Wings in the Wild / Alas salvajes

Share this book

Poet Margarita Engle has said, “When we listen to each other’s poems and stories, our minds grow wings.” Talk with students about the ways characters in Wings in the Wild connect through stories and music. What do they see in those connections that makes her statement true for Soleida and Dariel?

Next, ask students to consider how her statement is true for them. Have them write their own poem that offers an example of how hearing someone else’s story expanded their own thinking and what resulted or changed in them from that experience. Students should plan to share their poems in your classroom Poetry and Storytelling Cafe, where they can read their poems aloud over drinks and snacks and tell one another more stories about themselves to grow more wings.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. How does Wings in the Wild explore the concept of home?
2. What does Soleida experience as a refugee? How has becoming a refugee changed Soleida’s perspective on the world and of herself? What do you know about places in your community that are helping refugees? How could you help refugees settle into a new life in your community?
3. How is this story a testament to the power of music to connect people? What is magical about Dariel’s music? What does music offer you?
4. How are both Soleida and Dariel affected by climate change? Why should we care about the environment? What questions do you have about climate action?
5. How do Soleida and Dariel show hope? What does hope mean to you?
6. How are wings a metaphor for Soleida and Dariel’s relationship? In what ways are birds central to the story? How are they used symbolically?
7. What call to action did you hear in this book? How will you answer?

Related Resources

Wings in the Wild Reading Group Guide from Simon & Schuster
Poetry and Storytelling Cafe from Learning for Justice