To relay a tale based on true life with the perfect balance of sensitivity and fact without sinking into a mire of sentimentality requires a deft narrative voice and strong will, attributes Singaporean author, Evelyn Sue Wong has in spades.
Reach For the Sky records the story of her father and his big sky dream; to fly.
I am not unfamiliar with notions of ‘dreaming big and flying high’, being well acquainted with a plucky little pigeon (aka Pippa) with similar aspirations. The major difference between Robert Shun Wong and afore mentioned pigeon however is that one has wings and one had to build his own. And build them, he does.
In the midst of the Great Depression, 15-year-old Robert is consumed by the fascination of flight. To fuel his dream of one day taking to the skies himself, he builds model aeroplanes. With the enthusiastic encouragement of his younger brother, Tommy Robert, he pursues this passion determined to not only learn how to fly, but also to do so in an aircraft he built himself.
With
patience, planning and truckloads of tenacity, Robert builds and flies his handcrafted
Pietenpol Sky Scout; a single-seat plane, screwed together and covered in
fabric. Powered by a reengineered second-hand Ford Model A car engine, Robert’s
plane begun life within his family’s Chinatown apartment in Vancouver, Canada
and eventually enabled him to accrue the air hours he needed to attend Air
College and acquire his pilot’s license.
This
real-life account of a teen setting his dreams in motion is the stuff of movies.
Not only did Robert reach his dreams he surpassed them. And he did so during a
time of anti-Chinese sentiment, financial hardship and global unrest.
Reach
For The Sky
embodies young readers with the concept that anything and everything is possible,
even the seemingly unattainable, as long as you remain true to your heart’s
desire and ‘have the confidence in what you are doing’, as Wong’s father
himself opines. It also highlights the finer aspects of altruism, not always readily
apparent among we humans, but always there.
Tenderly captured in chalky water-coloured tones that reflect the mood and setting of the era, Sarah Ang’s beautiful visual narrative is endearing, and nostalgically accurate. Both prose and artwork creating a stirring tribute to a remarkable man.
Prior
to the release of this notable picture book, I was fortunate to ready myself for
its take off as it were with a limited edition of its precursor, Ready To Fly,
by the same creators. This special edition (not for sale) commemorates the induction of the
first Asian Canadians, Robert and Tommy Wong, to Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame;
a fitting and timely event.
Reach
For The Sky
represents a unique moment in history paying endearing homage to the tenacity
of the human spirit and as such makes a valuable addition to any classroom and
private bookshelf.
Title: Reach For The Sky
Author: Evelyn Sue Wong
Illustrator: Sarah Ang
Publisher: Plumleaf Press, $24.95
Publication Date: 21 August 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781069093554
For ages: 5+
Type: Non-fiction Picture Book
