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Windblowne (2010)

by Stephen Messer(Favorite Author)

3.75 of 5 Votes: 5

languge

English

genre

Fantasy

publisher

Random House Books for Young Readers

review 1: This was such a surprise of a book - in too many fantasies, especially the younger the intended audience is, the ending is fairly clear about halfway through the book, if not sooner. This book was so creative, with twists throughout that made it hard to know what was going on at all, in a good way, much less determined the ending. The pacing was a bit of a whirlwind, which would normally annoy me, but the plot was so creative I didn't mind, plus hey, the book is called windblowne after all. The ending was very rushed, and way too tidy, but again, I didn't mind it too much. I did feel like the book was just getting going around chapter 18, and there's only 21 chapters in the entire book, so that's a shame as I was very much enjoying all the various characters and worlds and... more sub-plots. Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed this quick read and oh! the kites' personalities were cute and surprisingly believable. So yeah, a really good debut novel.
review 2: Windblowne by Stephen Messer Kites with personalities? Evil kites that hunt and maim and a beloved kite that guides, protects, and leads a boy to discover his talents and destiny?Only a man who grew up flying kites in Maine and Arizona would conceive of a book in which kites fly between worlds and are harbingers of good and evil. Windblowne incorporates the innocence and fantasies of every kite-flying child who stands on the crest of a hill and wonders where his kite might take him—but packs in worlds of meaning and nuance.Upper elementary and middle school boys and girls will enjoy this fantasy about Oliver who lives in the world of Windblowne. In a community in which building and flying kites is prized, Oliver is a misfit. Despite desperate attempts, his kites fail and his peers ridicule him. But Oliver has an uncanny ability to listen to the winds’ moans, cries and whispers that blow through the massive oaks populating his world. In addition, he possesses a keen sense of observation by which he creates internal navigational maps. These abilities remain unappreciated until the end of the book when he realizes the truth of his Great-uncle Gilbert’s words, “Your talents lay elsewhere.” Embracing his gifts enables him to accomplish far more than any of his peers. Messer clearly layers the perennial struggle of good vs. evil into this story. When Oliver is unwittingly taken to another Windblowne world, he meets two characters which are counterparts to people he knows –himself and his great-uncle. If I were using this novel in a classroom, I would probe students to consider the nature of these anti-heroes/alter egos. Resultant discussions could focus on how good and evil are present in all characters—both fictional and real. Having just published the July issue of Talking Story on Multiple Intelligences/Different Learning Styles, I have been thinking about the many different ways in which students learn and use their individual abilities. I recommend Windblowne as a book that will help students who grapple with embracing their own unique learning style and gifts. Kites with personalities? You bet. It will be a long time before I forget a crimson kite which nods, trembles, and fights for truth and justice.Happy kite flying. less

Download links for: Windblowne

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