It’s been a while since I read a great novel in verse. Thanks to Alison Hughes, FLY is a wonderful story about a disabled teenager trying to be a hero to get the girl.

FLY, Felix Landon Yarrow, is a teenager with cerebral palsy. Although he hates the nickname FLY, its very representative of how he is perceived in his high school, barely noticeable, a fly on the wall, which makes it easy for him to observe the goings on at school. When he discovers Carter is dealing pills at school, and Daria, his secret crush, is falling for Carter’s BS, he makes it his mission to be the hero for Daria.

I absolutely loved this story. A good novel in verse will pull you in and give you things to think about and consider but it is also a really quick read. When you need something to bump you out of a reading slump, I would highly recommend a novel in verse. I love how Alison Hughes doesn’t pander. FLY is not a flawless human being just because he is disabled, in fact he is quite flawed. He has these grandiose ideas about getting the girl by saving her from a scumbag, without considering that she can take care of herself. Much like others underestimate him, he underestimates Daria. I also kind of loved how things blew up in his face a little bit. It was very humanizing and a wonderful representation of just how similar we all are, regardless of our abilities.

The storyline was very relatable. I think many teens will see themselves reflected in the story. Whether they are diabled or not, the feelings of anonymity and attention seeking are very universal but it also provides visibility and representation to the disability community.

The flow of the text from stanza to stanza, page to page is highly engaging. I loved how it flowed from outer dialogue to poem to inner dialogue keeping me on my toes and inviting me into the story.

As far as I know, Alison Hughes is not part of the disability community but an author should not have to disclose any personal information in order to write about experiences as long as the representation is accurate and affirming which I feel this story is. She credits a sensitivity writer for helping guide the story to make sure the story provides positive representation.