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Flyaway Boy

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Kabir doesn't fit in. Not in the wintry hill town he lives in, and not in his school, where the lines are always straight. Backed into a corner with no way out, Kabir vanishes.
With every adult's nightmare now coming true, finding this flyaway boy will mean understanding who he really is. Or is it too late?
Spirited and powerfully imaginative, Flyaway Boy is a story about embracing everything that makes you uniquely you.

Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2019

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Jane De Suza

16 books12 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Arti.
661 reviews107 followers
January 8, 2020
The author has portrayed the issue of how the children today are pressurized to do things right. To move along with the society and to do things that everyone else does. And that is what happened to Kabir. All the pressure and he gave in.
The characters are beautifully developed and they are realistic and I could feel for Kabir all the time. Kavni is likable and so much the responsible older sister. The townsfolk, the school teachers and even the dog Shoo are so real.
The narrative is unique and leaves a lot for the reader’s imagination. The language is simple and the author has written the book in such a way that it touches a chord somewhere. There is humour, there is drama and there is sadness at times. The illustrations are beautiful and match the theme of the story.
This book is a must read for all age groups, especially parents and grandparents.
218 reviews76 followers
May 10, 2022
This book feels instinctively like a story for adults (read parents) written in the form of a children's tale.

Ten year old Kabir lives in a small town with his parents and sister. He has a wild imagination that often lands him in trouble with his teachers and by extension, his parents. He feels misunderstood and begins to believe that he is indeed wrong in the way he thinks and imagines things. He feels invisible, not 'seen' by those around him.

Although there is a series of small incidents where he feels misunderstood, one incident in school tips the story over and he disappears. His sister Kavi, his parents, his friends, his teachers and his principal, all begin to understand that they have been trying to attach labels to him that make sense to them, but perhaps not to him. The police step in and try (futilely) to make sense of this small town and its missing child.

The ending closes many of the loops with the whole town coming together (no major plot twist, happy ending, though), and it begs the question whether it was intended for us to make up our own version of Kabir's disappearance.

I loved the narrative voice - it was at once quirky, petulant, know-it-allish and highly entertaining.
Profile Image for Amritha Srinath Booksngupshups.
84 reviews9 followers
August 28, 2019
Flyaway Boy by Jane De Souza deserves a standing ovation, a thundering round of applause and so on.
Jane's story narration is quirky, hitting the right chord and thought provoking.
The poignant protagonist Kabir is what we as children were, what our children are. His thoughts and perceptions about the people/things around him are full of innocence and curiosity.
Kabir is highly creative, loves imagining things and firmly believes in it. His believes are shattered when grown ups around him start laying the do's and don'ts, judging him, stopping him from his imagination.

I personally loved this book not only because of its super engaging language but also for the writer's out-of-the-box writing skill and the lovely illustration. Although this book is apt for 9-12 years of age, I firmly recommend this to adults, especially the parents.

We parents are staunch believers that we always think, say and perform things right. We expect it out of our kids too. Read this book to find where we go wrong! Where we as parents stop and shatter the innocent minds and hearts of our children, shutting their imagination forever in life.

I once again strongly urge you to read this book. I am sure you would love it. And I sincerely hope that once you read, you would ask all your inhibitions, enforcements, etc. to Flyaway!!!

Rating: 5/5
3 reviews
October 4, 2019
Flyaway Boy is such a lovely book. The quiet town where Kabir lives, his school, and the characters that make up the town were wonderfully portrayed, as were the friendships and the relationships (with the townsfolk, the teachers, and the dog) – they brought out such a sense of nostalgia! The exasperation of the parents was also on point and I wondered if Jane had taken a sneak-peek into my life as a perpetually-harrowed mom. The book is extremely relatable and Jane has held up a mirror for all of us adults. Even though I was teary-eyed through many parts of the book, it left me with a sense of happiness and hope. And reminded me that I need to cherish my non-conformist kids.

Funny and poignant at the same time, it is a book that SHOULD be mandatory reading for all adults.

