Super Short Summary

The Anatomy of Wings by Karen Foxlee is a young adult novel set in early 1980s Nowheresville, Queensland, focusing on sisters Jennifer and Beth. Through mementos in their mother's closet, ten-year-old Jenny investigates the mysterious transformation and demise of her older sister, Beth, revealing poignant moments from the last year of Beth's life, including her relationships, rebellious behaviors, and family conflicts. The novel explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and coming of age. Sensitive topics such as substance use, sexual encounters, and grief from a sibling's death are prevalent in the story.