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    FantasyFictionLiterary FictionYoung Adult

    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 Thirty

    by McCauley, Kyrie

    In this chap­ter, the pro­tag­o­nist returns home qui­et­ly after her father falls asleep, set­ting a tone of care­ful nav­i­ga­tion with­in her fam­i­ly dynam­ics. She spends time with her friend Sofia at the mall, where they exper­i­ment with var­i­ous dress­es for an upcom­ing eight­ies-themed dance. While Sofia effort­less­ly suits the neon col­ors pop­u­lar in the store, the pro­tag­o­nist strug­gles to find a col­or that com­ple­ments her com­plex­ion and hair. The moment of excite­ment arrives when Sofia secret­ly pass­es her a sleek, black dress with pockets—an ide­al choice that ignites feel­ings of nor­mal­cy and youth­ful antic­i­pa­tion.

    The pro­tag­o­nist faces a dilem­ma when she sees the price tag, real­iz­ing she can­not afford both the dress and oth­er neces­si­ties. Sofia encour­ages her to find a way to make it work, high­light­ing the impor­tance of the dress for the upcom­ing event. Mean­while, Sofia her­self pur­chas­es two bright-col­ored dress­es, show­cas­ing their dif­fer­ing pri­or­i­ties and styles. Their shop­ping trip ends with an encounter at the sport­ing goods store, where the pro­tag­o­nist spots a Tiffany Blue bike on clearance—a tempt­ing pur­chase that sym­bol­izes free­dom and joy amidst finan­cial con­straints.

    Choos­ing the bike over the dress or text­books reveals the protagonist’s shift­ing val­ues and her desire to reclaim sim­ple plea­sures lost in recent years. Upon return­ing home, she sur­pris­es Camp­bell by gift­ing her the bike, prompt­ing an unchar­ac­ter­is­tic dis­play of grat­i­tude and affec­tion. This ges­ture under­scores themes of gen­eros­i­ty, con­nec­tion, and the impor­tance of small acts of kind­ness with­in their rela­tion­ships. The cold weath­er sig­nals that the bike will be a lim­it­ed source of enjoy­ment, adding a bit­ter­sweet note to the gift.

    The chap­ter clos­es with the pro­tag­o­nist search­ing for an appro­pri­ate dress at home, find­ing only old, ill-fit­ting clothes. Camp­bell then deliv­ers a bag con­tain­ing the black dress from the store, along with Sofia’s play­ful ulti­ma­tum about friend­ship tied to wear­ing it to the dance. This moment encap­su­lates the sup­port­ive and some­times humor­ous bonds between the char­ac­ters, as well as the protagonist’s ongo­ing jour­ney toward self-expres­sion and belong­ing with­in her social world.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does the chapter portray Leighton’s feelings about the dresses she tries on, and what does this reveal about her character?

      Answer:
      Leighton feels pale and washed out in every dress she tries on, especially compared to Sofia, who looks amazing in even the most ridiculous neon colors. This contrast highlights Leighton’s self-consciousness and uncertainty about her appearance, particularly her “undecided reddish-blonde hair” that clashes with the popular colors. It reveals her sensitivity and perhaps a struggle with self-acceptance. However, the discovery of the shiny black dress with pockets excites her, signaling a moment of confidence and normalcy. This dress symbolizes a desire to participate in typical high school experiences like dances and dates, reflecting her longing for stability and belonging.

      2. Analyze the significance of the Tiffany Blue bike in the context of Leighton’s priorities and recent experiences.

      Answer:
      The Tiffany Blue bike represents more than just a physical object; it symbolizes freedom, independence, and reclaiming missed opportunities. Leighton considers using her saved-up Christmas and birthday money for the dress, textbooks, or the bike, but chooses the bike without hesitation. This choice indicates a shift in her priorities—from focusing on appearances or academic needs to valuing experiences and time spent with others, such as her moments with Liam. The bike also reflects her acceptance of the present and a readiness to move forward despite past hardships. Her awareness that the bike’s use is limited by the coming cold season adds a bittersweet tone, emphasizing the fleeting nature of these small joys.

