Synopsis
Summary
Melanie “Mel” Roberts and Ray Halfmoon may be from different Indigenous Nations, but the friends have become like siblings since their families moved in together. And they soon welcome a distinguished guest: Great-grandfather Bat, whose wing is injured, has taken refuge in their old oak tree. A rematch of the legendary Great Ball Game is coming up, with Bat as the star player. Grampa Charlie Halfmoon offers to drive Bat from Chicago down to the traditional playing field outside Macon, Georgia, and Mel and Ray are determined to help out. Together, they all set off on a road trip—facing adventure, danger, and a hair-raising mystery—on the way to the historic game.
Notable Achievements
Kirkus Reviews Best Books
Reviews
Publishers Weekly: "Combining humor, suspense, and a quiet reverence for one’s ancestry, Smith examines how the power of community can affect emotional and physical healing, and the strength it takes to do both."
Kirkus: "A unique and noteworthy tale that weaves together past and present with humor through stellar, multilayered writing."
School Library Journal: "Taylor-Corbett warmly invites readers to join a transformative multigenerational, multispecies journey through struggles and adventures, past and present."
Booklist: "Leitich Smith also provides a glossary and a meaningful author’s note that speaks to certain Indigenous beliefs, storytelling traditions, and history. Similar in spirit to Nic Stone’s Clean Getaway (2020), this book will appeal to fans of road-trip novels and character driven stories."
The Horn Book: "Smith has crafted a narrative that explores intergenerational grief and other difficult subjects yet is still jampacked with joy and humor."
Educator Guide
This guide, created by Muskogee educator Jenna Wolf in association with Heartdrum, includes discussion questions for On a Wing and a Tear and other titles from Native authors.
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