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yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Henry HATES the way his family treats him. He feels that his grandmother, mother, and sister baby him unnecessarily. To prove to them that he is more than capable of taking care of himself, he decides to travel from Australia (where they live) to Singapore (where his father lives). Along the way, he figures out some hard truths about his relationships with his family and friends. This illustrated novel is great for kids ready to move on to something meatier than Wimpy Kid. Highly recommended for grades 3 & up.
abigailbat's review against another edition
Calling all Wimpy Kid fans! Remy Lai's latest highly illustrated novel is right up your alley! Henry is sick and tired of his family babying him. They are so overprotective that he can barely do anything without someone hovering over him. And this summer when it's announced that the family has decided to forgo their annual trip to Singapore to spend the summer with Henry's dad, he takes matters into his own hands and concocts a plan to get to Singapore by himself.
Of course, plans do not always go... to plan... and Henry will learn a lot about himself on this journey. As readers follow Henry's hilarious misadventures, we also learn about his breakup with his best (and only) friend and about what led Henry to become The Fly on the Wall, an anonymous online troll who mocks the other kids and teachers at his school via a hurtful web comic.
Written in journal format as Henry documents his journey in his trusty notebook, this is a perfect read to hand to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries.
Of course, plans do not always go... to plan... and Henry will learn a lot about himself on this journey. As readers follow Henry's hilarious misadventures, we also learn about his breakup with his best (and only) friend and about what led Henry to become The Fly on the Wall, an anonymous online troll who mocks the other kids and teachers at his school via a hurtful web comic.
Written in journal format as Henry documents his journey in his trusty notebook, this is a perfect read to hand to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries.
thelastcatbender's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of those middle grade books that's tough to evaluate through an adult lense. I did not enjoy this, but I also recognize that this kind of story isn't really for me. This would be a good book for older elementary students. It has some lessons about the anxieties of growing up and navigating changes in social circles. There's that really weird period around 5th-7th grade where you're hovering between childhood and "grown-up" stuff, and I think this captures that frame of mind pretty well. I struggle with the stream-of-consciousness journal style of narration, with lots of weird thoughts and observations and tangents peppered throughout -- but for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, et all, this would be a fine readalike. This title has the advantage of introducing kids to a mixed family (Australia and Singapore, with mandarin-speaking characters), some different family dynamics, and themes of anxiety, friendship troubles, and apologies/learning from mistakes.
remidee's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
terraforming_mishap's review against another edition
3.0
I received an ARC of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Fly on the Wall follows twelve-year-old Henry Khoo, who, having grown tired of his family’s helicopter-style care as well as a major argument with his former best friend, decides to prove how adult he is by taking a solo-flight from Australia to Singapore to see his father. The book is Henry’s notebook, filled with his narration of the events currently transpiring as well as all that led to his adventure. The reader gets the story through not only Henry’s narration, but also his poetry and the various drawings and comics that are also included in his journal. The comic strips are part of another subplot; Henry is also “Fly on the Wall,” the creator of a gossip webcomic about his classmates and teachers and is in danger of being found out.
The story is fast-paced, humorous, and heartfelt. Henry is an extremely likeable and understandable protagonist—even if the choices he makes aren’t always good, you always know what’s going on in his head. And the illustrations are extremely cute. The story’s conflicts get resolved at the end in what was, in my opinion, a somewhat rushed and not completely satisfying way. Overall, however, Fly on the Wall is a funny, sweet story that delves into issues of family, friendship, anxiety, and growing up.
Fly on the Wall follows twelve-year-old Henry Khoo, who, having grown tired of his family’s helicopter-style care as well as a major argument with his former best friend, decides to prove how adult he is by taking a solo-flight from Australia to Singapore to see his father. The book is Henry’s notebook, filled with his narration of the events currently transpiring as well as all that led to his adventure. The reader gets the story through not only Henry’s narration, but also his poetry and the various drawings and comics that are also included in his journal. The comic strips are part of another subplot; Henry is also “Fly on the Wall,” the creator of a gossip webcomic about his classmates and teachers and is in danger of being found out.
The story is fast-paced, humorous, and heartfelt. Henry is an extremely likeable and understandable protagonist—even if the choices he makes aren’t always good, you always know what’s going on in his head. And the illustrations are extremely cute. The story’s conflicts get resolved at the end in what was, in my opinion, a somewhat rushed and not completely satisfying way. Overall, however, Fly on the Wall is a funny, sweet story that delves into issues of family, friendship, anxiety, and growing up.
kstericker's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
amandarawsonhill's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great follow up to Pie in the Sky. You'll feel for Henry Khoo and also want to strangle him a little, which are the best kind of characters. I read this with my 10yo who laughed out loud several times along the way.
kristinakg's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jennybeastie's review against another edition
4.0
Sort-of, but not quite, a graphic novel -- like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. What a weird adventure, and an unexpected transformation. Really enjoyed the art, the story, and Henry's oddly endearing personality.
12 YO Henry wants to prove to his family that he is not a baby. Elects to do this by traveling solo from Perth the Singapore to spend break with his dad. Surprisingly successful solo plane journey. Wow, kid has some cash! Works through how his loneliness has caused him to create hurtful online comics, as he interacts with other traveling kids.
12 YO Henry wants to prove to his family that he is not a baby. Elects to do this by traveling solo from Perth the Singapore to spend break with his dad. Surprisingly successful solo plane journey. Wow, kid has some cash! Works through how his loneliness has caused him to create hurtful online comics, as he interacts with other traveling kids.
sassychortle's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! Henry is such a real kid who makes mistakes and tries so, so hard to figure out how to fix them. He's longing for friendship and independence and through the story comes to a deeper understanding of his struggle for both. He's funny and smart and just delightful. His adventure keeps the book moving along and his growth is so relatable and wonderful. Great for kids who like a bit of a comics style along with a novel.