      3. What role does Sofia play in Leighton’s life as depicted in this chapter, and how does their interaction deepen the reader’s understanding of Leighton’s social relationships?

      Answer:
      Sofia acts as a supportive and encouraging friend who helps Leighton navigate social situations, such as choosing a dress for the dance. Her insistence that Leighton try on the black dress and later her playful ultimatum about being best friends if Leighton doesn’t wear it show Sofia’s influence and care. This dynamic reveals that Leighton has a close friend who provides both emotional support and a push toward embracing social norms and experiences. It also highlights Leighton’s social vulnerability and need for affirmation. Sofia’s presence helps the reader understand that despite Leighton’s internal struggles, she is not isolated and has meaningful connections that encourage her growth.

      4. How does the chapter explore themes of normalcy and belonging through Leighton’s experiences with the dress, the dance, and the bike?

      Answer:
      The chapter juxtaposes Leighton’s desire for normal teenage experiences with the reality of her life circumstances. Trying on dresses and preparing for a dance are portrayed as quintessentially normal high school activities that Leighton yearns to participate in, symbolizing her wish to belong and be accepted. The excitement over the black dress and the concern about affording it underscore the tension between wanting to fit in and financial limitations. The bike purchase further emphasizes this theme; it’s a symbol of freedom and enjoyment that Leighton chooses over other practical needs, reflecting her attempt to reclaim normalcy. Together, these elements illustrate Leighton’s struggle and hope to integrate into a typical adolescent life despite challenges.

      5. Reflect on the emotional significance of Campbell’s reaction to the bike and her gift of the dress. What does this tell us about their relationship?

      Answer:
      Campbell’s quiet gratitude and affectionate hug upon receiving the bike reveal a deep emotional bond between her and Leighton. Her initial whine when Leighton covers her eyes suggests a close, playful relationship. The bike is clearly meaningful to Campbell, and her gratitude shows she values Leighton’s gesture. Later, Campbell’s gift of the dress, along with Sofia’s message, indicates her desire to support Leighton’s social endeavors and to strengthen their friendship. This exchange highlights mutual care and encouragement, suggesting a relationship built on trust, understanding, and reciprocal support. It adds emotional depth to the narrative, showing how their friendship helps Leighton feel less alone and more hopeful.

    Quotes

    • 1. “It has pockets. It is shiny and black and perfect. I feel a drumbeat of excitement. Normal things. Normal high school things like a dance, and a dress, and a date.”

      This quote captures the protagonist’s yearning for normalcy and the excitement of simple teenage experiences, highlighting a theme of longing for ordinary joys amidst personal challenges.

      2. “Some of the things I’ve missed out on in the last few years have been hard to let go of. And lately I can’t seem to say no to the time I’ve been spending with Liam. But this choice isn’t difficult at all.”

      Here, the narrator reflects on sacrifice and priorities, revealing internal conflict and growth as they choose meaningful experiences over material desires, marking a key emotional turning point in the chapter.

      3. “She wraps her arms around me in a very un-Campbell-like show of affection.”

      This moment conveys a deepening of relationships and unexpected vulnerability, emphasizing the significance of connection and support that underpin the chapter’s emotional core.

      4. “Sofia says that if you don’t wear this to the dance, she can’t be your best friend anymore.”

      This lighthearted yet impactful statement underscores themes of friendship and social dynamics, adding a tone of humor and peer influence that contextualizes the protagonist’s social world.

    Quotes

    1. “It has pockets. It is shiny and black and perfect. I feel a drumbeat of excitement. Normal things. Normal high school things like a dance, and a dress, and a date.”

    This quote captures the protagonist’s yearning for normalcy and the excitement of simple teenage experiences, highlighting a theme of longing for ordinary joys amidst personal challenges.

    2. “Some of the things I’ve missed out on in the last few years have been hard to let go of. And lately I can’t seem to say no to the time I’ve been spending with Liam. But this choice isn’t difficult at all.”

    Here, the narrator reflects on sacrifice and priorities, revealing internal conflict and growth as they choose meaningful experiences over material desires, marking a key emotional turning point in the chapter.

