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Fly on the Wall
In Fly on the Wall, an illustrated novel, a twelve-year-old boy goes on a (forbidden) solo journey halfway around the world to prove his independence to his overprotective family.
Henry Khoo's family treats him like a baby. He's not allowed to go anywhere without his sister/chaperone/bodyguard. His (former) best friend knows to expect his family's mafia-style interrogation when Henry's actually allowed to hang out at her house. And he definitely CAN'T take a journey halfway around the world all by himself!
But that's exactly his plan. After his family's annual trip to visit his father in Singapore is cancelled, Henry decides he doesn't want to be cooped up at home with his overprotective family and BFF turned NRFF (Not Really Friend Forever). Plus, he's hiding a your-life-is-over-if-you're-caught secret: he's the creator of an anonymous gossip cartoon, and he's on the verge of getting caught. Determined to prove his independence and avoid punishment for his crimes, Henry embarks on the greatest adventure everrr. . . hoping it won't turn into the greatest disaster ever.
Henry Khoo's family treats him like a baby. He's not allowed to go anywhere without his sister/chaperone/bodyguard. His (former) best friend knows to expect his family's mafia-style interrogation when Henry's actually allowed to hang out at her house. And he definitely CAN'T take a journey halfway around the world all by himself!
But that's exactly his plan. After his family's annual trip to visit his father in Singapore is cancelled, Henry decides he doesn't want to be cooped up at home with his overprotective family and BFF turned NRFF (Not Really Friend Forever). Plus, he's hiding a your-life-is-over-if-you're-caught secret: he's the creator of an anonymous gossip cartoon, and he's on the verge of getting caught. Determined to prove his independence and avoid punishment for his crimes, Henry embarks on the greatest adventure everrr. . . hoping it won't turn into the greatest disaster ever.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2020
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March 13, 2020
Has the helicopter parent ever gotten its due? Which is to say, where is the great American children’s novel that picks apart helicopter parenting, examining it from every angle, explaining it, maybe even forgiving it a little, but still ultimately finding fault? I dunno, but I’ve got this Australian import over here that does the job just as well. I’m not sure if you’ve ever made the acquaintance of Remy Lai. If not, you’re in for a treat. Last year Lai wrote Pie in the Sky, an illustrated novel that won, amongst other things, the Sid Fleischman Award for humor in a children’s book. An interesting choice considering the degree to which that book was weighed down with a chunk of honest grief. I liked that book an awful lot, particularly the ways in which Lai incorporated her comic looking style with the text. Fly On the Wall, her latest book, has a similar look and feel to Pie but the tone could not be more different. Where Pie almost sank beneath the weight of its depression, Fly positively buzzes with energy and anxiety. Where Pie moved at a glacial pace between home, school, the store, and home, Fly runs, caterwauls, spies, sneaks, rides, and generally has a wonderful time. This is a book I can’t show my colleagues at work because my 8-year-old won’t let it out of her sight. A fairly high bit of praise, if I do say so myself.
Henry Khoo is a baby. At least, that’s what you’d presume if you watched the way he’s treated by his mom, older sister and Popo (grandma). To escape their suffocating love he has concocted “the greatest adventure everrr” wherein he will travel all by himself from Australia to Singapore to join his father for Spring break. Never mind that he has told literally no one, not even his dad, of this plan. Never mind that he’s never even picked out his own clothes, or used a house key, or hailed a cab a day of his life. This is more than just proving he’s like one of those lone wanderers in his grandma’s wuxia dramas. Henry has a former best friend to flee. He has an online web comic called Fly On the Wall that could get him suspended. And he has a mystery to solve, one that may reveal more than he expects about himself.
Read enough middle grade novels and their themes all just sort of run together. If the writing isn't strong enough to distinguish the book from the pack, you could easily lump it in with similar books in your brain. And there was one theme in Fly on the Wall that technically I had seen before: Parents that love you but don't just come on out and say it. This topic was covered a bit in fellow 2020 middle grade release Stand Up, Yumi Chung, but Fly doesn't just run with this theme. It luxuriates in it. Henry suffers from a surfeit of love that is put into actions rather than words. His popo, mother, and older sister drown him in it while his father shows it with gifts and his salary. It takes Henry's realization of the truth behind fellow classmate Tim Aditya's life to understand that, "My family's overprotectiveness is their way of showing they love me." Even his quiet father simply saying that Henry has gotten tall when he hasn't means, "he must like me." Adults reading this book will also get, on some level, that when Henry points out that his dad is better at talking to older kids than younger ones, that's a character note. There are tons of adults out there just like this guy, but you don't often see them in children's books.
