The Boy Who Had Wings

by Jane Yolen, Helga Aichinger (Illustrator)

The wings he is born with give a young boy nothing but unhappiness until he flies over the mountain to rescue his herdsman father.

25 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vaguely like a Greek myth, although it doesn't indicate that it was based on one.

Aetos is born with wings. Therefore he is shunned, even by his father. For years he hides his wings and resists the urge to fly. One winter, his father is trapped by a storm, and Aetos flies to rescue him. After the ordeal he is very ill, and his wings fall off. He recovers and subsequently lives like a normal man.

I'm not sure I got this story. I guess loosing his wings is supposed to be a good thing? After docilely accepting years of abuse, he risks his life, and therefore gets to be normal as a "reward"? Regardless of whether one thinks that's a good thing, I don't think it usually works that way in real life.

If you're not a little kid, read Autobiography of Red instead.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

a sad story about a boy rejected by his family