{"product_id":"the-simple-art-of-flying-9781534421004","title":"The Simple Art of Flying","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAward-Winning Middle Grade Fiction About Family and Belonging\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Simple Art of Flying\u003c\/i\u003e by Cory Leonardo is a heartwarming middle grade novel that follows Alastair, an African grey parrot born in a pet store who dreams of escape to bluer skies. This debut novel combines humor and heart in an unforgettable story about finding family in unexpected places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStory Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlastair wants nothing more than to fly away to a palm tree with his beloved sister, Aggie. When Aggie is purchased by twelve-year-old Fritz and Alastair is adopted by elderly dance-enthusiast and pie-baker Albertina Plopky, their separation seems permanent. Between anxiously plucking his feathers, eating books, and discovering his poetic voice, Alastair plots a family reunion. His journey forces him to choose between the life he's always dreamed of and accepting that sometimes the bravest adventure is letting go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For Readers Who Love\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFans of \u003ci\u003eThe One and Only Ivan\u003c\/i\u003e will find the same emotional depth and animal perspective that made Katherine Applegate's novel so beloved. This story appeals to readers ages 9-12 who enjoy animal narrators, themes of adoption and alternative families, and stories that balance humor with genuine emotion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCritical Acclaim\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKirkus Reviews praised the novel as \"Delightfully quirky,\" highlighting Leonardo's ability to create a unique voice for Alastair while exploring meaningful themes about family, friendship, and identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Author Cory Leonardo\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCory Leonardo is an upstate New York author who lives in the Syracuse area with her husband and three children. She was selected and mentored in Brenda Drake's Pitch Wars 2016 and has been an active SCBWI member for five years. Leonardo is also the author of \u003ci\u003eThe Hedgehog of Oz\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePaperback Edition Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Aladdin Paperbacks edition features the complete story in an accessible format perfect for independent readers and classroom use. The book explores themes of adoption, family bonds, and friendship through an animal narrator's perspective, making complex emotional topics approachable for young readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eLeonardo, Cory:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - Cory Leonardo grew up believing she'd replace Vanna White on \u003ci\u003eWheel of Fortune\u003c\/i\u003e, but when that didn't work out, she decided she'd turn letters and phrases in a different way (but minus the glittery dresses, sadly). A born and bred upstate New Yorker, she currently lives in the Syracuse area with her husband and three plucky children. Cory was selected and mentored in Brenda Drake's Pitch Wars 2016 and has been an active SCBWI member for the past five years. She is the author of \u003ci\u003eThe Simple Art of Flying\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eHedgehog of Oz\u003c\/i\u003e.","brand":"Aladdin Paperbacks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50681083330834,"sku":"9781534421004","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_d797fdff-b059-4dbc-a7cc-c6b4fdef8671.jpg?v=1733948937","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-simple-art-of-flying-9781534421004","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}