Raven’s Recovery WRITTEN BY
Miles Thomas
ILLUSTRATED BY
Maranda Green
NARRATED BY
Justlynn Russell
In honor of the National Day of Service on January 18, 2016, Memphis Challengers created “Tell Me a Story: Service Through Storytelling.” Through this project, 62 Memphis Challengers in grades 9-12 wrote and produced specialized storybooks and poems for children. The project aimed to bring smiles, excitement and the love of storytelling to children, as well as enrich the process of using creativity to give back for Memphis Challenge students. Learn more about The Memphis Challenge at www.memphischallenge.org.
Copyright ©2016 Memphis Challenge Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. For information address The Memphis Challenge, 516 Tennessee St., Suite 129, Memphis, Tennessee 38103. First Edition | Printed in the USA ISBN 978-1-944843-02-1 “Raven’s Recovery” Written by Miles Thomas (10th grader, Collierville High School) Illustrated by Maranda Green (9th grader, White Station High School) Narrated by Justlynn Russell (11th grader, Evangelical Christian School) Funded by a generous grant from the Hyde Family Foundations, Pyramid Peak Foundation and FedEx Special thanks to the Project Production Team – Heather Bruce, Cierra Burnett, Avery Cunningham, Jamien Sills, Lisa Smith, McKenzii Webster, Christa Wininger and Cassandra Webster, Executive Director – for your expertise, commitment, vision and leadership. Parents and guardians thank you for your trust and support.
Raven’s Recovery
WRITTEN BY
Miles Thomas ILLUSTRATED BY
Maranda Green NARRATED BY
Justlynn Russell
Once there was a raven named Raven who loved to fly. While flying one day, she had a terrible crash; she flew into a tree and broke her wing. Her mother hurried to take Raven to the animal hospital. As Raven cried, she thought, “I won’t be able to fly again. I’ll never get to see my friends. I won’t be able to go to school.”
Dr. Jefferson, the veterinarian, walked into the room and said, “Well, Raven that was a heck of a crash. You are very lucky both wings aren’t broken. I’m going to let you get some rest, and I’ll see you in the morning.” “Mommy, I hate it here,” Raven said. “I won’t be able to see my friends, I can’t go to school. I can’t fly anymore! Can we leave?” Raven asked. “No, Raven,” her mother replied. “You have to stay in the hospital so
you can get better and fly again soon.”
Raven spent her first night in the hospital crying and didn’t leave her room. A couple days later, Dr. Jefferson visited her again. “Hey Raven,” he said. “Your wings are
mending nicely and treatment is going well; however when you fly again depends on you. You have to see the
goodness in the little things. I noticed you are alone every day. Can I make a suggestion? There is a room where you can watch movies and practice your flying. I think it’ll really help.” “Fine,” Raven said. “Maybe it will be better than this.” Raven found the rehab room and sat at a table by herself. She looked around and saw two birds that seemed to also have broken wings. The two birds walked to her table and introduced themselves.
“Hi, I’m Madison,” said the redbird. “Hey, I’m Katie,” said the hawk. “Hi, I’m Raven. You broke your wings, too?” “YES,” they both answered.
“Why are you sitting here all alone?” Madison asked. “I’ve been feeling lonely,” Raven said. “I have no friends here, and I can’t fly – the thing I love to do the most.” “I felt the same way,” Madison admitted. “But, I learned that being here isn’t all that bad. I’ve met great birds like Katie, and my wings are in better shape than ever. Sometimes unfortunate situations can help us find more joy in our lives.” “Wow, I’ve never thought of it like that,” Raven said. “Well come on, we can start finding that joy now,” said Katie. “You want to come join us by the fan so we can practice flying? Or you can just watch me crash into the wall 3 or 4, ok maybe 5 times.”
“Sure,� Raven answered with a laugh. That day, Raven found friends with whom she could
play, laugh and regain her strength. More than that, she met two birds who helped her
discover something greater than her wings. They helped her find her joy.