The Winged Hendersons of Welton-on-Sea (ePub)

"For fans of the YA genre, 'The Winged Hendersons' is a revelation. Sue Williams' warm, engaging, and propulsive writing makes this book about fitting in -- or not -- a page-turner you simply can't put down." --Dorie Clark, Author of Reinventing You and Stand Out

'The Winged Hendersons' has been awarded and acknowledged by Glimmer Train in two separate contests.

Since Great Uncle Gerald soared across the sky and was branded a "devil" by Welton's fearful residents, the Hendersons have had their wings removed. Such is the cost of fitting in. But when Gavin Henderson hits fifteen, his dad breathes a sigh of relief because it seems his son has skipped the gene.

Truth is, he's just a late bloomer.

Gavin's wings start to develop, and soon he can't turn around without ripping the shower curtain or bringing down shelves. Plus, what will the other kids say when the school term begins? Even so, he keeps his wings hidden from his parents, knowing deep down that he doesn't want "the op." All the same, secrets are hard for Gavin. He is, after all, quite the "blurter." 

But like the superheroes that Gavin adores, he knows he is meant to fly. Unfortunately, his parents find him out and swiftly book the op. That's why Gavin takes his friend Tom-Tom's advice and bravely runs away. Soon, he is making exciting new friends and found family, like his classmate, Mani, who helps Gavin see that his wings make him whole, and Dad Dazz, one of Tom-Tom's two fathers, who shows him that difference can be precious. But more importantly, he finds his "Mad" Aunt Moll, the black sheep of the family, who has a mysterious secret that could change the lives of the Henderson family forever.

This book proudly contains characters who are gay, transgender, or questioning, along with their allies. What's more, it lovingly depicts people who have different ways of engaging with the world, and those who proudly support them.

REVIEWS:

"This novella stole my heart. Sweet, vulnerable misfit Gavin has a frightening secret he's fighting to keep from his family, particularly his stern, unyielding father. With the help a compelling cast of supporting characters, particularly his unusual Aunt Moll (oh, how I adore the way Aunt Moll talks, in poetry and riddles), Gavin makes one amazing discovery after another. This is a well-written, beautiful story about found families, about finding yourself and coming into your own power at the moment you're most terrified no one will understand. I loved it!" --Rebecca H., Amazon Reviewer

"Gavin, the main character and narrator of the tale, is adorable! He has a unique way of expressing himself, and I enjoyed getting to know him. I don't want to give away the plot at all, since there are many lovely surprises you will want to discover on your own, but I will say, the ending left me with a big grin on my face. The entire tone of the novella is positive and uplifting, exactly the kind of story I want to see young people reading – the kind of story they need to read." --Oleander Plume, Author and Reviewer