Now as I mentioned before, like its predecessor Pie in the Sky, Fly is heavily illustrated. So much so that I'd say it straddles the line between "illustrated novel" and the "notebook novel" as typified by Diary of a Wimpy Kid. And in a new twist, there are two different art styles at work. The first is Lai’s familiar cartoony style. In the case of this book, you are supposed to be reading Henry’s notebook, so anything written therein contains his own sketches about the world. The second style is one that he learned in a class and that he uses for his Fly On the Wall posts. It’s a little hard to describe. The best way I can think is to call it similar to those old outsider “Red Meat” comics by Max Cannon. What’s neat is that Lai uses her storytelling prowess to make the art carry its own weight. Sure it’s a fun complement to the text, but there are emotional beats hidden in the cartoons. Take, for example, the transformation of Tim Aditya. For much of the book, Henry either depicts him as a mouse or (for his own reasons) a frog. It’s only when he comes to the realization that Tim has a life almost diametrically the opposite of Henry’s that the images of Tim become fully human.
Can I confess something to you? I reserved this for the end of the review because I don't want it affecting the rest of what I wrote, but honestly? I think I like this book even more than Pie in the Sky. I know, I know, crazy, right? And it's not even fair to make that kind of a comparison since Pie was dealing with a whole range of dark issues, like grief and displacement, whereas this book has helicopter parenting. Just the same, I absolutely loved the storytelling at work here. For example, Lai appears to be a big fan of callbacks, so elements you see at the beginning of the story (and that you don't think about much at the time) pay off big time by the end. I just found myself in awe of not just how she made the story look, but the way in which she tied everything together. Henry goes on a personal journey that you believe. By the end, when he makes a personal sacrifice, you truly do believe that at that moment, under those circumstances, he would indeed do such a thing. He has to make a 180 on a lot of issues, and he does it honestly. Put simply, the writing in this book should be examined by fellow middle grade authors. Lai gets it right.
Kids love books where their fictional stand-ins enjoy a degree of independence they lack. No doubt there will be a concerned parent somewhere that flips out over the idea of a 12-year-old taking a plane ride by himself (even though it really is covered as legal in the Australia of this book). That pales in the face of the thousands (millions?) of kids that read this story and root for Henry from the get-go. His fellow overprotected equals will rally to his cause. And few kids would be able to pull off the con he has, so even the ones with a certain degree of freedom will thrill to the idea of fleeing the country under your own steam. Add in the copious humor (did I mention it’s genuinely laugh-out-loud funny?) and remarkable cathartic journey and you’ve got yourself a winner. Be careful with this book. It’s one of the rare titles that will appeal to a wide range of different kind of readers. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
For ages 9-12.
Henry Khoo is a baby. At least, that’s what you’d presume if you watched the way he’s treated by his mom, older sister and Popo (grandma). To escape their suffocating love he has concocted “the greatest adventure everrr” wherein he will travel all by himself from Australia to Singapore to join his father for Spring break. Never mind that he has told literally no one, not even his dad, of this plan. Never mind that he’s never even picked out his own clothes, or used a house key, or hailed a cab a day of his life. This is more than just proving he’s like one of those lone wanderers in his grandma’s wuxia dramas. Henry has a former best friend to flee. He has an online web comic called Fly On the Wall that could get him suspended. And he has a mystery to solve, one that may reveal more than he expects about himself.
Read enough middle grade novels and their themes all just sort of run together. If the writing isn't strong enough to distinguish the book from the pack, you could easily lump it in with similar books in your brain. And there was one theme in Fly on the Wall that technically I had seen before: Parents that love you but don't just come on out and say it. This topic was covered a bit in fellow 2020 middle grade release Stand Up, Yumi Chung, but Fly doesn't just run with this theme. It luxuriates in it. Henry suffers from a surfeit of love that is put into actions rather than words. His popo, mother, and older sister drown him in it while his father shows it with gifts and his salary. It takes Henry's realization of the truth behind fellow classmate Tim Aditya's life to understand that, "My family's overprotectiveness is their way of showing they love me." Even his quiet father simply saying that Henry has gotten tall when he hasn't means, "he must like me." Adults reading this book will also get, on some level, that when Henry points out that his dad is better at talking to older kids than younger ones, that's a character note. There are tons of adults out there just like this guy, but you don't often see them in children's books.
