence after death.
Unlike many grief books that are strictly realistic, "Blue Wings" uses magical realism to give a tangible form to the abstract process of grieving. The physical act of building and attempting to fly with the wings is a unique and powerful vehicle for the protagonist's emotional journey. This offers a different, more active pathway for understanding loss than simple narrative reflection.
Brothers Jadran and Josh are inseparable. Josh, who is terminally ill, spends his last days building a pair of blue wings, convinced he will fly. After Josh's death, Jadran is overcome with grief but feels his brother's presence urging him to finish the project. Believing he can fly to be with Josh again, Jadran runs away with his friend Fien to a remote cliff side. This quest to take flight becomes Jadran's personal journey through the landscape of his grief, ultimately leading to a form of acceptance and understanding.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.