Flight Of The Puffin by Ann Braden is praised for its engaging narrative and well-crafted characters. Readers appreciate its exploration of themes such as kindness and interconnectedness. Some critics note the pace can be slow at times and some plot points feel predictable, but overall, it's a heartwarming tale that resonates with middle-grade audiences.

A reader who enjoys inclusive, heartwarming middle-grade stories with multiple perspectives, like Wonder by R.J. Palacio or Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina, will appreciate Flight Of The Puffin by Ann Braden for its themes of empathy, friendship, and social justice.

Flight Of The Puffin by Ann Braden follows the intertwined stories of several young individuals who are influenced by small acts of kindness. Each character navigates challenges such as isolation and injustice, ultimately discovering connection and hope. The narrative emphasizes the power of empathy and community in transforming lives.

Hopeful / Heartwarming / Emotional / Inspirational / Contemplative

- Flight of the Puffin uses a unique narrative structure, interweaving multiple perspectives of different young characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways.
- Ann Braden’s previous advocacy work as a middle school teacher focusing on students experiencing poverty and discrimination inspired her to write Flight of the Puffin, aiming to address themes of kindness and community.
- The title Flight of the Puffin symbolizes the idea of small actions creating ripples, reflecting the story's exploration of how minor changes can impact broader societal issues.

**Libby Delmar**  
An artist who uses her creativity to spread joy and beauty, often leaving art cards with affirmations around town to uplift others. She struggles with her parents' disapproval of her artistic endeavors but remains committed to being true to herself.

**Jack Galenos**  
A student living in a rural area who becomes involved in a local issue regarding school funding and learns about acceptance and understanding. He is haunted by the memory of his brother and forms a strong bond with a younger student at his school.

**Vincent**  
A student who loves math and puffins, and experiences bullying at school. He uses triangles as metaphors and finds inspiration to stand up for himself through acts of kindness and support from others.

**T**  
A nonbinary youth living on the street, feeling unaccepted by family but striving for self-preservation and authenticity. Their story is brief yet impactful, highlighting the importance of being oneself amidst challenging circumstances.

**Joey**  
A secondary character with a close bond to Jack, full of positivity and life, who helps keep Jack motivated. He has a connection to Libby through an art card he received, representing the impact of small acts.

**Cal**  
Vincent's antagonist at school who consistently bullies him. He remains unchanged throughout the story, while Vincent learns to stand up to him more effectively.

Ann Braden

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Flight Of The Puffin reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Flight Of The Puffin | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Flight Of The Puffin and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Flight Of The Puffin Summary and Study Guide

Background

Flight Of The Puffin Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-10

Flight Of The Puffin Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-23

Flight Of The Puffin Chapters 11-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-33

Flight Of The Puffin Chapters 24-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-46

Flight Of The Puffin Chapters 34-46 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Flight Of The Puffin Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Flight Of The Puffin Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Flight Of The Puffin Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Flight Of The Puffin Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Flight Of The Puffin Essay Topics

Flight Of The Puffin

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Flight Of The Puffin?

Reading Age

Book Details