Peck, Richard.
ON THE WINGS OF HEROES 
New York : Dial Books, 2007
IL 5-8, RL 4.9
ISBN 0803730810

(2 booktalks)

This is a story of life in America during WWII through the eyes of Davy Bowman.  It is a time of sacrifice for American families.  Young Davy spends his time collecting scrap metal that will be used to make ammunition and milkweed pods for stuffing life vests for the sailors.  During these searches, Davy meets some of the town’s mysterious and cantankerous characters.  He meets old Miss Titus, who later becomes his teacher, because of the teacher shortage.  As Davy explains, “We weren’t used to a teacher who looked like a walnut with a mustache.”  Davy’s carefree and innocent lifestyle is turned upside down by the war.  His father is very sad that another war is happening because when he fought in WWI it was supposed to be the “war to end all wars”.  Davy’s brother is a bomber pilot and is flying secret and dangerous missions overseas.  Find out how Davy copes with everyday life during a war and how he looks up to his heroes.   (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

Booktalk #2

Do you like historical books well if you do this is the book for you.  This is one of the best books that that I have ever read. It is called On the Wings of Heroes.  It is about a young boy that is living with his Mom, Dad and younger sister. At the time World  War  Two has not started yet, but then one day that all changed. The children in the town were playing hide-and go seek. Just then boom-boom-pow. In the book, John, the youngest but the smartest boy in the town of children, said, “Could this be the beginning of World War Two?” and everyone didn't believe him that it was true. John was sad that no thought that he was that smart he just had to prove that he was smart. What will the little boy john do to prove that he really is smart and in the book is World War Two  really about to happen in the little town.  If you read this book you will find out everything that will happen.  (Hannah B., student)