Flyers

by Daniel Hayes

All his life, Gabe Riley has heard about sightings of ghosts and swamp monsters at Blood Red Pond, but he knows the green, scaly creature that attacks Ray McPherson’s old Buick one night isn’t real. It’s just crazy Rosasharn, getting carried away with his leading role in the horror movie Gabe and his friend Bo are making for their Gifted and Talented project.

But it’s not so easy to explain some of the other curious things that start happening in Gabe’s neighborhood. Why is his father more melancholy than usual? What secret is his younger brother, Ethan, hiding from him? Why are food and clothes disappearing from their home? And who or what is behind the strange lights in old Mr. Lindstrom’s supposedly empty farmhouse?

Gabe is determined to find the answers to these questions. But Gabe discovers there are far deeper questions involved, and he will have to confront more than ghosts before he understands the significance of the mysterious events.

With his trademark humor and flawless ear for the language and concerns of young adults, Daniel Hayes has created an unforgettable cast of characters in a story that is part comedy, part mystery, and part a thought-provoking exploration of friendship, family relationships, love, and death.

Genres: Teen

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

Reviews

[lucky little cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Jerry Spinelli fans who've wished Spinelli's characters spent more time swearing.

Not really a spoiler: no actual flying in this YA novel.

[Paige Taylor]

I enjoyed reading this book, it was well worth reading. It was mysterious, funny, entertaining, and attention grabbing. I think this book is pointed towards teenagers. A small summary of this book is; Gabe Riley has a passion for filmmaking. His reflection on his friends and family, and on life in general are at the center of the novel. Gabes father (Mr.Riley) does a lot of boozing and drinking, but genuinely cares for people. Gabe admires "survivors" of "bad habits" like his fathers. Gabes faith in people he loves and keen and critical perceptions of himself and others make this book well worth reading. But the real question is, do you want to know all the mysteries of Blood Red Pond? Read and find out.

[Lois Baron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny narrator--really fun bunch of goofy guys he hangs with. His interactions with his brother and father are so matter-of-fact and wonderful despite his father being an alcoholic. I want to read this book to my kids, even though they are teenagers, because I enjoyed it so much.