When Grandfather flew / by Patricia MacLachlan ; illustrated by Chris Sheban.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A grieving boy remembers his grandfather and the hobby they shared, in this moving evocation of love and loss by a Newbery Medalist.


Milo's grandfather is fascinated by birds. He admires their freedom and never loses an opportunity to point out the things that make each one special.

When he can no longer see as well as he used to, Milo helps him spot and take care of some of his favorites- hovering kestrels, fragile chickadees, and the bald eagle soaring high overhead.

One day when Milo comes home, Grandpa isn't there.

But when the boy sees an eagle swooping through the sky above, he knows Grandpa is still with them- reborn in the skies, just as he'd wanted.

This honest, reflective, and deeply moving portrait of grief offers young readers comfort and hope in difficult times. When Grandfather Flew celebrates the close, beautiful relationships between children and grandparents, and the unique ways we keep lost loved ones close.

With a lyrical text by acclaimed author Patricia MacLachlan and vivid, textural artwork by Chris Sheban, this wistful story will resonate with anyone who has felt the loss of a loved one-- and will remind you to look for the reminders of the love you shared.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection