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    If These Wings Could Fly

    by McCauley, Kyrie
    If These Wings Could Fly by Kyrie McCauley is a lyrical young adult novel that explores the complexities of family violence through the story of seventeen-year-old Leighton. As she starts her senior year, Leighton struggles to protect her two younger sisters while coping with her father’s ongoing abusive behavior. The narrative incorporates elements of magical realism, using the presence of thousands of crows to underscore themes of trauma, resilience, and hope.
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    If These Wings Could Fly

    Chapter Sixty-Six

    by McCauley, Kyrie

    In Chap­ter Six­ty-Six of *If These Wings Could Fly*, the pro­tag­o­nist and Liam expe­ri­ence an abrupt dis­rup­tion at the Win­ter For­mal when Brody con­fronts them with a harsh rumor about the protagonist’s fam­i­ly. Despite Brody’s antag­o­nis­tic behav­ior, Amelia, the stu­dent coun­cil pres­i­dent, inter­venes and suc­cess­ful­ly removes him from the dance, pre­serv­ing the atmos­phere for the oth­ers. This moment reveals under­ly­ing ten­sions with­in their social cir­cle and high­lights the pro­tec­tive bonds form­ing between the char­ac­ters, show­cas­ing Amelia’s unex­pect­ed assertive­ness and the protagonist’s grat­i­tude.

    Seek­ing refuge from the chaos, the pro­tag­o­nist and Liam retreat to the school news­room, a pri­vate, dim­ly lit space that con­trasts sharply with the noisy gym. Their inter­ac­tion here is inti­mate and ten­der, empha­siz­ing their deep­en­ing rela­tion­ship through play­ful affec­tion and shared moments away from pub­lic scruti­ny. The qui­et set­ting allows them to con­nect on a per­son­al lev­el, blend­ing vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty with light­heart­ed­ness, as they nav­i­gate the bal­ance between youth­ful romance and the pres­sures sur­round­ing them.

    The chap­ter shifts as the pro­tag­o­nist checks her email, intro­duc­ing a moment of sus­pense and intrigue. An ornithologist’s email reveals a ther­mal-imag­ing map show­ing an unusu­al­ly high con­cen­tra­tion of crows cen­tered near the protagonist’s home. This unex­pect­ed detail injects a mys­te­ri­ous ele­ment into the nar­ra­tive, hint­ing at poten­tial sym­bol­ic or plot sig­nif­i­cance tied to the crow imagery and the protagonist’s per­son­al his­to­ry. The dis­cov­ery unset­tles both char­ac­ters, adding depth and com­plex­i­ty to the unfold­ing sto­ry.

    The chap­ter con­cludes on an uplift­ing note when the pro­tag­o­nist opens anoth­er email, this time an accep­tance let­ter from NYU. This moment of tri­umph bal­ances the ear­li­er ten­sion, illus­trat­ing the protagonist’s aca­d­e­m­ic achieve­ments and future pos­si­bil­i­ties. The jubi­lant reac­tion from Liam under­scores their strong emo­tion­al con­nec­tion and shared excite­ment. Over­all, the chap­ter weaves togeth­er themes of con­flict, inti­ma­cy, mys­tery, and hope, advanc­ing char­ac­ter devel­op­ment while set­ting the stage for upcom­ing chal­lenges and oppor­tu­ni­ties.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does the interaction between Brody and the main characters at the dance illustrate the social tensions present in the story?

      Answer:
      The exchange between Brody, Liam, and Leighton at the Winter Formal highlights underlying social conflicts and personal histories. Brody’s provocative statement about Liam’s dad attempting to kill his mom immediately disrupts the moment, revealing painful family issues that are publicly known (“The police blotter”). Liam’s anger and Leighton’s attempt to leave show the strain such comments cause. Amelia’s intervention as student council president, using her authority to eject Brody, further emphasizes the social dynamics and power struggles within the school. This scene reflects how personal trauma and social status collide in adolescent environments, affecting relationships and the characters’ emotional states.

      2. What role does the setting of the school newsroom play in the development of Leighton and Liam’s relationship?

      Answer:
      The school newsroom serves as an intimate, private space away from the public eye where Leighton and Liam can share a tender moment. Its darkness and quiet create a sense of seclusion that contrasts with the tension of the earlier dance scene. The “dinosaur computer” and the act of checking emails ground the moment in reality, while their playful and affectionate interaction (“His hands tangling in the teased curls…”) reveals their closeness and comfort with each other. The newsroom symbolizes a safe haven where their relationship can grow, blending the professional with the personal and highlighting how shared interests and environments can deepen emotional bonds.

      3. How does the thermal-imaging map of crow roosting habits function as a symbolic or narrative element in this chapter?

      Answer:
      The thermal-imaging map introduces a mysterious and potentially ominous element to the story, symbolizing a gathering or concentration of something significant—crows—centered over Leighton’s home. This visual representation of data connects to themes of observation and surveillance, as well as hinting at underlying threats or secrets. The shape of the map resembling a storm with an epicenter adds to the foreboding atmosphere. Narratively, it raises questions about what the crows signify and how this might relate to Leighton’s family or personal history, thereby deepening the intrigue and tension in the plot.

      4. Analyze the significance of Leighton receiving the Early Admission Application Update from NYU at this moment in the chapter.

      Answer:
      Leighton receiving the acceptance email from NYU at this pivotal moment symbolizes a turning point and new possibilities amidst the chaos of her personal life. The timing contrasts sharply with the unsettling information about the crow roosting map and the earlier confrontation at the dance. This acceptance represents hope, achievement, and the potential for escape or transformation (“New York City, California, the moon”). It underscores her aspirations and the tangible progress toward her future, providing an emotional uplift that balances the chapter’s tension. The moment also reinforces themes of growth and transition typical of coming-of-age narratives.

      5. What does the chapter reveal about Leighton’s character through her interactions and internal reflections?

      Answer:
      Leighton is portrayed as resilient, witty, and emotionally complex. Her ability to defuse tense situations (“Ignore him,” she says to Liam), her playful banter with Liam, and her appreciation for well-written words reveal intelligence and a poetic sensibility. Her internal metaphor comparing their embrace to punctuation marks (“My legs are parentheses… an apostrophe”) demonstrates creativity and depth. Despite external pressures and family troubles, she maintains humor and hope, seen in her dreamlike suggestions of escape (“The moon”) and her excitement over the NYU acceptance. Overall, Leighton emerges as a nuanced protagonist navigating adolescence with a mix of vulnerability and strength.

    Quotes

    • 1. “I HEARD YOUR DAD TRIED TO kill your mom.”

      This opening line abruptly shatters a perfect moment, introducing tension and conflict that underpins much of the chapter’s emotional landscape. It highlights the impact of rumors and personal history on the characters’ interactions.

      2. “Don’t let him ruin your night,” Amelia says. “Oh, damn, someone’s putting the basketball nets down. They’re going to wreck my balloon arch. I’ve gotta go.”

      Amelia’s intervention showcases her unexpected assertiveness and leadership, providing a moment of support that helps defuse the situation. This quote embodies themes of resilience and standing up to negativity.

      3. “I am woman,” I say. “Hear me roar.”

      This playful yet powerful declaration captures the protagonist’s confidence and self-expression amid intimacy, symbolizing empowerment and identity. It adds emotional depth and a touch of humor to the developing relationship scene.

      4. “The black spot falls almost perfectly over my home.”

      This realization, prompted by the thermal-imaging map showing crow concentrations, introduces an eerie and mysterious element linked to the protagonist’s personal life. It signals a turning point that blends the personal with the enigmatic.

      5. “Lay-TON!” Liam shouts. He lifts me up in my shiny black dress and spins me around. I got in.

      The chapter’s climax centers on the protagonist’s acceptance to NYU, representing hope, achievement, and a new beginning. This moment of joy and celebration contrasts with earlier tensions and propels the narrative forward.

    Quotes

    1. “I HEARD YOUR DAD TRIED TO kill your mom.”

    This opening line abruptly shatters a perfect moment, introducing tension and conflict that underpins much of the chapter’s emotional landscape. It highlights the impact of rumors and personal history on the characters’ interactions.

    2. “Don’t let him ruin your night,” Amelia says. “Oh, damn, someone’s putting the basketball nets down. They’re going to wreck my balloon arch. I’ve gotta go.”