Now as I mentioned before, like its predecessor Pie in the Sky, Fly is heavily illustrated. So much so that I'd say it straddles the line between "illustrated novel" and the "notebook novel" as typified by Diary of a Wimpy Kid. And in a new twist, there are two different art styles at work. The first is Lai’s familiar cartoony style. In the case of this book, you are supposed to be reading Henry’s notebook, so anything written therein contains his own sketches about the world. The second style is one that he learned in a class and that he uses for his Fly On the Wall posts. It’s a little hard to describe. The best way I can think is to call it similar to those old outsider “Red Meat” comics by Max Cannon. What’s neat is that Lai uses her storytelling prowess to make the art carry its own weight. Sure it’s a fun complement to the text, but there are emotional beats hidden in the cartoons. Take, for example, the transformation of Tim Aditya. For much of the book, Henry either depicts him as a mouse or (for his own reasons) a frog. It’s only when he comes to the realization that Tim has a life almost diametrically the opposite of Henry’s that the images of Tim become fully human.
Can I confess something to you? I reserved this for the end of the review because I don't want it affecting the rest of what I wrote, but honestly? I think I like this book even more than Pie in the Sky. I know, I know, crazy, right? And it's not even fair to make that kind of a comparison since Pie was dealing with a whole range of dark issues, like grief and displacement, whereas this book has helicopter parenting. Just the same, I absolutely loved the storytelling at work here. For example, Lai appears to be a big fan of callbacks, so elements you see at the beginning of the story (and that you don't think about much at the time) pay off big time by the end. I just found myself in awe of not just how she made the story look, but the way in which she tied everything together. Henry goes on a personal journey that you believe. By the end, when he makes a personal sacrifice, you truly do believe that at that moment, under those circumstances, he would indeed do such a thing. He has to make a 180 on a lot of issues, and he does it honestly. Put simply, the writing in this book should be examined by fellow middle grade authors. Lai gets it right.
Kids love books where their fictional stand-ins enjoy a degree of independence they lack. No doubt there will be a concerned parent somewhere that flips out over the idea of a 12-year-old taking a plane ride by himself (even though it really is covered as legal in the Australia of this book). That pales in the face of the thousands (millions?) of kids that read this story and root for Henry from the get-go. His fellow overprotected equals will rally to his cause. And few kids would be able to pull off the con he has, so even the ones with a certain degree of freedom will thrill to the idea of fleeing the country under your own steam. Add in the copious humor (did I mention it’s genuinely laugh-out-loud funny?) and remarkable cathartic journey and you’ve got yourself a winner. Be careful with this book. It’s one of the rare titles that will appeal to a wide range of different kind of readers. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
For ages 9-12.
September 2, 2020
I don't know how Remy Lai does it, but she's done it again. Like her debut, Pie in the Sky is a heartfelt and sensitive story about family, how families express love differently, independence, and friendship. Wow!
- Follows Henry Khoo, whose family treats him like a baby. To prove them all wrong, Henry follows through with his secret plot to show them all that he's 'changed' and not a baby: fly, all on his own, to visit his dad in Singapore.
- This book is formatted like a diary, and I really enjoyed that! Paired with a story written at middle-grade level, this book is filled with Remy's drawings of Henry and his adventures. The illustrations are so delightful and convey feeling so well.
- Remy has this way of writing stories that are so incredibly charming and funny (like, laugh out loud funny!) but will make you cry or make your heart ache in the next page.
- What I love most about Fly on the Wall - and I've yet to read a book that does this? - is that it explores 'helicopter parenting' and highlights that different families express love differently -- and that being a diaspora kid who is surrounded by these overt expressions of love and doesn't understand that his family loves him and expresses that differently can be such a difficult thing to grapple.
- It also tackles friendships and change - specifically how Henry's friendship with his best friend changes. It's bittersweet, but I think showing how friendships do change with age is important and I am grateful to this book that it depicts that in such an honest and sensitive way.
