The Boy With Wings

April 17, 2023
British actor and comedian Henry (Black British Lives Matter, for adults) touches on issues of inclusivity, prejudice, and personal pride in this lively fantasy adventure. While Tunde, an adopted British-born Caribbean 12-year-old, publicly claims that he doesn’t mind not knowing anything about his birth family, his private feelings are “bendier and twistier than a rubber band in a microwave.” Still, he’s happy with his parents, who share and help him connect with his heritage, and who support him through relentless school bullying surrounding his “beaky” nose. When birds of all kinds begin defending Tunde from bullies, Tunde is grateful for their help, if a little weirded out. But nothing about the events could have prepared him for his suddenly sprouting wings. Tunde is soon summoned by a bird-like people called the Aavians to help combat their enemies, the mammalian Furleenians. Animated illustrations by Ferrell (Looking for Happy) depict Tunde’s school struggles alongside his high-flying adventures. Though Tunde’s unearthing of his paranormal past evokes standard superhero fare, Henry’s effusive first-person prose and solid grasp on heartwarming familial and friendship dynamics make for a high-spirited origin tale. A classic-feeling superhero comic by Buckingham (Dead Boy Detectives) concludes, depicting further adventures. Ages 8–12.