Childrens

Fly on the Wall

Fly on the Wall

  • Downloads：3166
  • Type：Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date：2021-06-19 06:51:29
  • Update Date：2025-09-07
  • Status：finish
  • Author：Remy Lai
  • ISBN：1250314127
  • Environment：PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle
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Summary

In this moving and hilarious illustrated novel from the critically-acclaimed author of Pie in the Sky ， 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。

Remy Lai takes readers on an adventure filled with humor， heart， and hijinks that’s a sure bet for fans of Jerry Craft， Terri Libenson， and Shannon Hale！

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Reviews

Jo Oehrlein ，

A story about gossip and friends and understanding what your family is REALLY saying。

Trigger Warning Database ，

Trigger & Content WarningsParental neglect

Selah ，

Disappointing after the wonderful Pie in the Sky 😞 The illustrations and the audiobook narration by Remy Hii were fantastic， but the story bothered me。 Spoilers below！Henry overhears his father say that he wished Henry had never been born。 Months later， he explains it this way: “And at that time， the thought of you getting hurt， or worse， was really painful。 For a selfish moment， I really did wish you were never born。 Just so I wouldn’t have to feel that pain。 I don’t know if you can understand Disappointing after the wonderful Pie in the Sky 😞 The illustrations and the audiobook narration by Remy Hii were fantastic， but the story bothered me。 Spoilers below！Henry overhears his father say that he wished Henry had never been born。 Months later， he explains it this way: “And at that time， the thought of you getting hurt， or worse， was really painful。 For a selfish moment， I really did wish you were never born。 Just so I wouldn’t have to feel that pain。 I don’t know if you can understand that until you have children of your own。”Well， I have 2 children of my own， and I don’t understand it？！ What kind of crappy dad is this？！ 。。。more

Cheryl ，

impulse grab from the newly opened local city library new books displayLooks like I'll want to read previous by the author， too。---Ok done。 Lots going on here。 Not just in all the different themes and different characters， but a mish-mash of different 'genres' if you will （poetry， graphic novel， journal， etc。）。 Slowed me down a bit， because I'm grandmaster champion at reading traditional narrative but this stuff requires a skill set that I'm still developing。 Great for modern kids who have to re impulse grab from the newly opened local city library new books displayLooks like I'll want to read previous by the author， too。---Ok done。 Lots going on here。 Not just in all the different themes and different characters， but a mish-mash of different 'genres' if you will （poetry， graphic novel， journal， etc。）。 Slowed me down a bit， because I'm grandmaster champion at reading traditional narrative but this stuff requires a skill set that I'm still developing。 Great for modern kids who have to read in between other distractions。Love the settings， starting in Perth， then mostly in an airplane， and a bit in-between。。。。"Life is like trying new foods。 Sometimes you'll end up eating something disgusting。。。。 But if you don't try new things， you miss out on the delicious foods， too。"Henry recently turned 12。 "It stinks that I can no longer use being too young to know any better to get away with things。"3。5 rounded down because I don't think it will stay with me， and I don't know who to recommend it to。 。。。more

Mid-Continent Public Library ，

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 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。 *Review by Darla from Red Bridge* 。。。more

Danielle Hammelef ，

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！

Marcie ，

Ms。 Lai's Fly on the Wall is a coming-of-age romp mixed with laugh-out-loud juvenile humor and the tender moments of pre-adolescent uncertainties。 Ms。 Lai's Fly on the Wall is a coming-of-age romp mixed with laugh-out-loud juvenile humor and the tender moments of pre-adolescent uncertainties。 。。。more

Akoss ，

Odd kids represent， front and center。 Thank you！I really liked the personal and emotional journeys but most of the funny parts went straight over my head。 I just didn't get them and that's alright。 Odd kids represent， front and center。 Thank you！I really liked the personal and emotional journeys but most of the funny parts went straight over my head。 I just didn't get them and that's alright。 。。。more

Moira ，

Another heartfelt story by Remi Lai。 I truly loved this book， it was cute， funny， and sweet。 A whole bundle of joy wrapped into a book。 Pir in the Sky is a staple of my childhood and I don't know how but this book met the bar that I had set。 I recommend this to anyone under 16 years old。 Another heartfelt story by Remi Lai。 I truly loved this book， it was cute， funny， and sweet。 A whole bundle of joy wrapped into a book。 Pir in the Sky is a staple of my childhood and I don't know how but this book met the bar that I had set。 I recommend this to anyone under 16 years old。 。。。more

