WITH JUST ONE WING

A boy’s summer takes an unexpected turn, leading him to discover a new passion.

Cooper Garnett, who’s almost 12, is planning to have the best summer ever, playing basketball and learning to golf with his grandfather. But his hopes are dashed after he falls out of a tree while trying to touch the eggs in a mockingbird nest, breaking his arm and giving himself a concussion. While recuperating, he spends time at his grandparents’ house. As Coop, his grandparents, and his friend Zandi watch the hatchlings venture out of the nest, they notice that one is different—it has only one wing. After Coop and Zandi learn that the little mockingbird likely won’t survive to adulthood on its own, they decide to rescue it and keep it safe. Through caring for the bird, named Hop, Coop comes to realize that loving someone sometimes means making hard choices. Woods uses simple, conversational language to bring the briskly paced story to life. Drawing parallels between Coop’s complicated emotions around his adoption and his feelings toward the rescued bird, she makes a complex topic feel accessible while also illustrating what it truly means to love and protect. Though Coop and his grandfather are well developed, other characters fall a bit flat. The use of names and language cue characters as Black.

A heartfelt tale that intertwines a young boy’s personal journey with his love of nature.