BOOK BRIEF

Spud: Learning to Fly

John van de Ruit
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Spud: Learning to Fly

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

Book Brief

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John van de Ruit

Spud: Learning to Fly

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

420

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Humor

Modern Classic Fiction

Education
Setting

South Africa • 1990s

Topic
Education
Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Spud: Learning to Fly by John van de Ruit follows Spud Milton, a teenage boy navigating school life, friendship, and personal growth at an elite boarding school in South Africa. Amidst comedic and challenging experiences, Spud learns valuable life lessons as he faces the complexities of adolescence.

Humorous

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Adventurous

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

2,728 ratings

74%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Spud: Learning to Fly by John van de Ruit captures the humor and chaos of adolescence with vivid storytelling. Reviews praise its engaging and witty narrative, along with well-developed characters. However, some find the plot somewhat predictable. Overall, it successfully balances humor and life lessons, appealing to both teens and adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Spud: Learning to Fly?

Readers who relish coming-of-age tales with humor akin to J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye or Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole will enjoy Spud: Learning to Fly by John van de Ruit. The novel’s witty, relatable teenage protagonist and boarding school adventures make it a compelling choice.

4.3

2,728 ratings

74%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

420

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Humor

Modern Classic Fiction

Education
Setting

South Africa • 1990s

Topic
Education
Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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