- Honestly? Loved loved loved this. If you loved Pie in the Sky, I can assure you that you'll love this too.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC; this does not influence my opinions in my review.
Content warning:
- Follows Henry Khoo, whose family treats him like a baby. To prove them all wrong, Henry follows through with his secret plot to show them all that he's 'changed' and not a baby: fly, all on his own, to visit his dad in Singapore.
- This book is formatted like a diary, and I really enjoyed that! Paired with a story written at middle-grade level, this book is filled with Remy's drawings of Henry and his adventures. The illustrations are so delightful and convey feeling so well.
- Remy has this way of writing stories that are so incredibly charming and funny (like, laugh out loud funny!) but will make you cry or make your heart ache in the next page.
- What I love most about Fly on the Wall - and I've yet to read a book that does this? - is that it explores 'helicopter parenting' and highlights that different families express love differently -- and that being a diaspora kid who is surrounded by these overt expressions of love and doesn't understand that his family loves him and expresses that differently can be such a difficult thing to grapple.
- It also tackles friendships and change - specifically how Henry's friendship with his best friend changes. It's bittersweet, but I think showing how friendships do change with age is important and I am grateful to this book that it depicts that in such an honest and sensitive way.
- Honestly? Loved loved loved this. If you loved Pie in the Sky, I can assure you that you'll love this too.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC; this does not influence my opinions in my review.
Content warning:
May 7, 2020
Loved this one. I, also, had my friend's 12 year old daughter read this. She read it in one night. Could not put it down and immediately wanted every book from Remy Lai!
January 16, 2021
Another brilliant juvenile release from Remy Lai. I loved, loved, loved 'Pie In the Sky,' but actually think this one is my new favorite. Combining a variety of mediums from 1st person journal entries to digital art by the main character, this new novel reminds us that families are different and as we grow older it can sometimes be difficult to determine the love languages being spoken. In Perth, Henry's mom, big sister, and Popo seem to be stuck in Helicopter mode while his father in Singapore seems distant in more ways than one. So Henry decides to strike out on his own and fly to spend the holidays with his dad in Singapore. His journal keeps a running timer counting down to when he needs to report in at home base. Along the way we learn about his stealth entries on the internet as "Fly on the Wall" and have a front row seat to his journey from Perth to Singapore. I loved watching Henry learn more about himself, his family, and those around him. Would recommend to older MG readers as the font is quite small on some pages.
Read
January 8, 2021In search of freedom, Henry Khoo experiences quite the adventure as he travels from Australia to Singapore by himself at 12 years old. His adventure also helps this 12 year old better navigate the world of friendship.
Fly On the Wall is a funny coming of age story; fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid should definitely pick this one up. -Megan G.
Fly On the Wall is a funny coming of age story; fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid should definitely pick this one up. -Megan G.
August 30, 2020
4.5/5
Full review to come but this was another quick, amazing and entertaining read from Remy Lai (who is also amazing btw!) and you all should get on it! (This book isn't just for kids, you'll see parts of yourself and your childhood in any one of the characters – get to it!)
Full review to come but this was another quick, amazing and entertaining read from Remy Lai (who is also amazing btw!) and you all should get on it! (This book isn't just for kids, you'll see parts of yourself and your childhood in any one of the characters – get to it!)
Read
May 21, 2021Another brilliant juvenile release from Remy Lai. I loved, loved, loved 'Pie In the Sky,' but actually think this one is my new favorite. Combining a variety of mediums from 1st person journal entries to digital art by the main character, this new novel reminds us that families are different and as we grow older it can sometimes be difficult to determine the love languages being spoken. In Perth, Henry's mom, big sister, and Popo seem to be stuck in Helicopter mode while his father in Singapore seems distant in more ways than one. So Henry decides to strike out on his own and fly to spend the holidays with his dad in Singapore. His journal keeps a running timer counting down to when he needs to report in at home base. Along the way we learn about his stealth entries on the internet as "Fly on the Wall" and have a front row seat to his journey from Perth to Singapore. I loved watching Henry learn more about himself, his family, and those around him. Would recommend to older MG readers as the font is quite small on some pages. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*
March 14, 2020
You loved Remy Lai’s first book ‘Pie in the sky’, didn’t you?
