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That started the UACT movement, “The Kite That Couldn’t Fly” All profits go to the UACT Foundation.
After six decades, Menard has written his memoir, The Kite That Couldn’t Fly: And Other May Avenue Stories. His childhood stories are powerful and, somehow, both unique and relatable at the same time. Written by the second oldest of 14 children, Michael Menard tells his childhood stories of beautiful redemption and how light comes from darkness.
You’ve been through some tough stuff; we all have, but Menard’s experiences are off the charts. The May Avenue Stories range from funny to unthinkable to unfathomable and offer a raw and courageous glimpse into a journey none of us would choose, yet in a sense, we are all on. The May Avenue Stories tell the reader, “You are not alone,” and provide the opportunity to reflect on subjects we desperately need to talk about.
Menard’s initial motivation for writing his book was to leave a legacy and a record of history for his five daughters and nine grandchildren. But when he sought advice from mental health experts, the book took an interesting and serious turn. The experts all agreed that what Menard and his siblings had experienced was Complex Childhood Trauma, possibly explaining why Menard had lost two brothers to drug addiction. His research created a burning question that he was compelled to answer: Did he achieve his successes in spite of, or because of his childhood experiences? Part memoir, part educational, Menard marries his story telling with thoughtful insights and awareness of the wide-reaching implications of childhood trauma.
The May Avenue Stories feature three main characters. Menard’s mother, Arletta, who was a gifted and dedicated mother. She taught her children about love, relationships, hope, grace, and mercy… and to never ever give up. Arletta taught her children about the power of gratitude; to be thankful, even for their one dim lightbulb. She taught her children about Jesus and that God’s love comes from everywhere. Through her words of wisdom, her children learned how to forgive, especially their father, Paul.
Menard’s father is the antagonist of the book. A victim of Complex Childhood Trauma himself, Paul virtually works himself to death while trying to provide the basics of survival for his family of 16. He taught his children mostly the wrong lessons of life: how to cheat, steal, and destroy their enemies. On the positive side, Paul taught his children how to stand up for themselves, how to stop bullies in their tracks, and about the pride of being a Menard.
After six decades, Menard has written his memoir, The Kite That Couldn’t Fly: And Other May Avenue Stories. His childhood stories are powerful and, somehow, both unique and relatable at the same time. Written by the second oldest of 14 children, Michael Menard tells his childhood stories of beautiful redemption and how light comes from darkness.
You’ve been through some tough stuff; we all have, but Menard’s experiences are off the charts. The May Avenue Stories range from funny to unthinkable to unfathomable and offer a raw and courageous glimpse into a journey none of us would choose, yet in a sense, we are all on. The May Avenue Stories tell the reader, “You are not alone,” and provide the opportunity to reflect on subjects we desperately need to talk about.
Early Praise for The Kite That Couldn’t Fly
Lee Long, EdD, LPC-S
“I have been working in the clinical field for 25 years with a focus on chronic Depression and the trauma that typically precedes it. Michael Menard’s book, “The Kite That Couldn’t fly” is not only entertaining but packed full of hope and resilience. The toxic stress from childhood trauma creates mental and physical health hazards that affects over 150 million adults today in the USA alone, and over a billion people on our planet. Michael tells his stories with vulnerability and raw openness; stories that open eyes, minds and doors to those suffering from generations of childhood trauma. Rarely is there a book that comes along that is not only a great read, but also reveals bacons of hope and healing.”
“This book is a must read for most everyone. Some to better understand their own childhood challenges, and some to better understand their own humanity. Some greatness takes year. Harlan Sanders started KFC at age 65. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote Little House on the Prairie at 65. Grandma Moses started painting at 76. Michael Menard has already achieved great success as a world class inventor, entrepreneur, business leader and father. At age 73, Michael’s book The Kite That Couldn’t Fly may be his greatest contribution to the planet.”
David E. Nielsen
Lauren Eckhardt
“This book brilliantly showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the intricacies of life. I was deeply moved by the shared emotional experiences, rooting for the children to overcome their challenging starts and to discover strength and confidence in their unique personalities and gifts. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how our childhoods shape us and the profound realization that we are guided by forces far greater than what is immediately visible around us.”
"What a truly superb and beautiful book! Michael Menard is a master story teller, whose tales brought me from laughter one moment to tears another. The Kite That Couldn’t Fly is chock full of wisdom, humor, and insights about why we thrive and why we stumble. It shows how unconditional love, hope, faith, and a strong spine overcome the most difficult circumstances. I’m grateful for the pleasure of reading it and know it will be an inspiration and uplift to all who read it.”
Glenn R. Schiraldi
Author, The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook
James Wright
“Menard has become one of the great American storytellers. Every one of the stories brought me to tears. Some from joy, others from sadness, but mostly tears from reliving my childhood. This book has open doors that have been tightly closed for 40 years. About time”
“Menard has written a midwestern version of Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes and even the malignant nuns make a cameo. It’s the story telling and the unique structure of the book that makes The Kite That Couldn’t Fly so compelling.”
James Murray
Dave Farrow
“An amazing journey from violence and poverty into triumph! The stories are compelling and touching but its more than a story. This book can help heal the wounds we carry from childhood. I couldn't put it down.”
Early Praise for The Kite That Couldn’t Fly
“I have been working in the clinical field for 25 years with a focus on chronic Depression and the trauma that typically precedes it. Michael Menard’s book, “The Kite That Couldn’t fly” is not only entertaining but packed full of hope and resilience. The toxic stress from childhood trauma creates mental and physical health hazards that affects over 150 million adults today in the USA alone, and over a billion people on our planet. Michael tells his stories with vulnerability and raw openness; stories that open eyes, minds and doors to those suffering from generations of childhood trauma. Rarely is there a book that comes along that is not only a great read, but also reveals bacons of hope and healing.”
— Lee Long, EdD, LPC-S
“This book is a must read for most everyone. Some to better understand their own childhood challenges, and some to better understand their own humanity. Some greatness takes year. Harlan Sanders started KFC at age 65. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote Little House on the Prairie at 65. Grandma Moses started painting at 76. Michael Menard has already achieved great success as a world class inventor, entrepreneur, business leader and father. At age 73, Michael’s book The Kite That Couldn’t Fly may be his greatest contribution to the planet.”
— David E. Nielsen,
“This book brilliantly showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the intricacies of life. I was deeply moved by the shared emotional experiences, rooting for the children to overcome their challenging starts and to discover strength and confidence in their unique personalities and gifts. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how our childhoods shape us and the profound realization that we are guided by forces far greater than what is immediately visible around us.”
— Lauren Eckhardt,
“What a truly superb and beautiful book! Michael Menard is a master story teller, whose tales brought me from laughter one moment to tears another. The Kite That Couldn’t Fly is chock full of wisdom, humor, and insights about why we thrive and why we stumble. It shows how unconditional love, hope, faith, and a strong spine overcome the most difficult circumstances. I’m grateful for the pleasure of reading it and know it will be an inspiration and uplift to all who read it.”
Glenn R. Schiraldi, Ph.D., Lt. Colonel (U.S. Army, Ret.).
“Menard has become one of the great American storytellers. Every one of the stories brought me to tears. Some from joy, others from sadness, but mostly tears from reliving my childhood. This book has open doors that have been tightly closed for 40 years. About time”
— James Wright
“Menard has written a midwestern version of Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes and even the malignant nuns make a cameo. It’s the story telling and the unique structure of the book that makes The Kite That Couldn’t Fly so compelling.”
— James Murray, PhD.
— Dave Farrow,
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