Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny graphic novel hybrid about friendship, communication.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Twelve-year-old Henry Khoo is determined to prove he's no longer a baby. When Henry's annual trip to Singapore is canceled, he creates a super-secret mission to avoid staying at home with his overprotective family. Little do they know that Henry's plan includes flying to Singapore by himself! But that's not the only thing Henry's been hiding: He's the creator of FLY ON THE WALL, an anonymous blog that's been spreading gossip and rumors at school, and someone's about to reveal his secret! Will Henry make it to Singapore without getting caught?
Is It Any Good?
Remy Lai's funny and fast-paced graphic novel thoughtfully explores middle school friendships and helicopter parenting. Readers will love Henry's action packed-adventure and the wise characters he meets along his journey. Like Pie in the Sky, Lai seamlessly integrates charming illustrations into the story. There are many hilarious visuals of Henry's overprotective family members as helicopters before Henry realizes that's how his family shows their love and affection for him. And although he thinks he's an outsider, that doesn't excuse his decision to start lying to his family or spreading rumors about his teachers and classmates. But as Henry slowly reveals why he began Fly on the Wall and sees that he's been hurting people, readers will learn important lessons about communication and apologizing for your mistakes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the graphic novel format. How is it effective in telling the story of Fly on the Wall?
Do you ever feel different or left out? When? Do you think others in your class or school feel that way? What can you do to help them feel included? How have new friends come into your life? How have you helped build new friendships?
How do the characters demonstrate communication? Why is this an important character strength?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Remy Lai
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : September 15, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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