This time, we have a Tiger-Mum, an over the top sister and a Shifu Granny named Popo. Henry can’t do anything without his family involving themselves. Clothes, meals, even vowel movements are monitored by his family.
Henry is a baby!
But, how can a 13 year old Singaporean-Australian boy change the situation? What would happen in one of Popo’s tv shows? Simple: an adventure!
Missing his dog (named ‘Meowmi’= cat, it’s a long story), carrying his journal, phone and savings Henry is headed off to face the world.
Willed with illustrious, cartoons and a reoccurring comic strip, ‘Fly on the wall’ is my favourite Remy Lai book to date. It’s blindingly brilliant.
Middle grade readers from all walks of life will identify with Henry and his internal dialogue.
A book to be devoured and reread and shared. I predict this is the book that will win author Remy Lai the accolades she deserves.
This time, we have a Tiger-Mum, an over the top sister and a Shifu Granny named Popo. Henry can’t do anything without his family involving themselves. Clothes, meals, even vowel movements are monitored by his family.
Henry is a baby!
But, how can a 13 year old Singaporean-Australian boy change the situation? What would happen in one of Popo’s tv shows? Simple: an adventure!
Missing his dog (named ‘Meowmi’= cat, it’s a long story), carrying his journal, phone and savings Henry is headed off to face the world.
Willed with illustrious, cartoons and a reoccurring comic strip, ‘Fly on the wall’ is my favourite Remy Lai book to date. It’s blindingly brilliant.
Middle grade readers from all walks of life will identify with Henry and his internal dialogue.
A book to be devoured and reread and shared. I predict this is the book that will win author Remy Lai the accolades she deserves.
February 25, 2025
I liked it was good
July 20, 2020
Fly on the Wall is about a 12 year old boy, Henry Khoo, who like any other middle schooler, wants to fit in and have friends. His family can be a little over protective, okay, maybe A LOT, and he just wants to be independent and not treated like a BABY anymore. Henry goes on a special quest to prove he doesn’t need to be baby-ed.
I really liked all of the comics that were integrated throughout the book. I think many kids will relate with Henry and how he feels navigating friendships and feeling socially awkward at times.
Educators- I have a feeling “Fly on the Wall” will fly off your shelf- buy extra copies!!
I really liked all of the comics that were integrated throughout the book. I think many kids will relate with Henry and how he feels navigating friendships and feeling socially awkward at times.
Educators- I have a feeling “Fly on the Wall” will fly off your shelf- buy extra copies!!
October 23, 2020
This is a great follow up to Pie in the Sky. You'll feel for Henry Khoo and also want to strangle him a little, which are the best kind of characters. I read this with my 10yo who laughed out loud several times along the way.
April 14, 2022
it was okay
October 1, 2020
Henry Khoo has a helicopter family. His mother, older sister anime and his Popo surround him and manage him constantly, to he extent that he feels stifled and frustrated. Henry also isn’t great at dealing with people, and has one friend Phoebe, with whom he’s kind of on the outs with, because she’s been drawing away from him for months. And,….Henry also has a blog where he spreads rumours about people at school. He started the blog because he was lonely and angry with Phoebe saying something not very nice about him to one of her new friends.
Henry also misses his father, who works in a Singapore, while the rest of the family lives in Australia. Henry wants to connect with his father, and wants to escape his suffocating family, and wants to escape he repercussions of adults finding out he’s the person spreading hurtful ru,ours about people at school. So he buys a ticket to a flight to Singapore, and heads out. Along the way, Henry thinks a lot about his situations, and comes to some startling revelations.
Remi Lai sensitively takes us through Henry’s angst, justifications, and finally his realization that his actions have impacts:
-Families are tough, and they're all different from one another, and they all have their own ways of interacting with one another.
-Henry's family watches over him very closely; this is the only way they know how to express that they care for him.
-Friends don't always remain friends forever, and people grow apart, and people hurt each other, and sometimes, they come back to be friends.
-There are others that one could be friends with, if one gives others the chance.
Henry also misses his father, who works in a Singapore, while the rest of the family lives in Australia. Henry wants to connect with his father, and wants to escape his suffocating family, and wants to escape he repercussions of adults finding out he’s the person spreading hurtful ru,ours about people at school. So he buys a ticket to a flight to Singapore, and heads out. Along the way, Henry thinks a lot about his situations, and comes to some startling revelations.
