Finding a story that captures a young reader’s attention — and gives families and educators something meaningful to talk about — isn’t always easy.
Model Citizens: The Wings of Change is a fast-moving adventure for young readers and teens that brings two generations together through friendship, teamwork, courage and some very creative problem-solving.
“This is a fantastic adventure book to read with your child/young teen. The storyline provides a message of teamwork across the generations, and the characters display admirable qualities, but it never feels pushy or preachy. Non-stop action makes this a page-turner that will keep the attention of both the younger set and adults. Highly recommended—you’ll be grateful for both the read-together time and the interesting discussion topics it will provide with your son or daughter.” — Val P., Reader Review
ABOUT THE STORY
Five young friends stumble upon a hidden hangar and an unforgettable group of retired veterans, pilots and mechanics. At first, the two generations don’t seem to have much in common.
That changes quickly.
Through model aircraft, aviation, unexpected challenges and a growing threat to their small town, the young friends and their veteran mentors discover just how much they can accomplish by combining their different skills and experiences.
Both generations have something to teach. And both have something to learn.
LEARNING WITHOUT THE LECTURE
As the characters face challenges, make mistakes and work together, young readers see them learn how to:
- Find creative solutions to difficult problems
- Handle disagreements and fix mistakes
- Work with people who think differently
- Take responsibility
- Recognize one another’s strengths
- Think outside the box
The adventure opens the door to conversations about mentorship, teamwork, leadership, responsibility and community — moving naturally from:
“What happened?” to “What would you have done?”
WHERE STORYTELLING MEETS STEM
Model Citizens isn’t a STEM textbook — and it isn’t trying to be.
Aviation, model aircraft, mechanics, building, experimentation and problem-solving are woven throughout the story, creating opportunities for young readers to become curious about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
For educators and homeschool families who want to take the story further, these elements can become jumping-off points for hands-on STEM activities, research projects and conversations about engineering, design, flight, innovation and aviation history.
The learning begins with the story — and curiosity can take it from there.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF LEARNERS. DIFFERENT KINDS OF STRENGTHS.
Author Nicholas Gray grew up with undiagnosed dyslexia, giving him an early understanding that people don’t always learn, think or communicate in the same way.
That idea is quietly woven throughout Model Citizens. The characters have different personalities, talents and approaches to solving problems — and discover those differences make the team stronger.
There is more than one way to be smart. Sometimes seeing the world differently is exactly what the team needs.
MORE THAN AN ADVENTURE
At its heart, Model Citizens explores ideas that matter:
- Friendship
- Mentorship
- Loyalty
- Respect
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Courage
- Responsibility
- Belonging
- Community
- Creative Problem-Solving
They aren’t delivered as lessons. They emerge through the characters, their relationships and the choices they make.
WHO IS MODEL CITIZENS FOR?
Young readers and teens who enjoy fast-paced adventure, suspense, aviation and memorable characters.
Parents and grandparents looking for a story they can enjoy — and talk about — with younger readers.
Homeschool families and educators looking for engaging fiction that connects reading with meaningful discussion, teamwork, leadership, creativity and STEM exploration.
Libraries, book clubs and reading groups looking for character-driven fiction that brings two generations together and sparks conversation.