38 pages • 1 hour read
Flying Solo
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Book Brief
146
Novel • Fiction
Classroom • 1990s
1998
Middle grade
9-12 years
590L
Super Short Summary
Flying Solo by Ralph Fletcher tells the story of a sixth-grade class at Paulson Elementary School who, when their substitute teacher fails to arrive, decide to run the class themselves for the day. The narrative unfolds through different students' perspectives as they navigate this unique situation, addressing themes such as responsibility, tolerance, and acceptance, all while dealing with lingering emotions from a classmate's recent passing. The story includes the death of a child and resultant grief.
Contemplative
Emotional
Inspirational
Bittersweet
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
3,471 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Flying Solo by Ralph Fletcher is praised for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, offering an insightful look into adolescence and classroom dynamics. Reviews highlight its realistic portrayal of self-discovery, though some critique the pacing. Overall, it's lauded as a thought-provoking read for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read Flying Solo?
Flying Solo by Ralph Fletcher will captivate readers who enjoy realistic middle-grade fiction featuring school life and interpersonal dynamics. Fans of Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons or Andrew Clements’s Frindle will appreciate its exploration of friendship, responsibility, and self-discovery. Ideal for ages 8-12.
3,471 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
146
Novel • Fiction
Classroom • 1990s
1998
Middle grade
9-12 years
590L
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