BOOK REVIEW: Flexible Wings by Veda Stamps

BLURB:

Flexible Wings is a contemporary middle-grade novel that explores the lives of military children. The book delves into themes of sports, community and volunteerism as a way of supporting families through difficult times.

In Flexible Wings, Summer Stevenson is an eleven-year-old military kid who dreams of having a permanent home and swimming in the Olympics one day, just like her idol Olympian Lia Neal. But those things seem out of reach as her parents “the heroes” continually move the family from house to house like boxed-up toys.

After their last move, she thought her life would never change, but now the moving truck is idling in front of her house again, this time taking the family to Valencia, a small town in southern California known for its bike trails, roller coasters and great schools. But things aren't so great for Summer. She worries constantly that her fighter-pilot mom could be redeployed at any moment, and she struggles to make new friends, finding herself in humiliating circumstances with her neighbors.

Summer sees a glimmer of hope when her parents sign her up for competitive swimming, but she turns out to be the worst swimmer on the team! Inspired by nature and drawing support from friendships both old and new, including those with Grandma "Bachaan," her coaches, and other kids on the swim team, Summer seeks the courage she'll need to tackle life's challenges.

REVIEW BY: Angel, age 12 years, 9 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

Summer Stevenson has been moving all her life because her mother and father keep getting missions for their military careers. When Summer leaves the town that she has been living in for 2 years she gets pretty upset.  Summer has a hard time adjusting after her mother gets deployed and starts her dream of being on a swim team. 

I really enjoyed this book. It reminds me to be grateful for what I have. It is a very inspiring book. 

My favorite part is when Summer has her last swimming meet and her grandmother dances to Thriller by Michael Jackson. 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9-13.