In
I Can Fly, author Ruby White Starr presents a beautifully illustrated, lyrical story about the lasting power of the messages we receive-and those we share. Following a girl from infancy into young adulthood, the book reveals how everyday moments of encouragement help her navigate mistakes, academic struggles, self-doubt, peer pressure, personal boundaries, and difficult seasons. At each turning point, someone offers her an invisible "feather" in the form of words or actions that promote her creativity, affirm her dignity, strengthen her confidence, and help her move forward. Over time, those feathers become her WINGS.
WINGS represents five essential gifts:
Wisdom,
Interdependence,
Natural Rights,
Grace, and
Strength. Together, they remind readers that every person deserves respect, safety, a voice, supportive relationships, kindness when mistakes happen, and the courage to persevere. With warm, expressive artwork and a memorable repeating refrain,
I Can Fly invites children and adults to consider how deeply their words can shape another person's sense of worth. A reflective activity encourages readers to find the hidden feathers throughout the story, remember those who helped them grow their own wings, and imagine how they might offer that same hope to someone else.
Tender, empowering, and rich with opportunities for conversation,
I Can Fly is a celebration of resilience, compassion, healthy connection, and the extraordinary difference one encouraging person can make.
