On a Wing and a Tear

Written by Cynthia Leitich Smith

A legendary bat, an epic game, and a road trip full of mystery and danger await two friends.

3.5 Goodreads · 331 ratings

240 pages· 46,662 words· Est. 6.5 hour read· ~910L

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Mel and Ray, from different Indigenous Nations, embark on a thrilling road trip with their injured Great-grandfather Bat. As they journey to a legendary ball game, they face unexpected adventures and a mysterious challenge. Will they reach the game in time, and what secrets will they uncover along the way? This tale of friendship and folklore explores the connections that bind us all.

From the publisher

A living legend roosting in the backyard. An unmissable game. A hair-raising mystery. A road trip full of adventure and danger. And all the overlapping circles that connect us throughout Creation.Melanie “Mel” Roberts and Ray Halfmoon may be from different Indigenous Nations, but the friends have become like siblings since the Robertses moved in with the Halfmoons. And they soon welcome a distinguished guest: Great-grandfather Bat, whose wing is injured, has taken refuge in their old oak tree.A rematch of the legendary Great Ball Game is coming up, with Bat as the star player. Grampa Charlie Halfmoon offers to drive Bat from Chicago down to the traditional playing field outside Macon, Georgia, and Mel and Ray are determined to help out.Together, they all set off on a road trip–facing adventure, danger, and a hair-raising mystery–on the way to the historic game.With loving care and boisterous humor, acclaimed author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee) tells a modern folklore story about friendship, embracing the unexpected, and all the overlapping circles that connect us throughout Creation. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo, Brian Young, and Elana K. Arnold!

At a glance