In a superbly written book, The Kite That Couldn’t Fly: And Other May Avenue Stories, master storyteller Michael Menard weaves tales about growing up in a close, impoverished family of 14 children in a tiny house near Chicago. Most of the children attained exceptional success in athletics, their occupations, and their families. They loved and looked out for each other. Yet many of them also faced struggles and carried hidden wounds from their childhood adversities. In many ways, the book shares universal themes about who triumphs over adversity and who stumbles.

The author is a case in point. Being largely unsupervised gave Menard the opportunity and freedom to be creative. He figured out a way to make gloves from the skins of the mice that infested the house.

Based on Menard’s experience babysitting, he came up with the idea of disposable diapers with elasticized legs. He shared his idea with Johnson and Johnson, leading to the first of 14 patents that revolutionized the absorbent products industry. His inventions are now responsible for over $50 billion in annual sales. Lacking any technical education, he rose to worldwide vice president of engineering for the company. Despite health concerns, he figured out how to be a happy adult.

Yet Menard cried for some of his siblings. Why did some thrive in so many ways while others stumbled? What started out as bedtime stories for the younger siblings turned into a book that yields rich insights into the enduring impact of positive and negative childhood experiences.

Menard’s parents were a study in contrasts: a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. Menard never knew of a mother who did more or better for her children and did it with so little. She was a loving, spiritual woman with a beautiful singing voice and an infectious laugh. She wanted all 14 of her children and........

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