Brian Alan S ，

Remy Lai’s Pie in the Sky （2019） is one of my favorites of all time and Remy Lai’s Fly on the Wall is just as excellent！ It’s funny and entertaining （like New Kid by Jerry Craft！）。 And， just like Pie in the Sky， it’s heartwarming and surprisingly emotional。 I like how the protagonist is portrayed as having a whirlwind of thoughts and questions， how he learns so much in growing up， and how he struggles with being different and mustering a lot of bravery to say things that are difficult for him to Remy Lai’s Pie in the Sky （2019） is one of my favorites of all time and Remy Lai’s Fly on the Wall is just as excellent！ It’s funny and entertaining （like New Kid by Jerry Craft！）。 And， just like Pie in the Sky， it’s heartwarming and surprisingly emotional。 I like how the protagonist is portrayed as having a whirlwind of thoughts and questions， how he learns so much in growing up， and how he struggles with being different and mustering a lot of bravery to say things that are difficult for him to say such as “can we be friends？” and “I’m sorry” - a very lovable character 😊 。。。more

Yvonne Stewart ，

I enjoyed the Australian accent of the narrator。 That was the highlight。 I connected with the Chinese words and tried to excuse the bad pronunciation。 Not sure what the lesson gleaned is。 I can't imagine a 12 yo boy flying alone these days。 I enjoyed the Australian accent of the narrator。 That was the highlight。 I connected with the Chinese words and tried to excuse the bad pronunciation。 Not sure what the lesson gleaned is。 I can't imagine a 12 yo boy flying alone these days。 。。。more

Maeve ，

Henry Khoo is sick of being treated like a baby by his family， so he plans a secret trip from Perth to Singapore to visit his father。 While navigating taxis and airports， he meets Nor （a new friend） and sees Tim （a classmate from school） and must examine his past actions: jealousy of ex-best friend Pheebs， lying about a black eye， and rumors/gossip he has posted in a blog （Fly on the Wall）。 When he finally arrives in Singapore， he confesses his feelings to his parents and friends， apologizes， an Henry Khoo is sick of being treated like a baby by his family， so he plans a secret trip from Perth to Singapore to visit his father。 While navigating taxis and airports， he meets Nor （a new friend） and sees Tim （a classmate from school） and must examine his past actions: jealousy of ex-best friend Pheebs， lying about a black eye， and rumors/gossip he has posted in a blog （Fly on the Wall）。 When he finally arrives in Singapore， he confesses his feelings to his parents and friends， apologizes， and works to be better。The hybrid style of illustrations and text will draw in more reluctant readers （or fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid）。 A nice focus on lying （and the guilt that follows） and friendships。 。。。more

Jenny Adelman ，

Loved joining Henry on the greatest adventure everrr！ This book has such a great balance of text and artwork & heart and humor。 @rrremylai has a gift for authentic #mg voice and storytelling。 I will be passing this along to my #collabookation crew， but today I had to book talk and share a few pages with my 7th graders。 Glad I already pre-ordered a copy because several students wrote it on their #TBR list。 📝 Out in May 2020。 💚✈️ 🐶@henryholtbooks @macmillankidsbooks

Caitlin ，

I loved this book and think it appeals to many MG readers trying to grow up and be independent。

Courtenay ，

2。5 stars。 Not quite sure why I found this book so irritating。 Maybe I could identify with the helicoptering supplied by 12-year-old Henry's family， who are not ready to let him grow up。 I kept imagining him as a little girl instead of a boy （the cover art looks like he's a girl but I guess the point is to make it a child， whether a boy or a girl）。 I read ten other books between starting and completing this one。 But I did finish， and I must say the last twenty pages were probably my favorite。 So 2。5 stars。 Not quite sure why I found this book so irritating。 Maybe I could identify with the helicoptering supplied by 12-year-old Henry's family， who are not ready to let him grow up。 I kept imagining him as a little girl instead of a boy （the cover art looks like he's a girl but I guess the point is to make it a child， whether a boy or a girl）。 I read ten other books between starting and completing this one。 But I did finish， and I must say the last twenty pages were probably my favorite。 So， glad I finished。 。。。more

Erin ，

This book is full of adventure， humor， and wisdom。

Rachel ，

Quirky story about an imaginative kid from an overly protective family who wants to prove himself with his own sneaky adventure。 Really interesting structure and how bit by bit you start seeing the whole picture。

Cheriee Weichel ，

3。5 starsHenry Khoo feels like his family treats him like a baby， but he's got a plan。 He's going to sneak off and fly solo to Singapore to spend time with his father。 He's good at keeping secrets。 He's been writing a snarky cartoon blog about people at his school。 Unfortunately， someone has figured out that he's the creator。 He thinks it is a boy from school who has ended up on the same plane as him。 When his journal goes missing， he is certain of it。 Before the trip is over Henry has made a co 3。5 starsHenry Khoo feels like his family treats him like a baby， but he's got a plan。 He's going to sneak off and fly solo to Singapore to spend time with his father。 He's good at keeping secrets。 He's been writing a snarky cartoon blog about people at his school。 Unfortunately， someone has figured out that he's the creator。 He thinks it is a boy from school who has ended up on the same plane as him。 When his journal goes missing， he is certain of it。 Before the trip is over Henry has made a couple of new friends， learned to stand on his own two feet， is ready to take responsibility for his actions and deal with whatever consequences he has to face。 。。。more

