On Two Feet and Wings

By: Abbas Kazerooni

Narrated by: Abbas Kazerooni

Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

He is in a foreign country, he is alone, and he is just a boy.… Abbas Kazerooni is not yet 10, but he’s suddenly forced to leave his parents, his friends - his entire world - and flee Tehran. The Iran-Iraq war is at its bloodiest, and the Ayatollahs who rule Iran have reduced the recruitment age for the army. If Abbas doesn’t escape, it’s almost certain that he will be drafted and die fighting for a regime that has stripped his family of all they have.

On his own in the strange, often frightening city of Istanbul, Abbas grows up fast - with little more than his wits to guide him. He must conquer difficult things: how to live on his own, how to navigate a foreign city and culture when he doesn’t speak the language, and, most importantly, how to judge who is a friend and who is an enemy. Facing the unexpected as well as the everyday challenges of life on his own, Abbas walks a tightrope of survival - yearning to please the demanding father he has left behind, yet relishing his new found independence.

His quick thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and the kindness of strangers allow him to make the best of his dire situation in surprising ways. Does he have what it takes to not only survive against these challenging odds but achieve his parents’ ultimate dream for him: a visa to England, and the safety it represents?

This compelling true story of one young boy’s courage provides a powerful child’s-eye view of war, political tumult, and survival.

©2011 Abbas Kazerooni (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Readers of Abbas Kazerooni's incredible memoir will be rooting for him from the very first pages.… His frank narrative is clear, compelling, and utterly endearing. An unforgettable story…" (Naomi Shihab Nye, winner of the 2013 NSK Neustadt Prize in Children’s Literature)

"This heart-stopping memoir...left me wondering whether adults could be so resilient. Enormously inspiring on many levels!" (Suzanne Fisher Staples, author of Shabanu, a Newbery Honor Book)

"This is a compelling story full of tension and heartbreak." (Terry Farish, author of The Good Braider)

Heartbreaking, Very Courageous Young Man (Child)

Lets just say I was very upset with what his father did to him over a bicycle. Sounds to me like God was with him. I would like to know what happened to his parents.

Amazing!

I laughed, I cried, I was truly captivated and educated. This is a book everyone should read to really understand what happened to so many Persian families. Thank you Abbas for sharing your story in your own words and voice. I have Nothing but love and respect for your family.

Honored to hear the story read by the author.

It was a special treat to enjoy Abbas' experience in his own voice. I can feel the fear, uncertainty snd pride in his voice. Well done sir.

What an amazing story!

I was drawn into this story immediately. Worth listening, reading and sharing! A real joy!

As was spoken,hardship can take place anywhere.

Awesome book. Thanks for sharing as I couldn’t put it down. A reflection of life with good and evil. Always be the good person.

Touching and terrifying

This true story is a stark reminder of the difficulties people faced in The Middle East. Well told

Loved it.

Very engaging story that I enjoyed very much. Please tell me there is a sequel coming. I want it to continue!!

The unstoppable human spirit

I loved this story .abbas and his parents showed such sincere,deep love and trust and determination in the midst of such danger.i also like that the family had strong faith in God . Thank you God for praying grandma’s !

Beautiful, difficult story

Truth in story. You'll come to love this boy. And become more aware of the struggles of so many as they work to have more opportunity. I loved it!

Amazing

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to anyone looking to be inspired by the human spirit, young or old.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Abbas is the star of the novel, he is clever, fearless, honest and kind. I just wish it could've had more of a fairy tale ending for his sake, however life's endings are rarely tied up neatly with a bow.

What does Abbas Kazerooni bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

By listening to the author himself narrate the book, Abbas brought a level of authenticity to the story that would have been missing if it were read by anyone else. I felt as though he were reliving the story again as he read it aloud.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Abbas was beaten in the alley, I felt enraged for his vulnerability. After all his triumphs and self preservation tactics, he was still just a child in a foreign city, alone and at risk with no where to turn for familiar comfort.

Any additional comments?

If you're in doubt, don't hesitate, listen to this book, it will stay with you long after you finish. Our culture often underestimates children, Abbas' story will remind you that when you expect great things from a child, they are often more than capable of exceeding expectations.