Flight

by Sandy Whiting

Fifteen-year-old Cassie's World is turned upside-down with the death of her father. Unable to cope, Cassie's mom finds solace in pills. Her brother, Jeremy, becomes lost in Virtual Reality, and her sister, Courtney, spends all her time with her friends, leaving Cassie seemingly unattended and unloved.

At the same time, Cassie's class begins an in-depth unit on butterflies, Cassie's mom unexpectedly takes a trip, leaving her family in the hands of their widowed neighbor. Cassie can either continue to see the worst in her unfortunate surroundings or embrace her new-found knowledge that butterflies aren't the only creatures capable of metamorphosis.

13+, parental substance abuse, rehabilitation, death of a parent

Genres: Poetry

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2024

Reviews

[Havelah McLat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review is coming soon.

[Laura Petrisin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel in verse aptly communicates the raw and mixed emotions that result from loss and trauma. The butterfly’s metamorphic state represents Cassie’s battle with grief, disappointment and abandonment as she struggles to not only survive, but to hope for a better future. The growing bond she shares with her neighbor, Mrs. Lee, gives her the compassion she needs and the courage to move forward. Flight is a heartfelt, moving book that reaches out with the message that it’s possible to change.

[Lauren Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! The author Sandy did an amazing job of exploring themes of love, survival, and personal growth.

The characters are realistic and full of depth. You will not want to put it down! Highly recommend!

[Stephanie Cotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flight is a beautiful, heartfelt story of a 15-year-old girl's walk through grief told in a "verse" narrative style. I'm new to reading novels-in-verse and found this one quite easy to follow. I especially enjoyed the haikus woven throughout the story. Whiting's deep, lovely, and thought-provoking prose kept me immersed in the story, and I found myself rather amazed how she could say/convey so much in very few words. The chapters flew by as I was reading, and I ended up finishing this book in 2 sittings. This story tackles difficult topics: grief, loss, substance abuse, but handles them with care and and presents them in a way all readers can find some positive takeaway.

[Stacey Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flight by Sandy Whiting is a beautiful, touching story that delves into difficult themes and life circumstances, but offers inspiration and hope in the end. I found the novel-in-verse style to be a lovely way to convey this story and enjoyed it very much. Flight would make a beautiful addition to any home, school, or library, and a caring, sensitive gift as well.

[Aimee McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read a book written in verse before so I wasn't sure how I'd like it but this book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. It was a quick read with all the feels. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Jennifer Hottinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book! Loss of parents to death and addiction breaks Cassie’s spirit, but that is not the end of the story! My heart aches for Cassie and the beauty of butterflies throughout the story had me reflecting on life, too!

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Flight, Sandy Whiting delivers a touching story of resilience and transformation centered on fifteen-year-old Cassie, who grapples with a devastating loss that has shattered her family. Struggling to find her place in a changed world, Cassie is drawn to a science project on butterflies, which subtly mirrors her own potential for metamorphosis. Through the guidance of a supportive, widowed neighbor who steps in to help her family, she begins to sense a hidden strength within herself. As Cassie learns the power of change, she wonders if her journey of self-discovery might help her family find healing as well.

Whiting’s exploration of themes like change and hope unfolds with a quiet intensity that feels both universal and personal. Cassie’s transformation is gradual, yet it mirrors those subtle life shifts that often define us. Whiting’s portrayal of resilience doesn’t glamorize hardship but instead captures the quiet bravery required to find light in the darkness. Cassie’s growth feels real and raw and like a testament to the beauty that can emerge even from profound sadness. The author invites readers to reflect on their own journeys, skillfully reminding us of our own capacity for renewal.

One of Flight’s most captivating features is its poetic simplicity. Whiting’s prose, stripped of ornamentation, flows with a rhythm that feels almost like poetry in motion. This minimalist style is refreshing, putting the focus on Cassie’s emotional journey rather than on elaborate descriptions. The unembellished language allows the story’s emotional depth to take center stage, making Cassie’s struggles and triumphs all the more impactful. Initially, this style might seem unconventional, but its raw power quickly draws readers into the heart of the story, leaving a lasting impression.

Whiting also addresses sensitive issues, including substance abuse, with a rare combination of empathy and honesty. Rather than shying away from these topics, she delves into them directly, portraying the confusion, uncertainty, and complexity they bring. Her unfiltered approach allows readers to confront these challenges alongside the characters, fostering an understanding of how such issues affect individuals and families alike. This straightforward treatment encourages open reflection, providing readers with a meaningful perspective on real-life struggles.

Flight is a moving story of courage and growth, and I think it will be perfect for readers who are seeking a fresh narrative voice. Whiting’s work is a gentle yet powerful reminder that, even amid life’s darkest times, there is strength in embracing change and moving forward.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

With beauty and heart, this is an heart-touching exploration into discovering a way to heal from grief.

Cassie's wholesome world ended with the illness and death of her father. Her siblings have pulled into their own bubbles as they deal with the loss, and her mother has turned to substance abuse. Cassie's been doing her best to continue and has found moments in life, which offer a bit of freedom. When one of her classes pulls into a theme surrounding butterflies, Cassie's thoughts begin to take a turn. Then, her mother heads off, Cassie and her siblings in the care of a neighbor. And that is when her healing truly begins.

This is written in beautiful verse form and steers through tough themes with care, emotion, and elegance. The writing is quite simple in the word choice, side-stepping flowery language that could distract from the main flow. Instead, Cassie's thoughts come across open and pure as she exposes her worries, hopes, and pain. It's easy to follow as she steers through daily life, school, friends, family, and more. The chapters are kept very short, often only consisting of a page or two as the story settles in. It creates a quicker read and allows for pauses as emotions settle in.

There's a lovely symbolism play between the butterfly and Cassie's situation. This is almost impossible to miss, and still slides in wonderfully with symbolism. It fits the entire, poetic and emotional flow very well. Plus, the little dabs of information were interesting, too.

This is a read with emotion and depth, which hits honestly, easily, and makes a read to enjoy and think about.

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifteen-year-old Cassie feels lost and unloved as she tries to cope with the death of her father. Her mother is using pills to numb the pain and her siblings have retreated into their own world of suffering. Cassie’s class has begun an in-depth unit on butterflies just as her mom unexpectedly takes a trip leaving her family in the hands of their widowed neighbor. Cassie learns that butterflies aren’t the only creatures to undergo metamorphosis.

I love intergenerational stories and this novel-in-verse is a touching exploration of the heart.

“There is a place between anger and loneliness, where acceptance and love begins to bloom.”

[James Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Flight" by Sandy Whiting was an absolute joy to read. It’s a beautifully crafted story of love, loss, despair, hope, and redemption. I highly recommend it to anyone, especially those dealing with addiction or the loss of a loved one. I couldn’t recommend this book more!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book about grief & hope. I love that it’s a novel in verse- it gives more students access! A wonderful addition to classrooms and libraries!

[Carol Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers will be tempted to quickly read Sandy Whiting's debut YA novel in verse. Don't. You'll miss beautiful imagery and lyrical language. The chapters, which are individual short poems, and must be savored to be appreciated. This is a poignant look into the life of a teenager whose life is turned upside down by the death of one parent and the collapse of the other. The message of hope is clear but not cloying which makes the book relatable for teens. Watch out! This book doesn't hold back on showing raw emotions associated with grief. But also hope. A most important ingredient. I highly recommend it.

[Lindsay Weise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book. Without giving it away, the thread of butterfly throughout the entire book is really genius and impactful! Put this on your must read list!