Talon: on the Wing
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Appearances should not matter but tell that to a young child
who was born with a handicap. Children can be cruel and adults even more
because they are the ones who teach their children acceptance, tolerance and
how to understand the differences we should embrace in people. But, one little
girl named Matica would teach a whole tribe of Indians in Peru many lessons
before all is said and done. Imagine being over 10 years old and never growing
over the height of a two year old. Imagine how a child would feel if her
brother’s height was much taller and the rest of the children in her village or
tribe did not accept her or play with her. Imagine the life of loneliness that
this young child would have.
Parents make a difference in the life children and Mira and Crayn
are exceptional. Matica was bright, inquisitive and definitely different than
most children almost ten years old. Although her growth hormones were not
working correctly and her growth spurts were definitely stagnated, she manages
to endear herself into the hearts of readers because of her kind heart,
intelligent attitude and caring manner. The journey now continues as we meet
Matica and Talon once again. The story begins with Matica and Talon taking
flight. Imagine if you could fly over the clouds and through the fog and see
the world from up above. Imagine if your life turned around all because
everyone realized that who you are as a person is not about your size or
appearance. Imagine having a best friend who is a Condor named Talon whose
wings spread out and whose body is so strong that it can carry you on top of
him and have great adventures together.
Trust is something that Matica has always found hard. Being
different and having to work her way into the hearts and mind of the Indians
was not easy for this young child. Her life changed when she managed to save
the eggs of Tamo and Tima and Talon was born. This endeared her to the Indians
and brought her the respect of friends and family. But, one dream one night
would bring a total change to her perspective on things as she dreamt about her
flight on Talon. Telling her family about it she expressed that she did not
know how she managed to climb on top of him. Stating that she just found
herself there. Describing what happened in detail was exciting but when she was
interrupted she became annoyed. Not able to comprehend or understand what
happened frustrating. The author helps young readers learn many difficult
vocabulary words through Aikon. Many vocabulary words are taught to him with
the hope that he will be able to understand and define not only for himself but
for readers too. This is a great way to teach vocabulary skills to young
readers. But after hearing about her dream her mother is not sure whether she
wants her to fly with Talon and the Indians learning about her dream want her
to recount it for them.
A new friend brings to light what happens when one young
Indian is doubtful about her ability to fly with Talon and the reason he
resents her. Matica is small in size but tall in intelligence, kindness and
full of love for everyone. All she ever wanted was to be accepted for who she
is and not what she looks like. Amos is her special friend who cares deeply for
her and meeting Nunoa and hearing Alexander’s story is heartbreaking. Some parents
cannot accept a child that is not perfect and might have some challenges. When
Amos relates the reason for Alexander’s actions she understands and wants to
help him. Blaming himself for the death of his brother was sad. The truth
behind it is really startling. This story brings out many issues that kids face
today and adults too when they have physical disabilities that others cannot
accept or understand. But, when parents are cruel and do not care for a young
child, like Jonah, and the end result is tragic, how can Alexander ever forgive
them and how can he learn to deal with what happened? What happens next really
frightens Matica as Talon is missing. Matica does not understand why people
cannot accept children with disabilities and she tries to rationalize how
someone could have helped Jonah. Friendships are formed in a unique way and
Talon and Amos come to their own private agreement. But, there are many others
that learn different lessons in this novel. Trust, friendship, loyalty and
understanding play an important part in Matica’s life. Her parents are rare and
are supportive and so is her brother but even more her best friend, Amos. What
Amos does to prove how much he cares for her you will not believe because very
few people would do this?
One young man would renew his faith in himself and life
because of what he finally believes. With the help of Crayn and Matica
Alexander might understand why his parents did what they did and how others can
learn from them. Crayn and the Indians watched over Matica and Talon while they
were flying. But, would her mother allow her to fly on Talon? What was really
bothering Mira? Why is she against Matica flying?
Many mishaps, many disappoints and some dangerous situations
before all is said and done. But, Matica also learns that she is growing and
that although Talon is bigger than she is her extra weight might be a problem.
Just how much longer, if at all can they fly together? Who is trying to steal
the condors and what will happen to Alex? What about the spider and how will
they take care of it? Watch how everyone bans together and hopefully will rid
the village of a poisonous spider but was it? What about the raven and why does
he seem to be everyone Matica and Talon are when they are flying?
When her dream becomes a reality will it be as wonderful as
she imagined? What happens when the strong gale winds blow? What about her
friendship with Amos will he understand her attachment to Talon? Read this
outstanding YA novel and go up in the sky with Talon and Matica and see the
wonders of the world along with them when you fly on his wings too.
Join Matica, Amos, Aikon, Alexander, Nunoa, and of course
Tima, Tamo and our Talon as these great birds teach the humans some lessons in
loyalty, trust and understanding and they teach the condors the meaning of the
word acceptance. Once again author Gigi Sedlmayer pens a novel for children,
adults, and even teens to enjoy, love and soar to highest peak or potential.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Let's give this book: FIVE PERFECT FLIGHTS
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