Remi Lai sensitively takes us through Henry’s angst, justifications, and finally his realization that his actions have impacts:
-Families are tough, and they're all different from one another, and they all have their own ways of interacting with one another.
-Henry's family watches over him very closely; this is the only way they know how to express that they care for him.
-Friends don't always remain friends forever, and people grow apart, and people hurt each other, and sometimes, they come back to be friends.
-There are others that one could be friends with, if one gives others the chance.
July 6, 2020
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
I truly enjoy books by Remy Lai. They are funny, entertaining, and with many excellent illustrations they are great books to help with the transition to longer middle grade books.
In this story, Henry is tired of being babied by his family. He decides that he's going to take an international flight from Australia to Singapore to spend the school break with his dad, and without anyone knowing what he's doing. While setting off on this adventure, he also discovers that a secret he's been keeping is about to be revealed, and he's convinced his nemesis is on the same plane as him. The journey is a comedy of errors, with unexpected truths being revealed along the way.
There are too few middle grade books with lots of illustrations. It feels like once a young reader is able to engage with longer books, we forget that pictures are just fun and can add so much to the reading experience. I also would like to see more books like this one where there is humor in a realistic ownvoices story rather than a heavy and serious tone.
I loved Henry's discovery that different families show their affection and love for each other in different ways, and sometimes you need perspective to see that. I also liked that not everything resolves itself with a happy ending, which is important for young readers to see.
I'd definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy funny, highly illustrated books and are building their reading stamina.
I truly enjoy books by Remy Lai. They are funny, entertaining, and with many excellent illustrations they are great books to help with the transition to longer middle grade books.
In this story, Henry is tired of being babied by his family. He decides that he's going to take an international flight from Australia to Singapore to spend the school break with his dad, and without anyone knowing what he's doing. While setting off on this adventure, he also discovers that a secret he's been keeping is about to be revealed, and he's convinced his nemesis is on the same plane as him. The journey is a comedy of errors, with unexpected truths being revealed along the way.
There are too few middle grade books with lots of illustrations. It feels like once a young reader is able to engage with longer books, we forget that pictures are just fun and can add so much to the reading experience. I also would like to see more books like this one where there is humor in a realistic ownvoices story rather than a heavy and serious tone.
I loved Henry's discovery that different families show their affection and love for each other in different ways, and sometimes you need perspective to see that. I also liked that not everything resolves itself with a happy ending, which is important for young readers to see.
I'd definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy funny, highly illustrated books and are building their reading stamina.
March 28, 2020
Lai’s work in Pie in the Sky touched upon depression and grief. In Fly in the Wall, she switches over to finding the balance of being too protected vs. isolated (looking at you, the opposite of helicopter parents with your eyes on a device never once looking at your kid 💔).
The book juggles so much without once dropping a thread in the story and has just the right touch of humor to have you laughing out loud at, oddly, just the right times. (Official Babies scheme, the one that asks, “what’s the meaning of life?”)
High praise for the flotsam spread, wow. I dare you to find a kid in school who does not understand what Lai is talking about, or an adult at work for that matter. (Is anyone seeing a rise of attempts to de-stigmatize mental health, particularly in graphic novels of late?)
Peppering the book with Chinese = genius!! I don’t read it but it got me talking with mom to help with translations. And I know of cousins should would’ve gobbled up a hybrid like this while torturously trying to get through Chinese school.
And please, please say there’s a story for Nor possibly in the future, even a short one? Or a world in which Jingwen, Henry and Nor all somehow meet....
Don’t stop what you were meant to do Ms. Lai. Your work is fantastic.
The book juggles so much without once dropping a thread in the story and has just the right touch of humor to have you laughing out loud at, oddly, just the right times. (Official Babies scheme, the one that asks, “what’s the meaning of life?”)
High praise for the flotsam spread, wow. I dare you to find a kid in school who does not understand what Lai is talking about, or an adult at work for that matter. (Is anyone seeing a rise of attempts to de-stigmatize mental health, particularly in graphic novels of late?)
Peppering the book with Chinese = genius!! I don’t read it but it got me talking with mom to help with translations. And I know of cousins should would’ve gobbled up a hybrid like this while torturously trying to get through Chinese school.
