"Flyaway Boy" by Jane De Suza

Opening lines: "Everyone lived in boxes.

They just didn’t know that."

Summary:  Kabir as a character cannot be ignored - he “always does things that aren’t expected.” He is a sweet 4th grader who can’t stop imagining things wherever he is - at school, at home, in his friends’ company. 

His teachers do not approve of his behaviour

His parents do not find his interests worth pursuing

His classmates consider him a class clown

His elder sister loves him but remains the perfect child - hard worker and high achiever.

Everyone seems to want him to be less like himself, they question him:

“Why can’t you be more…

…quiet?

…disciplined?

…normal?

…studious?

It’s only his dog Shoo who shows him unconditional love.

When it gets unbearable and Kabir feels like complete disappointment to everyone, he disappears. Along with Shoo. What will happen to Kabir? 

My thoughts about the book:

I read this book a few years ago and it impressed me. Since then I have read many other diverse middle grade novels about being different, misunderstood, or not fitting in. This one still remains one of my favourites.

Jane De Suza is a seasoned storyteller; you feel her skill after reading just a few pages. The book is brimming with emotion and doesn't want to let you go. You feel so drawn to the characters and your heart aches for them, making you eager to keep reading.

The author created a real tear-jerker: it will make you shed tears both of joy and of pain for Kabir. Kabir's optimistic and utterly free spirit will have you cracking up with laugher. Then there are all the sad moments, when others misunderstand him and he feels all alone, will bring a lump to your throat.

It is an important book for both young people and for adults. Not only because we need to talk about the issues that young people face in India, but because adults should understand how such struggles at home, at school, among friends can influence a child's sense of self and their life in general.

Publishing date: 2019

Publisher: Penguin

Suggested reading age: 8 and above

Page number: 192

Keywords: imagination, misfit, being different

Rating: 4/5