    Amelia’s intervention showcases her unexpected assertiveness and leadership, providing a moment of support that helps defuse the situation. This quote embodies themes of resilience and standing up to negativity.

    3. “I am woman,” I say. “Hear me roar.”

    This playful yet powerful declaration captures the protagonist’s confidence and self-expression amid intimacy, symbolizing empowerment and identity. It adds emotional depth and a touch of humor to the developing relationship scene.

    4. “The black spot falls almost perfectly over my home.”

    This realization, prompted by the thermal-imaging map showing crow concentrations, introduces an eerie and mysterious element linked to the protagonist’s personal life. It signals a turning point that blends the personal with the enigmatic.

    5. “Lay-TON!” Liam shouts. He lifts me up in my shiny black dress and spins me around. I got in.

    The chapter’s climax centers on the protagonist’s acceptance to NYU, representing hope, achievement, and a new beginning. This moment of joy and celebration contrasts with earlier tensions and propels the narrative forward.

    FAQs

    1. How does the interaction between Brody and the main characters at the dance illustrate the social tensions present in the story?

    Answer:
    The exchange between Brody, Liam, and Leighton at the Winter Formal highlights underlying social conflicts and personal histories. Brody’s provocative statement about Liam’s dad attempting to kill his mom immediately disrupts the moment, revealing painful family issues that are publicly known (“The police blotter”). Liam’s anger and Leighton’s attempt to leave show the strain such comments cause. Amelia’s intervention as student council president, using her authority to eject Brody, further emphasizes the social dynamics and power struggles within the school. This scene reflects how personal trauma and social status collide in adolescent environments, affecting relationships and the characters’ emotional states.

    2. What role does the setting of the school newsroom play in the development of Leighton and Liam’s relationship?

    Answer:
    The school newsroom serves as an intimate, private space away from the public eye where Leighton and Liam can share a tender moment. Its darkness and quiet create a sense of seclusion that contrasts with the tension of the earlier dance scene. The “dinosaur computer” and the act of checking emails ground the moment in reality, while their playful and affectionate interaction (“His hands tangling in the teased curls…”) reveals their closeness and comfort with each other. The newsroom symbolizes a safe haven where their relationship can grow, blending the professional with the personal and highlighting how shared interests and environments can deepen emotional bonds.

    3. How does the thermal-imaging map of crow roosting habits function as a symbolic or narrative element in this chapter?

    Answer:
    The thermal-imaging map introduces a mysterious and potentially ominous element to the story, symbolizing a gathering or concentration of something significant—crows—centered over Leighton’s home. This visual representation of data connects to themes of observation and surveillance, as well as hinting at underlying threats or secrets. The shape of the map resembling a storm with an epicenter adds to the foreboding atmosphere. Narratively, it raises questions about what the crows signify and how this might relate to Leighton’s family or personal history, thereby deepening the intrigue and tension in the plot.

    4. Analyze the significance of Leighton receiving the Early Admission Application Update from NYU at this moment in the chapter.

    Answer:
    Leighton receiving the acceptance email from NYU at this pivotal moment symbolizes a turning point and new possibilities amidst the chaos of her personal life. The timing contrasts sharply with the unsettling information about the crow roosting map and the earlier confrontation at the dance. This acceptance represents hope, achievement, and the potential for escape or transformation (“New York City, California, the moon”). It underscores her aspirations and the tangible progress toward her future, providing an emotional uplift that balances the chapter’s tension. The moment also reinforces themes of growth and transition typical of coming-of-age narratives.

    5. What does the chapter reveal about Leighton’s character through her interactions and internal reflections?

    Answer:
    Leighton is portrayed as resilient, witty, and emotionally complex. Her ability to defuse tense situations (“Ignore him,” she says to Liam), her playful banter with Liam, and her appreciation for well-written words reveal intelligence and a poetic sensibility. Her internal metaphor comparing their embrace to punctuation marks (“My legs are parentheses… an apostrophe”) demonstrates creativity and depth. Despite external pressures and family troubles, she maintains humor and hope, seen in her dreamlike suggestions of escape (“The moon”) and her excitement over the NYU acceptance. Overall, Leighton emerges as a nuanced protagonist navigating adolescence with a mix of vulnerability and strength.

    Note