PS: Even though the book is said to be for 9-12 year-olds, I don’t think it needs to be put in that box and labelled as such!
10 reviews
August 30, 2019
Fly away Boy is one book that is meant both for parents and for children, highlighting the importance of accepting individuals the way they are.


_______________________________


Kabir, the protagonist, is a child who is talented in his own little ways that are not acknowledged by the social norms. Feeling ignored at home, he decides to run away only to leave his parents in a quandary. Where did Kabir go? Will his parents ever find him back? Will they realise his worth? The book answers these and many other questions.


_____________________________


A sensitive topic such as this one is dealt with remarakable ingenuity and empathy. A must-read book that celebrates individual identity as unique as all of us!
Profile Image for Hansa Kajaria.
32 reviews
August 31, 2019
A book I would recommend every parent to read. This book talks about how kids feel pressurized and how we should accept every individual as he or she is. 


Kabir is a young boy who has his own set of talent, which are not accepted by all around him.  He doesn’t fit in for them. He finally runs away from them all and now his parents are put to search him. 


To know more as to what happens to Kabir and will he come back home, read the book. This book is meant for both parent and child as we as parents and society at large always have pre defined rules of acceptance and if anyone is an outlier, we find it difficult to accept them. 
A very well written book with so much flow of emotion, it’s a great read and takes away a straight 5/5 from me. 
Profile Image for Amrita Basu.
Author 23 books19 followers
August 19, 2019
Flyaway Boy by Jane De Suza ticks all the right boxes.
It's written in a way which children will adore. It retains the sense of mystery, yet manages to give us an important message.
It's not preachy and is full of fun school events which kids will relate to. It talks about individuality, acceptance and being different is okay. It's not only for children but also for parents.
Every time you want to compare your child with someone else remember the Flyaway Boy.
In this age of childhood stress, this is a must-read.
Disclaimer: I received the book as a gift. Sharing the review here. All opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Akanksha Singh.
26 reviews
August 27, 2019
The book sends a clear message that though in this rat race of success what people wants to be special and unique and yet when there is someone actually special all come together to mould him to be a fit among them.I am highly impressed by the imaginative skills of writer and totally loved the introduction of characters of the labels of boxes stuck onto them by the society.
The book brings back a lot of childhood memories like how we used to be curious with our own imagination for whenever we saw a thing for the first time.
The book is a perfect read for kids and a must read for the parents; believe me you need to read this for a better version of you towards your child.
Profile Image for Siddhi Palande.
764 reviews44 followers
September 6, 2019
Let me begin by saying that I completed this book in a single sitting. The character of Kabir instantly charmed me and I found myself wanting to read about him. I wanted to delve into his mind and understand what life is from his perspective. His was a pious and unbiased view of life.⁣

I would suggest that you introduce every parent and every kid to this book. I am sure even they will love reading it as much as I did. And more so because there are many Kabirs out there who need to be understood and who need an understanding family and friends.

More about the book is updated on ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Megha.
5 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2019
If you have ever faced any judgemental issue in childhood, this is a book for you.
A very insightful book that all parents should read as it talks about pressures put on children.
Well, I must say that the story is as interesting as the cover of the book. I love the little detailing in the book. The author knows the exact words to describe what's going on in Kabir's head and the narration the stands out. A lovely book that touches the innocence of kids.
Spirited and powerfully imaginative, Flyaway Boy is a story about embracing everything that makes you uniquely you.
Profile Image for Neha Tambe.
25 reviews
August 30, 2019
Author Jane De Suza brings a sensitive tale in a playful manner and easy to read language. My daughter loved reading the book and it definitely made her sensitive towards children who just don’t seem to fit in.

Would highly recommend to all children and certainly to every adult. As adults, we seem to forget that every child is different and end up expecting them to fit in a certain pigeon hole defined by us. Such expectations end up hurting more than anything else and that is what this book highlights.
Profile Image for Noor Anand.
Author 1 book21 followers
September 1, 2019
This wonderful book should be required reading for every child. Kabir, a naughty yet creative and imaginative boy has a tough time fitting into “boxes” prescribed by society and school. When he runs away, his family and peers are forced to view the world through his eyes, and life is a lot better when you think out of the box!
The story line is wonderful, and the easy readability and timely use of illustrations and poetry make it even more interesting.
It is a must-read for all children but especially for those considered “troublesome” or those who find it difficult to fit in.
Profile Image for Priyanka Chhabria.
6 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2019
The book is as interesting as it's cover. Flyaway Boy by @janedesuza Is one of the finest work of literature. The book has everything right from an engaging story to humour to suspense. .

