Bullying and the ability to rise above it are at the heart of this
strikingly beautiful picture book. All school-aged children have either
bullied, been bullied, or witnessed bullying, and all too often, they
feel powerless to stop what has been set in motion.
Such is not the case with Eliza. Her mother has given her "wings to fly"
and the ability to see all the possibilities that lie before her. So,
when bullies pick on the new student, Lainey, gradually robbing her of
her smile and ability to paint beautiful pictures, Eliza wants to help,
and she does, by finding a way to show Lainey all that she can be. Then
in the schoolyard, Eliza stands up to the bullies. One by one, the other
children add their voices, and soon the bullies have skulked away.
Lyrical and eloquent yet realistic and down to earth, Nan Forler's text
is complemented beautifully with François Thisdale's haunting images.
This is a book for every child, every classroom, and every library.