The Icarus Show

British author Christie offers a haunting story about searching for friendship and beauty while enduring cruel taunts. Early in the first term of secondary school, Alex learns how to deal with bullies: “Don’t React” is his motto. People who do react, like his neighbor David, get tagged with horrible nicknames and move to the bottom of the pecking order. Being friends with someone like David could be social suicide, but Alex can’t help being drawn to him, especially after learning that David is behind mysterious notes inviting students to witness an incredible feat of human flight. If anyone could construct wings able to carry a boy through the air, David could—or so Alex thinks until he recognizes another side to David’s scheme. Through Alex’s naïve and compassionate perspective, readers see glimpses of David as a loner with enormous artistic talent and a heart broken by his father’s abandonment. Christie sustains real suspense as the motive behind David’s plan comes into focus, along with whether he’ll be successful in proving that a boy can fly and the role that Alex will play. Ages 8–12. (Jan.)