Name: The Chance to Fly
ISBN: 9781419743931

Ali Stroker

Stacy Davidowitz

After moving across the country, thirteen-year-old Natalie auditions for her new school's play and overcomes her fears and insecurities about performing in a wheelchair.

The Chance to Fly

Steph L 

Review to come in the next couple of weeks because I definitely have thoughts on this book. I loved it so much and it's an all-time favorite. Consider this one if you need a book for Middle-Grade May!

Caitlyn DeRouin

4.5 stars. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

I've been a fan of Ali Stroker since first seeing her on The Glee Project (yes, I went through a BIG Glee phase) and have followed her career since. When I heard that she was releasing a book I knew that I had to read it. I don't read much middle grade, but I absolutely loved this book and I think that everyone (especially theatre fans) should read it.

The Chance to Fly had me grinning from ear to ear the entire time. This book is a love letter to the theatre. Nat's honest love and passion for theatre is so beautiful, and in that way, she fully reminded me of myself. Nat is a wonderful main character. She's funny, smart, dedicated, kind, loving and above all she is fearless. I was incredible inspired by her drive and how she would not let anything stop her from achieving her goals. 

I loved the whole cast (Hudon was so my favorite though, I love that kid and want to be his best friend). My favorite thing was how from the beginning all of the kids welcomed Nat into their circle. It reminded me so much of the first time I auditioned for a show, everyone had made me feel so welcomed, just like they did with Nat. It's honestly the best feeling, and really does encapsulate what the theatre community is like. Nat's new friends always had her back, supported her, encouraged her, and didn't treat her any differently just because she's in a wheelchair.

At the end of the book, there's a little interview with Ali and Stacy, and Ali mentions that as a kid she didn't see any media where she was represented. I love that she has become someone that little girls and boys can look up to and know that their dreams are within reach, they can do anything, they can defy gravity. I hope that this book inspires others and that we see much more disability rep in mainstream media.

The Chance to Fly

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