I’ve been fond of a smooth braid since I wore them growing up. Cynthia Leitich Smith created just that kind of braid with three plotlines threaded smoothly through to a delightful conclusion in her new book, On a Wing and a Tear. The first strand has Melanie “Mel” Roberts and Ray Halfmoon, who are from two different indigenous tribes, becoming friends when the Robertses become long term house guests with the Halfmoons.
The second strand is the Elder, Great-grandfather Bat, who turns up in their old oak tree with an injured wing. With a bit of a magical element, he talks and lets them know he must hurry to get to the legendary Great Ball Game since he is the star player.
The third strand has the widowed Grandpa Charlie Halfmoon volunteering to drive them from Chicago to the event in Macon, Georgia. Mel and Ray are intrigued, as the reader will be, with the possibility that he will rediscover his high school sweetheart from long ago on the route.
They set off on a trip that becomes filled with humor, unexpected events, a mystery, and that anticipated encounter with Grandpa’s old girlfriend. The story is cleverly braided together and is a good read for the middle graders for whom it was designed as well as people who just love a good story.