Kabir is an extraordinary boy who does not fit in with the normal but at the same time you will relate with him. He thinks out of the box and everything around him is lively, even a ball or an alphabet letter. .

Once you are into the story, you will keep wanting more of his innocence, his perspective of world and him. The writing is just amazing and narration of the story binds readers very well. .
1 review1 follower
December 19, 2019
Every parent, every kid must read this book! Jane's little misfit Kabir, actually appeals to the Kabir in each one of us! Poignant, yet light-hearted, this book seeks to look away from academic stereotypes among children and urges us to look at the sparkle in all kinds of children, that we tend to have a blind spot to! Effortless writing! There are gems in there if you care to take a second look! I'm 54, yet was moved by Kabir, a kid!
27 reviews
August 30, 2019
Such a beautiful and emotional read. It is like a true story of todays world. We parents try and bind our kids to all possible shoulds and woulds, in course of which we often forget their wants and interests. We often forget to appreciate the other things they are good at. A must read for kids and parents.
3 reviews
August 30, 2019
A beautiful book about how its ok to be different. Kabir is a young boy who imagines things that normal people dont. The story is about how Kabir wins everybody's love being himself.
4 reviews
October 8, 2019
Loved the fresh writing style and the imagination of the author. It was a joy to read and the humour was terrific...made me laugh more than once.
2 reviews
Read
September 29, 2020
Fly Away Boy is not written in the usual format of a novel.
Following an unfamiliar and unique storyline, this story involving discovery, suspense and police investigation is about a person with a super imagination whose attempt to be understood sends their small, sleepy town into a frenzy. The book revolves around a happy family – father, mother, the elder sister Kavni, and of course, the hero younger brother Kabir.

This story is about us quickly putting people into boxes and expecting them to conform to the way we perceive them.

Jane addresses the subject with the sensitivity and perception so relevant to the situation most children find themselves in today’s fast paced world. It draws one’s attention to the haste and insensitivity with which elders tend to suppress the natural qualities in children if these do not conform to their own pre-conceived ideas of what should be, rather than try to understand them and encourage them to be the best that they can be.

There are many of us who are also waiting to allow a ‘Kabir’ in us to come out. If more of us were like him, it might serve to help us discover more about ourselves and our purpose in life.
Profile Image for Supriya Tawde.
33 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2022
When a child doesn't study or is messy, we say hes naughty or lazy. Kabir's parents also think of him as naughty or lazy, while Kabir wishes to be unseen from the world. One day he suddenly vanishes and with a note. So hes not kidnapped he has left. Why, where and what really happened to Kabir? Do read this book, especially if you are a parent. My perspective towards my own child changed after reading this book. Jane De Suza has always been my favorite author since I read 'The Spy Who Lost Her Head'. Writes so beautifully. All her books are must read.
Profile Image for Samaira.
122 reviews
October 27, 2021
i kept waiting for this big plot twist but it never came and i was left unsatisfied 😇
Profile Image for Enakshi J..
Author 8 books54 followers
January 10, 2020
It is said that a child’s mind is not a container to be filled but rather a fire to be kindled. Every child is different and hence, it is important to nurture the talent that the child possesses and encourage him/her to follow the dream. Childhood is a stage when mind imbibes everything with an easy span and thus, children should not be bound by rules that prevent their magic wand (the mind) to do the magic! ‘Flyaway Boy’ is the book that explains the same idea in a very interactive and comical way. Sounding like the written version of the Bollywood movie ‘Taare Zameen Par’, ‘Flyaway Boy’ is genuine, identifiable and enjoyable at the same time.