And please, please say there’s a story for Nor possibly in the future, even a short one? Or a world in which Jingwen, Henry and Nor all somehow meet....
Don’t stop what you were meant to do Ms. Lai. Your work is fantastic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2021
After enjoying Pie in the Sky so much last year, I was keen to read this one once it came out. It has a very similar look and feel to the first novel, although dealing with a new cast of characters. (Jingwen does make a surprise cameo appearance at one point).
This was a fun story, exploring Henry's desire for independence and not being treated like a baby. His family certainly exceed the usual definition of helicopter parents! We also see Henry sorting through friendship issues. Just like in real life, he makes mountains out of molehills and makes assumptions that lead to misunderstandings. I like that it shows clearly that everything is not all about him (like he thinks it is) and also shines a light on the problems that can arise from only having one friend, and clinging too tightly to that relationship. These are things I observe at school time after time.
A solid middle grade novel
This was a fun story, exploring Henry's desire for independence and not being treated like a baby. His family certainly exceed the usual definition of helicopter parents! We also see Henry sorting through friendship issues. Just like in real life, he makes mountains out of molehills and makes assumptions that lead to misunderstandings. I like that it shows clearly that everything is not all about him (like he thinks it is) and also shines a light on the problems that can arise from only having one friend, and clinging too tightly to that relationship. These are things I observe at school time after time.
A solid middle grade novel
Read
May 11, 2021Humor, cartoony style, excellent storytelling, adventure all mingle together to make this book a perfect pick for upper elementary students. This book is similar to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series in many ways; however, the main character Henry Khoo is more likeable than Greg Heffley and Henry is a round character who develops throughout the book.
Another staff review!:
I loved this book! Henry is such a real kid who makes mistakes and tries so, so hard to figure out how to fix them. He's longing for friendship and independence and through the story, he comes to a deeper understanding of his struggle for both. He's funny and smart and just delightful. His adventure keeps the book moving along and his growth is so relatable and wonderful. Great for kids who like a bit of a comics style along with a novel.
Another staff review!:
I loved this book! Henry is such a real kid who makes mistakes and tries so, so hard to figure out how to fix them. He's longing for friendship and independence and through the story, he comes to a deeper understanding of his struggle for both. He's funny and smart and just delightful. His adventure keeps the book moving along and his growth is so relatable and wonderful. Great for kids who like a bit of a comics style along with a novel.
July 12, 2020
I received an ARC through NetGalley from Henry Holt & Company. Twelve-year-old Henry is treated like a baby by his helicopter family and to take on this issue he decides to board a plane to Singapore to visit his dad. Henry is also the writer/illustrator of a blog that comically illustrated his school mates from his perspective as the “fly on the wall.” This independent and personal flight for Henry to visit his dad helps him to learn about himself and his place in the world amongst his family, friends and peers. A cute story filled with fun comical illustrations that aid the flow of this middle grade story. Great for ages 10-14. Fans of Lai’s “Pie in the Sky” will appreciate this as well. Good realistic fiction with nice illustrations.
April 15, 2020
I was not a fan, but can see that it may be popular with those in 3rd-6th grade range who enjoy graphic novels or books similar to Princess in Black and others with equal parts text and bold illustrations. Those who liked the author’s first work, “Pie in the Sky” will also be pleased to see a second book with the same text-graphics ratio and kid-friendly plot. Thanks for the dARC, Edelweiss.
November 10, 2020
Well told story. Loved the international travel, mystery, honest exploration about growing up and seeking independence-many laugh out loud moments. My kids would love this one.
July 1, 2021
A really cute book along the lines of Wimpy kid that is heavily illustrated but not quite a graphic novel. Remy Lai brings to you Henry Khoo of Perth, Australia who lives with his mom, sister, and grandmother while his dad lives in Singapore. The three women in his life treat him like a baby (he is the baby of the family) and do everything for him--the ultimate in helicopter parenting except he has three of them. His dad shows his love by buying him gifts and other necessary things but seems to have trouble talking to him. Henry has always been a bit quirky but his best friend Pheobe has always been by his side as they've taken on the world together. Except when she doesn't and starts hanging out with other friends. His sister/mother/grandmother's smothering, his best friend's desertion, and his dad wishing he was different leaves him full of feelings and he copes by creating a comic strip that is full of school gossip. When things seem to be falling apart, he decides he's going to run off and visit his dad on his own while proving that he is no longer a baby. So begins the adventure that he documents in this book. I really enjoyed this and both listened to the narration (I was curious) and read along. This would be particularly good for any 9-12 year old who feels like you don't belong or like you don't have any control over your own life, this had me laughing and feeling sympathy for Henry, even as he made some bad choices (although I loved his sneakiness in pulling off the trip). I very much enjoyed this and will be reading her other book, Pie in the Sky, and probably Pawcaso, when I can get it from my library.
