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mbmartin874's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 - really engaging, nuanced book about helicopter parents and coming to terms with your quirkiness best for middle schoolers.
interestedinthings's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
tinothy's review
3.0
Read alike to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Dairy entries with comic panels and illustrations mixed into the story.
Young boy wants to prove his independence by secretly trying to travel across the globe to see his dad in Singapore. Coming of age story that deals with family dynamics and friendships.
Young boy wants to prove his independence by secretly trying to travel across the globe to see his dad in Singapore. Coming of age story that deals with family dynamics and friendships.
katiemack's review against another edition
4.0
It's not the most realistic book, but Fly on the Wall sure is fun and innovative! Lai is great at dealing with sensitive or heavy topics while incorporating her creative illustrations and making it kid-friendly. I really appreciate how the "overprotective family" trope resolves itself in the end, and I also love how Henry finds his sense of self over the course of the novel.
utopiastateofmind's review against another edition
4.0
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Told in dairy style, Fly on the Wall is a charming and endearing middle grade about friendships and independence. Henry is tired of being treated like a baby in his family. You know what will show them all? If he takes a trip to his dad in Singapore by himself. But what starts off as an ambitious, but straightforward plan, ends up taking Henry on a journey of friendship and growth. The illustrations feel organically woven into the story as pieces of humor and endear the readers to Henry.
But what drew me to Fly on the Wall is how touching and relatable Henry's struggles are. How many of us have never gone through a period in our life where we wanted to be treated more grown up? Where we felt like we didn't belong? Trying to be someone we aren't, just to fit in? Fly on the Wall explores issues of friendship fall outs, when you have history, but suddently everything changes and it leaves a hole in you. When you feel like you have to prove yourself so that your loved ones will see you for who you feel you are. Or the moments when you begin trying to be someone else, like a new outfit that doesn't fit properly.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-fly-on-the-wall-by-remy-lai/
Told in dairy style, Fly on the Wall is a charming and endearing middle grade about friendships and independence. Henry is tired of being treated like a baby in his family. You know what will show them all? If he takes a trip to his dad in Singapore by himself. But what starts off as an ambitious, but straightforward plan, ends up taking Henry on a journey of friendship and growth. The illustrations feel organically woven into the story as pieces of humor and endear the readers to Henry.
But what drew me to Fly on the Wall is how touching and relatable Henry's struggles are. How many of us have never gone through a period in our life where we wanted to be treated more grown up? Where we felt like we didn't belong? Trying to be someone we aren't, just to fit in? Fly on the Wall explores issues of friendship fall outs, when you have history, but suddently everything changes and it leaves a hole in you. When you feel like you have to prove yourself so that your loved ones will see you for who you feel you are. Or the moments when you begin trying to be someone else, like a new outfit that doesn't fit properly.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-fly-on-the-wall-by-remy-lai/
wiggleallaround's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's that time o year when I gotta read a ton of middle grade for work!! Glad this was the one I started with because it was cute as hell. Remy Lai explains middle school feelings so well!!! I could relate to the helicopter parenting and I really liked the reframing of the feeling of being smothered into one where your family is showing love. But it's still ok to be independent and want space!! Perfect for kids who like superheros or graphic novels or friendship stories. Has a kind of modern Harriet the Spy vibe. I listened to the audiobook, but I know there are drawings and comics in the physical copy so I'll have to check those out!
dmtcer's review
5.0
This is a fantastic read for middle grade readers. Henry is 12, and is babied by his family. He longs to have friends and to fit in, but it seems every time he tries his family swoops in and overprotects him. Henry plans an elaborate adventure, which involves the help of his former BFF, Pheeb. Told in a mixture of words and illustration, this book will appease both lovers of graphic novels and written word.
Henry's adventure takes him on a journey of self-discovery. He discovers new friends, and learns that his vision has not always been clear. It is a story of accidental-on-purpose cyber bullying and the ramifications of what it feels like to be caught at it. it is also the story of families who hover and overprotect...and those who do not.
Henry's mother is Australian, his father is from Singapore, and his Popo (grandmother) is Chinese. I love the Mandarin dialect introduced, but even more, I love the addition of Chinese writing on the page whenever Popo speaks (subtitled in English as well). Really great touch, especially for children who may know both languages or is just curious about Chinese characters.
This is a great story, presented in a great way. It will be a welcome addition to any middle grade school library!
Henry's adventure takes him on a journey of self-discovery. He discovers new friends, and learns that his vision has not always been clear. It is a story of accidental-on-purpose cyber bullying and the ramifications of what it feels like to be caught at it. it is also the story of families who hover and overprotect...and those who do not.
Henry's mother is Australian, his father is from Singapore, and his Popo (grandmother) is Chinese. I love the Mandarin dialect introduced, but even more, I love the addition of Chinese writing on the page whenever Popo speaks (subtitled in English as well). Really great touch, especially for children who may know both languages or is just curious about Chinese characters.
This is a great story, presented in a great way. It will be a welcome addition to any middle grade school library!
alihewitt's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
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