Delectable language and the lively character of Kabir bring the story to life. While Kabir is desirous of going out in the world and exploring all avenues, his parents and his teachers want him to stick to the rules laid out by the society and strive to fit in. He struggles to explain his point of view as no one understands nor appreciates his thought process. Consequently, he is made to feel that he lets everyone down. Then one day, he goes missing and all hell breaks loose. His parents are guilty yet unaware. His sister knows somewhere deep within that she is at fault but in reality, she is not. His dog ‘shoo’ misses him terribly. But there is no news of Kabir.

Read the complete review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...
20 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2020
Loved the writing. Sentences such as "He leapt like a high note over a hedge," tend to stick in one's mind.

There's also the idea that we often put ourselves in boxes with labels on them, and sometimes a book comes along with a boy who sees these boxes in the people around him.

Instantly we recognize the boxes that we've built around ourselves and wonder why we haven't paid as much attention to our own labels before.
Profile Image for Madhulika Liddle.
Author 22 books547 followers
December 16, 2019
Ten year old Kabir Anand lives in a hill town with his parents and his older sister Kavni, who is the model student: studious, high-scoring, a sibling to look up to. Only, to the distress of their parents (and almost everybody else), Kabir doesn’t seem inclined to follow in Kavni’s illustrious footsteps. He goes his own way, seemingly in a dreamworld where doing exactly what the teacher says doesn’t always happen. Or may, depending on what it is the teacher said, and what the teacher actually meant.

I bought this book after attending a session by Jane De Suza at the Delhi edition of the children’s literary festival, Bookaroo. The session was on ‘bringing up the perfect child’, and its emphasis was on accepting that not everybody’s idea of ‘perfection’ should be (or can be) the same. Jane quoted a tiny bit from Flyaway Boy, a section where Kabir scores 33/50 in a test, and his parents want to know where those 17 marks went—what did he get wrong? Not realizing, of course, that Kabir had been patting himself on the back for getting 33 marks’ worth of answers right.

That made me really sit up, and it gave me such an insight into the book that I bought it.

And what a good book this is. For a child, of course, given that it’s funny and it’s about an everyday boy facing everyday problems, it is easy to relate to. Kabir is like many children: not an utter failure, not unloved, but at the same time, having to struggle with being constantly compared, perennially being told to do better, to pay attention, to fulfil the hopes and desires of his parents. There are the little joys of childhood, and the sorrows. The triumphs, the lows—and the highs. The illustrations are delightful, and De Suza’s humour is inimitable.

But for an adult, too, this is an invaluable book, because it gently reminds us of how important it is to not foist our ideas of success and failure on children. How children will go their own way (or at least attempt to, if we let them), and how happiness and love means an acceptance of that truth: of letting children fly where they will, because that is their will.

A wonderful book, which should be required reading for parents and teachers. And basically anybody who has to deal with children in whatever capacity.
Profile Image for Sindhu Vinod.
216 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2019
We live in a society where our kids should either have or follow a passion that has already been established or determined successful. If I would have to explicitly say, a passion that also makes you earn your bread. Anything out from this list is termed different and is not really considered.

Every kid is born with a different talent. We shouldn’t be pooling them into the categories which I said above. If your kid is doing something different, is making him/her happy encourage them and not just try to change their track.

Kabir, here in flyaway boy is a kid of one such kind. He is different in the place he lives and also in the school he studies. He does not fit into any of the categories just like I said above. He is not like his friends and has a different way of thinking. When the entire world is busy with the rat race, he has his own way of doing things. So what’s the result? Kids like him are not accepted in society. Leave the society when having him in the family with parents support is a big question mark.

Realising him being ignored and not having any support, he vanishes. Finding him will now make them understand who he actually is? But is it too late? Did they find him out is the rest of the story.

The book is a short read and can be completed in one shot. The book is a must read by all parents and to kids when they come to a level where they could understand that kids like Kabir need to be accepted, understood and be given support from family and friends.
74 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2019
All of us are different and unique. No two human beings are the same. In spite of that , we pass judgements on everyone, whether it’s children or adults. One should realise that we should not impose our decisions on kids. It is not necessary that all kids are intelligent. Some kids can be brilliant in studies, while some can be excellent in sports or arts. Each child is unique has some talent. We should always encourage children.

