"Wings to Soar" by Tina Athaide is a well-researched novel in verse based on the refugee crisis of 1972, when President Idi Amin of Uganda ordered the expulsion of all Ugandan Asians in the country, many of Indian and Pakistani origins. More than 27,000 emigrated to the UK, many ending up in resettlement camps run by the Red Cross, the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, and even the US Air Force. Viva is a young girl who has arrived at such a repurposed military base with her mother and older sister. Viva loves singing Supreme songs like her idol Diana Ross and learning the definitions of new words. Viva and her family are waiting for the arrival of their father so that they can then travel to Canada. However, her father's expected arrival does not happen, turning her world and her family's upside down. Meanwhile Viva finds friendship with twins Maggie and Mark, whose mom is a volunteer on the base. She also makes friends with a young American serviceman named Leroy. As the base gets overcrowded Viva must leave with her family for a new neighborhood where refugees are being made to feel unwelcome and unsafe. All the while Viva is determined to locate her father, even though her mom has seemingly given up hope, and her sister struggles to stay well. In order to reunite her family Viva must draw on the friendships she had made since arriving in England. The poems in this story are beautifully written, helping to connect Viva's story to the larger tale of political unrest occurring in 1970s era England.

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grades book! The main characters were relatable and well developed. It was a quick read, as it is written in verse.

Wings to Soar is a middle-grade story in verse about a young Indian girl from Ugunda named Viva, who has been displaced to England while her family try to reunite with their father. Issues constantly crop up that prevent the family from moving to Canada, where they're supposed to start a new life. This leaves Viva confused and angry, especially when her family has to deal with racism.

I felt emotionally attached to Viva right from the start of this novel, she is an innocent girl who is trying to understand the harshness of the world she's living in. She has to deal with a lot of issues that millions of people around the world still deal with and can relate to, so this will be a great book for all-ages to read.

The book has a recurring theme about words and language, which is something Viva and her father have a special interest in. This was a good way to not only get inside Viva's mind, but also a great learning tool for any younger reader who picks up this book.