“When Pigs Fly,” written by June Rae Wood is a story that tugs on the reader’s emotional strings, while navigating through a complicated maze of issues pertaining to social justice, economic windfall, poverty and discrimination.
From the first pages of the book, the story captured and maintained my interest through the end. My favorite character was Buddy. Many of Buddy’s struggles such as self-image, friendship, secrets and being forced to live within tight economic means, reminded me a lot of my issues in middle school; except I did not have to care for a younger sibling with Down’s Syndrome. As each issue added more pressure to Buddy’s life her devotion to family and friends continued to shape her character. In the end, the reader could easily imagine Buddy developing into a self-confident, successful young woman with sound morals.
Young readers could benefit from reading this book to help them identify with issues of loyalty to friends and family. In addition, students will hopefully be able to relate to the emotions people must endure due to the actions of bullies. Many adult readers can enjoy the story and relate to economic pressures and decisions Buddy’s family was forced to endure. Also, adult readers will be reminded of the pressures during middle school years, and may recall their own childhood experiences.
After reading the book, the story made me keenly aware that so many of my students come to class with a lot of psycho-social “baggage.” It renewed my silent commitment to my students to be more compassionate and understanding when they do not come to class prepared with materials, homework, projects and/or unacceptable uniforms.
The story made me reflect upon my personal experiences, as a young adult, and refreshed my outlook toward my students.
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