July 12, 2021
Henry Khoo is NOT a baby. But his mom and his sister hover over him like the greatest helicopter family members ever. They're constantly texting to check that he has his first aid kit, whether or not his friend's mom is serving shrimp for lunch, if he's wearing sunscreen, they even lay out his clothes for the next day every night! Henry is determined to prove himself, in a very big way. Why not book an airplane ticket (after memorizing his mom's credit card info), develop an elaborate plan to make his mom, sister and grandma think that he's doing a school project (in the summer?) at his former friend's house (they don't know the "former friend" part), hop in a taxi for the airport, go through security, board the plane and fly five hours to stay with his dad in Singapore for the summer break? Oh, and he forgot his passport so he has to sneak back into the house to get it, before he goes anywhere. Not really a graphic novel, more like a novel with great cartoon drawings, author Remy Lai perfectly captures the awkwardness of being twelve and wanting to be treated like a "grown-up" even though you're not quite sure what that means. Funny. Messy relationships. Family misunderstandings. Brilliant character development. Loved it.
March 9, 2022
Henry Khoo is twelve years old but his family still treats him like a baby.
To prove that he’s NOT a baby, he decides to travel from Australia to visit his father in Singapore over spring break all by himself. This is quite a feat considering he’s never even picked out his own clothes before. Can he pull this off?
Henry also has a big secret. He feels unnoticed at school… like he’s a fly on the wall. Henry hears a lot of things and creates an online gossip cartoon. Henry has to keep his identity secret but he's on the verge of getting caught.
Fly on the Wall is written in a hybrid comic book-diary style, and filled with adventure and laughs. It’s a great story on navigating friendships, growing up and understanding that sometimes families express and show their love in different ways.
This book is also available on Overdrive as a downloadable e-book.
Reviewed by: Jane Martinez Khaytin, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
To prove that he’s NOT a baby, he decides to travel from Australia to visit his father in Singapore over spring break all by himself. This is quite a feat considering he’s never even picked out his own clothes before. Can he pull this off?
Henry also has a big secret. He feels unnoticed at school… like he’s a fly on the wall. Henry hears a lot of things and creates an online gossip cartoon. Henry has to keep his identity secret but he's on the verge of getting caught.
Fly on the Wall is written in a hybrid comic book-diary style, and filled with adventure and laughs. It’s a great story on navigating friendships, growing up and understanding that sometimes families express and show their love in different ways.
This book is also available on Overdrive as a downloadable e-book.
Reviewed by: Jane Martinez Khaytin, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
August 16, 2021
When Henry Khoo's family decides they won't going to Singapore to visit his dad over school break, he decides to take matters into his own hands. He's going to book a plane ticket and travel to Singapore to prove to his family that he's not a baby. On the way, he also has to continue to hide the fact that he's the one who writes the anonymous Fly on the Wall comics from the whole school. The hardest thing about that, though, is making sure that the one person who actually knows that it's him doesn't tell anyone.
November 16, 2020
Enjoyed this a lot and appreciated that Henry delt with some pretty tough middle school issues about fitting in, changing friendships, family frustration and trying to find independence. It all felt like an authentic voice and the format of eye popping illustrations in this graphic novel make it very accessible. Another winner by Remy Lai
May 18, 2021
This is both hilarious and heartwarming. I loved the friendships and family dynamics as well as the character growth arc of Henry. This novel contains so much wisdom and has an authentic middle grade voice. Highly recommended!
March 26, 2021
I think middle school readers will relate to Henry's journey to find himself and accept his mistakes as he literally runs away to his father in Singapore.
Read
June 4, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Parental neglect
Parental neglect
January 11, 2021
Just couldn't get into this one. Too many contrived plot points. There are much better books that deal with the same issues.
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