Book details
Richard Peck - Author
This is a wartime coming-of-age story seen through family affection, community routines and a child’s uncertainty. Expect comic boyhood episodes alongside waiting, separation and the pressure to live up to admired heroes.
A boy in Illinois remembers the homefront years of World War II, especially his two heroes--his brother in the Air Force and his father, who fought in the previous war. Davy Bowmans brother and their dad hung the moon. Dad looks forward to Halloween more than a kid, and Davys brother, Bill, flies B-17s. Davy adores these two heroes and tries his best to follow their lead, especially now. World War II has invaded Davys homefront boyhood. Theres an air raid drill in the classroom, and being a kid is an endless scrap drive. Bill has joined up, breaking their dads heart. It s an intense, confusing time, and one that will invite Davy to grow up in a hurry.
Book Analysis
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Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
Talk about: Does Davy come to define heroism differently from the men he admires?
How the book presents it: The novel appears to show how wartime demands enter ordinary routines, combining community activity with personal uncertainty.
Talk about: How does the book balance collective duty with the family’s private feelings?
How the book presents it: Humour seems to offer companionship and contrast rather than removing the seriousness of the period.
Talk about: When does humour help Davy cope, and when might it sit uneasily beside wartime danger?
It may prompt thoughtful discussion about how war reaches ordinary homes, how admiration shapes identity, and how humour can coexist with fear, sadness and confusion.
Consider reading alongside the child rather than treating the wartime setting as background only. Pause when Davy’s family responds to Bill’s enlistment or to life on the home front.
How does Davy’s view of his brother and father change, if at all, as wartime waiting and responsibility affect his understanding of being a hero?
Let the comic episodes and serious wartime moments stand together. After each substantial shift, ask what Davy understands, what remains uncertain, and whose experience is receiving attention.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
Book information
Limited information
Relevant to: Heroism and family admiration; War reaching civilian life
Limited information
Checked: 19 September 2026.
Relevant to: War reaching civilian life; Humour beside uncertainty
On the Wings of Heroes - Richard Peck - Google Books
Limited information
Checked: 19 September 2026.
Relevant to: Heroism and family admiration; Humour beside uncertainty
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
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