Winner of the CBCA Children’s Book of the Year (older readers) in 1990 and the Human Rights Award for a children’s book in 1989, Came Back to Show You I Could Fly has deservedly been reissued as a Text Classic this month. Robin Klein was a significant part of my childhood reading experience and ties with Roald Dahl as my most re-read children’s author.

Came Back to Show You I Could Fly charts the friendship between 11-year-old, overprotected and isolated Seymour and 20-year-old Angie. Angie is a breath of fresh air to Seymour with her wild hair, bright earrings and crazy outfits, but underneath her bravado and grand plans is a reality that is threatening to catch up with her. This groundbreaking YA novel still packs an emotional punch over 25 years later, deftly addressing themes such as addiction, pregnancy and divorce. Most significantly, it is a story about the importance of honesty, both in relation to others and to ourselves.

Amanda Rayner