
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a physical limitation, feeling different from their peers, or trying to understand what makes a family. This touching true story follows Sunshine, a red-tailed hawk who can no longer fly due to a broken wing, as she finds a new life as a foster mother to orphaned hawk chicks. It is a beautiful exploration of finding purpose after loss and the idea that love, rather than biology, defines a parent. Through Kara Hagedorn's gentle narrative and striking photography, children ages 6 to 10 will learn about resilience and the interconnectedness of nature. Parents will appreciate how the book handles the concept of disability with dignity and hope, making it an excellent choice for starting conversations about empathy and overcoming obstacles. It serves as both a science lesson and a comforting emotional guide for children navigating their own 'broken wings.'
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Sign in to write a reviewThe vulnerability of orphaned hawk chicks before they are rescued.
The book deals directly with physical disability and the reality of injury in the wild. The approach is secular and realistic, focusing on the biological and emotional needs of the animals. While the injury is permanent, the resolution is highly hopeful, focusing on adaptation rather than a magical 'cure.'
An 8-year-old who feels frustrated by a learning difference or physical challenge and needs to see that their value isn't defined by what they can't do, but by the love and help they give others.
The book uses real photography of the injury and the rehabilitation process. Parents should be prepared to explain that while Sunshine is safe, she will never fly again, which can be a sad realization for sensitive children. A child expressing 'I'm broken' or 'I'm not good at anything' after failing at a task their peers found easy.
Younger children (6-7) will focus on the 'cuteness' of the chicks and the bond between mother and baby. Older children (9-10) will grasp the deeper themes of vocational identity and the ethics of wildlife conservation.
Unlike many animal rescue stories that end with a release into the wild, this book honors the 'un-releasable' animal, celebrating the meaningful life that exists even when things don't go back to normal.
The book chronicles the true story of Sunshine, a red-tailed hawk found with a severely injured wing. After being rescued and cared for by the author, Sunshine's permanent disability prevents her from returning to the wild. The narrative shifts from her recovery to her unexpected role as a surrogate mother for orphaned hawk chicks, providing them with the care and protection they need to eventually fly on their own.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.