The House of Wings — Betsy Byars / Betsy Cromer Byars

Sammy couldn't believe he'd heard correctly when his grandfather told him his parents had already left for Detroit-leaving him behind while they got settled in a new home. Sammy felt nothing but hatred for the old man he was forced to stay with and for the sagging old house he lived in. Frustrated and angry, Sammy ran away until a plea from his grandfather to help rescue an injured crane drew Sammy out of his anger and into a shared concern for a helpless creature.