Flyaway Boy is a story of one such boy, who was different from others. He was always pressured by his parents to do well in school. They used to compare him to his elder sister who was good in studies. He was mischievous and always got in trouble in school. He felt ignored and not accepted. As a result he vanished. He thought noone really cared for him , so he just left his home and went away. What do you think happened ? Were his parents able to find him ? Did they realise his worth ? To know more read the story.

I could totally relate to this book because this is what happens in our society . We try to be judgemental about everyone, even our children. This story is a must read not only for kids but also for parents because parents should realise that their children are individuals with their own unique thinking. We need to make our children realise that they are important to us rather than making them feel unwanted.

It is a short and a beautiful read. I loved the cover of the book, it is very intriguing , makes you think what it signifies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pragnya Mishra.
68 reviews14 followers
August 25, 2019
The protagonist Kabir is an odd one. He doesn’t fit in his school. Not in his small hilly town. While people live in labeled boxes his box just doesn’t fit. Parents and teachers hopelessly tried to enlighten him “why can’t be like others”. He never sticks to any rules. He imagines things all the time. The boy so odd is cornered often. And one day he just vanished in thin air.
Now he is the center of attention. Where can a little boy go? Nightmarish theories are dished out, but is that true? If no one knows how he went missing, did Kabir exist at all?
Flyaway boy by Jane De Suza is about embracing yourself. Embracing the creative mind that’s different wired. Inspiring people coming out of labeled boxes like ‘busy’, ‘backbencher’, ‘perfect’, go on.
De Suza is a witty storyteller touching sensitive topic lovingly. She takes the reader to dive into Kabir’s monologue thoughts. Giving a view of the world from his innocent perception. Kabir is a charmer whom young readers can instantly connect with. The plot is gripping. A page-turner. Enjoyable experience.
The book is apt for children aged 9-12 years. Though the book should be read by all adults shaping children, mainly parents and teachers too.
Rating 4.5/5
Profile Image for Pragnya Mishra.
68 reviews14 followers
August 28, 2019
The protagonist Kabir is an odd one. He doesn’t fit in his school. Not in his small hilly town. While people live in labeled boxes his box just doesn’t fit. Parents and teachers hopelessly tried to enlighten him “why can’t be like others”. He never sticks to any rules. He imagines things all the time. The boy so odd is cornered often. And one day he just vanished in thin air.
Now he is the center of attention. Where can a little boy go? Nightmarish theories are dished out, but is that true? If no one knows how he went missing, did Kabir exist at all?
Flyaway boy by Jane De Suza is about embracing yourself. Embracing the creative mind that’s different wired. Inspiring people coming out of labeled boxes like ‘busy’, ‘backbencher’, ‘perfect’, go on.
De Suza is a witty storyteller touching sensitive topic lovingly. She takes the reader to dive into Kabir’s monologue thoughts. Giving a view of the world from his innocent perception. Kabir is a charmer whom young readers can instantly connect with. The plot is gripping. A page-turner. Enjoyable experience.
The book is apt for children aged 9-12 years. Though the book should be read by all adults shaping children, mainly parents and teachers too.
Rating 4.5/5
20 reviews
Read
August 27, 2019
What happens when you are not expected by the society the way you are? What if you think out of the said box the society has set? Do you feel free or feel cornered? Does the society really let you be yourself and let you live like you want?
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'Flyaway Boy' by Jane De Suza is story of one such boy, Kabir, who is different from the kids of his age. He doesn't fit in the boxes created by the world, not in his school, not in family and not in the town he lives in.
But what happens when he suddenly vanishes? Will they really know where he is or did he even exist?
This book is one good piece of literature with an amazing story about letting one be oneself and learn - relearn on their own pace. The language is simple yet strong. Love the illustrations with words and abstracts. The story has humour, suspense and a message.
Recommended especially for adults who are shaping kids - parents and teachers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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