A boy marked by physical difference--one arm is an enchanted wing--finds his strength and purpose in this stirring fantasy. A Washington Post Best Kids Book of 2005 and Book Sense Winter Pick.
Once upon a time, a girl rescued her seven brothers from a spell that had turned them into swans. But one boy, Ardwin, was left with the scar of the spell's last gasp: one arm remained a wing. And while Ardwin yearned to find a place in his father's kingdom, the wing whispered to him of open sky and rushing wind. Marked by difference, Ardwin sets out to discover who he is: bird or boy, crippled or sound, cursed or blessed. But followed by the cold eye of a sorceress and with war rumbling at his kingdom's borders, Ardwin's path may lead him not to enlightenment, but into unimaginable danger.
RAFE MARTIN is the bestselling author of award-winning picture books, as well as young adult novels including The Rough-Face Girl and Will's Mammoth. He is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Empire State Award for the body of his work. His books have been cited in TIME, Newsweek, USA Today, the NY Times, US News and World Report. He is also a noted storyteller who has been featured multiple times at the National Storytelling Festival. When not touring the country as a storyteller and author, he lives in Rochester, New York.