I found Nathan's Wish to be a very heart warming book. I liked this book for a few reasons. One main reason benighted even though it was about a boy, Nathan, who had cerebral palsy it made a connection to an owl who could not fly. By referencing this disability to something they know, a bird, and its injuries it can make it easier for a child to understand the story and the disability itself. The book absolutely pushes the reader to think about tough issues that they might not have much understanding about. Many kids do not know what cerebral palsy is and after readying this book it might spark some curiosity or interest and encourage the students to ask questions about it, or look into it more. By the book showing that in the end Nathan found other things he was good at and could be helpful with doing it confirms for children that there are good things that come out of everything. This leads to the big idea/message that even though someone might be restricted from certain things, it doesn't that they are useless or that they can do nothing, it just means that there are different things that they might excel at. Just like Nathan realizing that even though he couldn't walk on his own, it does not mean that he can help his neighbor, Miss Sandy. ( )

I really enjoyed this book for many reasons. First, I really liked the issues that were discussed in this book. Nathan has cerebral palsy and the story does a wonderful job of introducing this tough topic to young readers. Sometimes it is hard for kids to understand disabilities, but this book portrays it in a great story. The language is also very clear and descriptive which is great for young readers. For example, it is very clear in the story that Nathan loves to watch what his neighbor does and wishes that he could help more. I really enjoy the characters in this book and the way they adapt to each other. The neighbor helps out Nathan and allows him to do what he has always wanted to. ( )

I really liked this book for a few reasons. It was a story about a boy who has Cerebral Palsy and how he helped out his neighbor with her birds. The story is written in first person, in the boy’s voice, and he explains in basic language what he can and cannot do because of his disease. The writing was very clear and easy to understand, it flowed well as a story. The illustrations fit the text as each page paints a picture of the few sentences below it. I think the main idea of this story was easy to identify and understand. It focused on Nathan’s strengths and natural assets rather than the negativities about his disability. He learns to accept himself and how to accommodate and adjust himself to do things he wants to do. I think this book was a perfect example to introduce this disability to kids and read them a story teaching them that kids with disabilities are still able to do things other children without disabilities can, but in their own way.

I enjoyed reading this story. The language was clear and descriptive when the author describes the relationship between Nathan and his neighbor Miss Sandy. Nathan loved watching Miss Sandy at work and wishes he could do more to help her but he has cerebral palsy so he has a lot of limitations. The plot was organized and built tension towards the end of the story. The reader learns about Nathan and his disability and compares that to Fire (the bird) and his disability from being injured. The reader is wondering is the bird will ever be able to fly again. We find out that no, Fire will not be able to fly again just like Nathan will not be able to be fixed or to walk again. Miss Sandy gave Fire a job of taking care of orphaned baby birds while she was in the cage so that she had something to do. Soon, Nathan realized that he too could find a job to help Miss Sandy. Nathan finds that he is able to water plants so he does that. It was neat to see someone with a disability happy that they can feel helpful for once. I would recommend this book for its happy ending. ( )

A story about a boy named Nathan who has cerebral palsy. He so desperately wants to help his neighbor with her raptor rescue and one day he gets his chance. Although he cannot do much at a time, he seems to help his neighbor a lot. He connected with an owl and knows how it feels to wish for something that doesn’t come true. This connection leads him to research things for the owl to do to keep her productive and happy.

Realistic fiction picture book
Reading level: 3.8