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)

Loved it.

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

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.

An exceptional story of struggle by a boy

Abbas, soon-to-be-ten is on his own in a foreign land. Trying to do his best to make his parents proud, to get past a difficult journey to reach a promising destination. In this four and a half hours audiobook, author Abbas portrayed his former journey. I liked that it was described in a straightforward manner.

Little man Abbas amazes us with his optimised economical solutions, quick business plans and his endless stamina to survive. It was pretty inspirational for me. I looked back at my own privileges while listening to the book.

The narration was charming. Usually I don’t find many male narrations that suit my taste. But this memoir charmed me from the beginning, with the British accented Asian voice. It’s a short read/listen. A beautiful, exceptional story featuring the struggle of a boy and a part of the big revolution in Iran. I would recommend this one to you.

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.

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.

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 !

Touching and terrifying

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

What an amazing story!

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

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.

An engaging and wonderfully told story of

An engaging and wonderfully told story of a 10 year old ingenious boy and his arduous journey to escape military life in 1980’s Iran. This story takes you from his relatively normal life to the stark reality of his parents need to save him from being drafted at the young age of 10 into the Iranian army. The family’s plan to send him out of the country is derailed when his mother is denied exit from the country at the last minute. He journeys on alone to fly to Turkey - a stop on his way to England to be taken care of by a cousin. This emotional tale is told so well that any reader of any age will be able to relate to his fears and success in learning to cope being on his own. I can’t wait to read the second book from this author.