On Borrowed Wings | by T.K. Arispe
I grew up as a scrawny kid picked last for every ball game, the youngest son of a broken marriage. I had a hard enough time finding versions of myself in the stories I read then. How much harder is it for kids with disabilities to see themselves in literature? T. K. Arispe conquers this hurdle head on with multiple characters in On Borrowed Wings. Rather than seeing our differences and difficulties as setbacks or things to hide, what if we really look at how they are an essential part of who we are & part of what makes each of us unique? In narrating Thunder Girl recently for T. K., I already discovered how realistic and human her characters are (even when they're not quite human). On Borrowed Wings is a journey of discovery of who we are & who we can be, from the perspective of a girl with cerebral palsy. None of the characters are perfect, but everyone experiences growth. T. K.'s writing is needed in a desperately cynical world. - Benny Fife
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From the publisher:
Nimbus has just discovered the impossible: a giant robot hidden in the mountains of Poland. Her father wants nothing more to do with their find - or the mysterious corporation funding the expedition - but Nimbus believes she shares a connection with the robot. To find out, she’ll have to betray her father’s trust.
Life on the streets is tough, even for a teenager like Jacob. When he’s offered a position at Zenith Corporation, Jacob jumps at the chance. He’ll finally be able to make sure nobody does anything stupid or unfair again. And getting to pilot a giant robot? That’s just another perk.
Nikola Parshakian believes that people like himself deserve to control humanity, so he founded Zenith Corporation to do just that. He’s dedicated his life to uncovering the well-kept secrets of a vanished civilization. Now, at long last, his plan is coming to fruition.
And two teenagers will play a key role in it - but as a help or a hindrance?
Nimbus and Jacob are about to find themselves caught up in the adventure of a lifetime as they unlock their hidden potential, unravel the mysteries of a paradigm-shattering past, and fight for their ideals from inside winged titans of a forgotten era.
With a nod to giant robot anime and a message that anyone can be a hero despite their physical or mental challenges, On Borrowed Wings is for any YA listener who likes science fiction thrillers and tales of friendship and redemption.
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