FLY

In this verse novel, Felix’s quest to save a perceived damsel in distress has dangerous but enlightening results.

Felix Landon Yarrow, whose initials resulted in the unfortunate nickname Fly, feels a deep connection to Don Quixote and fancies himself a knight in his own way, complete with steed (he uses a wheelchair due to “profound” cerebral palsy), sidekick (Levi, his aide), damsel in need of rescue (Daria, his crush), and villain (school bully–turned–drug dealer Carter). Often treated as though he’s not there or is incapable of understanding, Felix intends to use his powers of invisibility to prove his bravery when Carter begins to show interest in Daria. Bitingly sarcastic and darkly witty Felix is a deeply realized character from the beginning. Other characters are rounded out as Felix comes to understand them more deeply. Lyrical free verse lends itself well to the story, deftly conveying both action and Felix’s emotions and the space he perceives himself as occupying. Characters are mature and independent, and themes of being misunderstood, underestimated, and trapped by others’ preconceptions will resonate with many readers. Most characters, including Felix, are cued White; Daria is brown-skinned.

Sharp-edged verse and strong narrative construction frame a teen’s realizations about the world.