When Grandfather Flew

A grieving boy remembers his grandfather and the hobby they shared, in this moving evocation of love and loss by a Newbery Medalist.

Milo's grandfather is fascinated by birds. He admires their freedom and never loses an opportunity to point out the things that make each one special.

When he can no longer see as well as he used to, Milo helps him spot and take care of some of his favorites: hovering kestrels, fragile chickadees, and the bald eagle soaring high overhead.

One day when Milo comes home, Grandpa isn't there.

But when the boy sees an eagle swooping through the sky above, he knows Grandpa is still with them: reborn in the skies, just as he'd wanted.

This honest, reflective, and deeply moving portrait of grief offers young readers comfort and hope in difficult times. When Grandfather Flew celebrates the close, beautiful relationships between children and grandparents, and the unique ways we keep lost loved ones close.

With a lyrical text by acclaimed author Patricia MacLachlan and vivid, textural artwork by Chris Sheban, this wistful story will resonate with anyone who has felt the loss of a loved one-- and will remind you to look for the reminders of the love you shared.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Author: Patricia MacLachlan
Publisher: Neal Porter Books
Published: 07/27/2021
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 11.10h x 7.70w x 0.30d
ISBN: 9780823444892
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 513956 / When Grandfather Flew


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2021
Publishers Weekly 05/10/2021
Kirkus Reviews 06/01/2021
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2021 pg. 73
Booklist 11/05/2021
School Library Journal 01/07/2022 pg. 1

About the Author
Patricia MacLachlan is the author of many novels for children, including the Newbery Medal-winning Sarah, Plain and Tall; Baby; Waiting for the Magic, and The Truth of Me. Among her picture books are The Iridescence of Birds, Someone Like Me, and What You Know First. She lives in Western Massachusetts.

Chris Sheban won a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators for his illustrations in The Story of a Seagull and the Cat Who Taught Her to Fly by Luis Sepulveda. He previously collaborated with Patricia MacLachlan on Someone Like Me. He also illustrated What a Cold Needs by Barbara Bottner, Job Wanted by Teresa Bateman, and Three Squeezes by Jason Pratt. He lives in Northbrook, Illinois.