Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Krawczyk
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tween in wheelchair finds her voice in inspiring tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In AIR, 12-year-old Emelyn "Emmie" Ethrige, who was born with spina bifida, is saving up for a new wheelchair to pursue her WCMX (wheelchair motocross) dreams. She earns money running an online business with her best friend, Ale, selling embroidered wheelchair bags and other items. Since Emmie's mom died in an unspecified accident two years ago, she and her dad have struggled to communicate their grief and share what's happening in their lives. Things get complicated when Emmie starts middle school at a new building with inaccessible entrances and a patronizing principal. After a minor accident, Emmie's assigned a classroom aide, against her wishes. Then the school decides to raise funds for her new wheelchair. Emmie's confused and not sure how she feels about all the publicity and the principal's message. She's a brave girl surrounded by loving family and friends. But will she find the courage to tell them how she really feels and what she needs most?
Is It Any Good?
Adventurous, brave, and smart Emmie takes center stage in this inspiring novel that focuses on family, friendship, disability rights, and grief. Air is notable for its nuanced, well-rounded depiction of a protagonist with a disability. Readers will cheer on Emmie and enjoy the action, suspense, and laughs as she practices her jumps and wheelies, runs an online business, and pursues her dreams. There's also a fun cast of supporting characters who have some interesting hobbies, including skate-boarding, bee-keeping, and rodeo.
Readers may be frustrated by the school principal and a few other characters, but most adults in the story are supportive and understanding. Grief is handled in an age-appropriate manner as Emmie, her dad, and her grandparents deal with their feelings in various ways. Readers will relate to typical middle school experiences, like working on a group project or wondering about a crush. They'll also learn about empathy by seeing things from Emmie's point of view. Kids who use wheelchairs for mobility will appreciate the positive representation. And those with other disabilities may also relate to some of Emmie's challenges. Helpful information about 504 plans, IEPs, and disability rights is woven throughout and included in an author's note as well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about accommodations and disability rights in Air. What's the difference between what Emmie thinks she needs to be successful at school compared to what the principal or other staff think she needs?
Communication is big a theme in the book. Emmie and various characters, including her dad, Ale, and Devontae, misunderstand each other because they don't say what they mean. Have you ever had someone misunderstand you because you didn't tell them exactly what you mean? What happened? How did you feel?
Emmie doesn't feel right about the message and the publicity around the school's fundraiser for her wheelchair. Why does she feel uncomfortable about what's happening? How does she finally find courage and use her voice?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date : March 15, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 272
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle, App
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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