    3. “She wraps her arms around me in a very un-Campbell-like show of affection.”

    This moment conveys a deepening of relationships and unexpected vulnerability, emphasizing the significance of connection and support that underpin the chapter’s emotional core.

    4. “Sofia says that if you don’t wear this to the dance, she can’t be your best friend anymore.”

    This lighthearted yet impactful statement underscores themes of friendship and social dynamics, adding a tone of humor and peer influence that contextualizes the protagonist’s social world.

    FAQs

    1. How does the chapter portray Leighton’s feelings about the dresses she tries on, and what does this reveal about her character?

    Answer:
    Leighton feels pale and washed out in every dress she tries on, especially compared to Sofia, who looks amazing in even the most ridiculous neon colors. This contrast highlights Leighton’s self-consciousness and uncertainty about her appearance, particularly her “undecided reddish-blonde hair” that clashes with the popular colors. It reveals her sensitivity and perhaps a struggle with self-acceptance. However, the discovery of the shiny black dress with pockets excites her, signaling a moment of confidence and normalcy. This dress symbolizes a desire to participate in typical high school experiences like dances and dates, reflecting her longing for stability and belonging.

    2. Analyze the significance of the Tiffany Blue bike in the context of Leighton’s priorities and recent experiences.

    Answer:
    The Tiffany Blue bike represents more than just a physical object; it symbolizes freedom, independence, and reclaiming missed opportunities. Leighton considers using her saved-up Christmas and birthday money for the dress, textbooks, or the bike, but chooses the bike without hesitation. This choice indicates a shift in her priorities—from focusing on appearances or academic needs to valuing experiences and time spent with others, such as her moments with Liam. The bike also reflects her acceptance of the present and a readiness to move forward despite past hardships. Her awareness that the bike’s use is limited by the coming cold season adds a bittersweet tone, emphasizing the fleeting nature of these small joys.

    3. What role does Sofia play in Leighton’s life as depicted in this chapter, and how does their interaction deepen the reader’s understanding of Leighton’s social relationships?

    Answer:
    Sofia acts as a supportive and encouraging friend who helps Leighton navigate social situations, such as choosing a dress for the dance. Her insistence that Leighton try on the black dress and later her playful ultimatum about being best friends if Leighton doesn’t wear it show Sofia’s influence and care. This dynamic reveals that Leighton has a close friend who provides both emotional support and a push toward embracing social norms and experiences. It also highlights Leighton’s social vulnerability and need for affirmation. Sofia’s presence helps the reader understand that despite Leighton’s internal struggles, she is not isolated and has meaningful connections that encourage her growth.

    4. How does the chapter explore themes of normalcy and belonging through Leighton’s experiences with the dress, the dance, and the bike?

    Answer:
    The chapter juxtaposes Leighton’s desire for normal teenage experiences with the reality of her life circumstances. Trying on dresses and preparing for a dance are portrayed as quintessentially normal high school activities that Leighton yearns to participate in, symbolizing her wish to belong and be accepted. The excitement over the black dress and the concern about affording it underscore the tension between wanting to fit in and financial limitations. The bike purchase further emphasizes this theme; it’s a symbol of freedom and enjoyment that Leighton chooses over other practical needs, reflecting her attempt to reclaim normalcy. Together, these elements illustrate Leighton’s struggle and hope to integrate into a typical adolescent life despite challenges.

    5. Reflect on the emotional significance of Campbell’s reaction to the bike and her gift of the dress. What does this tell us about their relationship?

    Answer:
    Campbell’s quiet gratitude and affectionate hug upon receiving the bike reveal a deep emotional bond between her and Leighton. Her initial whine when Leighton covers her eyes suggests a close, playful relationship. The bike is clearly meaningful to Campbell, and her gratitude shows she values Leighton’s gesture. Later, Campbell’s gift of the dress, along with Sofia’s message, indicates her desire to support Leighton’s social endeavors and to strengthen their friendship. This exchange highlights mutual care and encouragement, suggesting a relationship built on trust, understanding, and reciprocal support. It adds emotional depth to the narrative, showing how their friendship helps Leighton feel less alone and more hopeful.

    Note