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On the Wings of Heroes Audiobook
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(3.06) - 724 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Davy Bowman’s dad and brother hung the moon. Dad looks forward to Halloween more than a kid, and Davy’s brother, Bill, flies B-17s. Davy adores these two heroes and tries his best to follow their lead, especially now. World War II has invaded Davy’s homefront boyhood. There’s an air raid drill in the classroom, and being a kid is an endless scrap drive. Bill has joined up, breaking their dad’s heart. It’s an intense, confusing time, and one that will invite Davy to grow up in a hurry. This is one of Richard Peck’s finest novels–a tender, unforgettable portrait of the World War II homefront and a family’s love.
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"This story takes place during World War II, and Davy, the young boy in the story, feels the effects; his big brother has joined the Air Force, he and his friend Scooter are kept busy by endless scrap drives, food and shoes and gasoline are being rationed. You feel a sense of the time...doing things for "the duration", stars hanging in windows, victory gardens, new war-time songs, the dreaded telegram being delivered to your home. Richard Peck has a fabulous sense of humor, and creates characters that are very realistic. My favorite characters are the quirky, odd ones, like Miss Titus. She's like Grandma Dowdel...outspoken, doesn't take guff off of anyone, but is still extremely likable. The book made me laugh out loud many times, and yet still captures some very tender and poignant moments that bring home the reality that war is hard, having loved ones fighting in a war is incredibly hard and makes life feel uncertain. The sacrifices men and women have made for our country needs to be remembered and honored. I think this book does that, not only for young readers, but adults as well."
— Suzan (5 out of 5 stars)
On the Wings of Heroes Listener Reviews
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" I am a huge fan of Richard Peck's writing and this book is also very enjoyable. The story centers around a young boy growing up during World War II. His father is a World War I veteran, and his older brother who is learning to fly a B-17. It was interesting to think about the war from a child's perspective and Peck's writing style makes you feel like you're hearing a story from an old friend. My 8 and 6 year old boys also really enjoyed this book. "
— Cynthia, 2/20/2014 -
" I've read a few other things by Richard Peck and really liked them. This book had the same nostalgic feel and easy-reading story telling, but I felt that it lacked a clean story line. Although I enjoyed it, I just didn't get a sense that the narrator was telling one actual story instead of just a bunch of random anecdotes from their past. It's really late and I'm writing this so if it doesn't make sense, there is poor grammar or it is all misspelled, just ignore it. "
— Alison, 2/13/2014 -
" This is a great picture of middle class life during WWII. Peck reveals the pain and difficulties of the war on a family living in a small town. There were so many poignant moments. While there were parts where I cried,the ending was wonderful. Peck knows how to finish a story. "
— Natalya, 2/5/2014 -
" There are at least three scenes in this books that will stick with the rest of my life. It is as if the characters have become my relatives and the stories are something that come unbidden from memory into my consciousness without warning, usually when I need a laugh. Like a lot of funny things, the humorous situations in this book rise out of the circumstances of people living through tough times. The everyday heroism and funny things in this book will be your's for a long time. "
— Natalie, 1/26/2014 -
" Richard Peck is one of the best YA authors around. I love his stories, but just as much I love the way he uses words. "
— Karen, 1/26/2014 -
" Classic Richard Peck. Great book with two strong male protagonists. Also had the best description of learning how to ride a bike. It made me remember that feeling all over again...pretty cool. "
— Joy, 1/20/2014 -
" What a wonderful book of growing up during WWII. "
— Mary, 1/15/2014 -
" Great book about growing up during wwII. Like other books by Richard Peck it has some great stories and poignant moments. Written for younger readers, but maybe better for those who know a bit about the war. "
— Gary, 1/12/2014 -
" great choice for boys ... "
— Dawn, 1/11/2014 -
" Another superb Richard Peck book. I love his writing. "
— Janssen, 1/3/2014 -
" Very much like other Richard Peck books. "
— Nancy, 1/2/2014
About Richard Peck
Richard Peck has won almost every children’s fiction award, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award, the Newbery Medal, the Scott O’Dell Award, and the Edgar, and he has twice been nominated for a National Book Award. He was the first children’s author ever to have been awarded a National Humanities Medal.
About Lincoln Hoppe
Lincoln Hoppe is an accomplished actor of stage and screen with several films, plays, television shows, and numerous audiobooks to his credit. His audiobook narrations have earned him nine AudioFile Earphones Awards. His diverse voice characterizations can be heard on animated films, video games, and commercials across the globe. He is a member of the Lost Angeles Comedy Sportz Improv Company.