Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting

*Book overview from Barnes and Noble site*

A homeless boy who lives in an airport with his father, moving from terminal to terminal trying not to be noticed, is given hope when a trapped bird finally finds its freedom.

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To those of you who may think it isn’t possible for picture books to have a deeper meaning, think again. Fly Away Home explores a young boy’s mind while he lives in an airport with his father. They are trying to look for a home to call their own. This storyline has a very different approach to discussing poverty than what I have usually seen in children’s books. Although the main character Andrew clearly states that his father and himself are looking for money and a place to stay, there is a large message of hope behind the writing. Andrew never pouts and never holds anger towards his father for not being able to find a home. I don’t think he has even started school yet, but he already knows how hard life can get sometimes. Andrew works with what he’s got.

A bird is included in this book in what seems to be a very metaphorical way. Again, the bird goes along with the idea of hope. It’s trying to escape right along with Andrew.

If you have five minutes, read this book! It’s quick but definitely gives you insight to how a young child may feel growing up in poverty. Money is a tough subject, yet Eve Bunting does an extraordinary job portraying how it can be part of someone’s struggle with life. Even more, Bunting shows us how life still goes on without much money and how Andrew makes the most of what he has.

***

You know when you pick up a book and you think it might not be the greatest? Honestly, I did this when recommended to read this book. I always love those books with vibrant colors, the ones that are wonderfully witty. I have to say though, after reading the book I'm gonna have to think again about my choice in picture books. I love the tone of this book. You can tell there were definitely intentional purposes behind the color scheme. Anyways, I love this book and especially love the non-traditional tone of the picture book. But hey, you know what they say! Don't judge a book by it's cover!

My rating: ****
~I really like this book. It's short, but has a deep message in it!