Katie ，

I loved the first book by this author， Pie in the Sky， so I was excited to read this next one。 I didn't enjoy this one as much， though it does have some good lessons about friendship and learning how to be comfortable with yourself。 I loved the first book by this author， Pie in the Sky， so I was excited to read this next one。 I didn't enjoy this one as much， though it does have some good lessons about friendship and learning how to be comfortable with yourself。 。。。more

Sherry Guice ，

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。 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。 。。。more

Sneha ，

Relatable and heartwarming with cute， comic-style illustrations throughout！

Laura ，

I loved Pie in the Sky fiercely。 I listened to this one， and I think I would have loved it nearly as much had I read it in print。 I missed the illustrations。

Cassie ，

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 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。 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 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。 。。。more

Betsy Ellor Words Unbound ，

Finished this last night。 Great fun read with heart。 Perfect for 9-12 year olds。 Love Remy Lai’s writing style。 It’s silly and touching at the same time。

Sam Bloom ，

3。5 stars

Jill Ramig ，

Henry's family doesn't let him do anything on his own。 They are constantly checking up on him。 He decided to go on an adventure on his own to prove he doesn't need their protection。 Henry has to be brave and admit when he's wrong。 Full of pictures kids will love。 @Remy_Lai Henry's family doesn't let him do anything on his own。 They are constantly checking up on him。 He decided to go on an adventure on his own to prove he doesn't need their protection。 Henry has to be brave and admit when he's wrong。 Full of pictures kids will love。 @Remy_Lai 。。。more

idreamofallthebooks ，

An amusing tale of a 12-year-old boy seeking adventure and independence。 The main character， Henry Khoo， can be a little dramatic at times， but what 12-year-old boy isn’t？Thank you @walkerbooksaus for gifting me a copy of this to read！

Morgan ，

This is one of those middle grade books that's tough to evaluate through an adult lense。 I did not enjoy this， but I also recognize that this kind of story isn't really for me。 This would be a good book for older elementary students。 It has some lessons about the anxieties of growing up and navigating changes in social circles。 There's that really weird period around 5th-7th grade where you're hovering between childhood and "grown-up" stuff， and I think this captures that frame of mind pretty we This is one of those middle grade books that's tough to evaluate through an adult lense。 I did not enjoy this， but I also recognize that this kind of story isn't really for me。 This would be a good book for older elementary students。 It has some lessons about the anxieties of growing up and navigating changes in social circles。 There's that really weird period around 5th-7th grade where you're hovering between childhood and "grown-up" stuff， and I think this captures that frame of mind pretty well。 I struggle with the stream-of-consciousness journal style of narration， with lots of weird thoughts and observations and tangents peppered throughout -- but for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid， Dork Diaries， et all， this would be a fine readalike。 This title has the advantage of introducing kids to a mixed family （Australia and Singapore， with mandarin-speaking characters）， some different family dynamics， and themes of anxiety， friendship troubles， and apologies/learning from mistakes。 。。。more

Annamarie Carlson （she， her） ，

Henry Khoo is done being treated like a baby。 He doesn't need a chaperone， and he is going to prove it by flying halfway around the world to Singapore all by himself。 Since his family has decided to cancel their summer trip， Henry is going to make the journey himself。 He's prepared: he is just old enough to fly alone， he knows the steps to get through the airport， and he even has an alibi to keep him covered until his plane lands。 But everything goes wrong when he realizes that he knows someone Henry Khoo is done being treated like a baby。 He doesn't need a chaperone， and he is going to prove it by flying halfway around the world to Singapore all by himself。 Since his family has decided to cancel their summer trip， Henry is going to make the journey himself。 He's prepared: he is just old enough to fly alone， he knows the steps to get through the airport， and he even has an alibi to keep him covered until his plane lands。 But everything goes wrong when he realizes that he knows someone on the flight--and not just any someone， but the very person that knows he is the creator of an anonymous gossip website about students at his school。 Will Henry make it to Singapore in one piece？ Or will his nemesis end his adventures early？This was fun， though I think I missed a lot by listening to this。 I didn't see any of the illustrations， and there were definitely moments I was confused。 Henry is full of energy， and while this does translate well over audio， it sometimes feels a little all over the place。 However， I think this is a fun， diverse readalike for fans of Wimpy Kid， Terrible Two， and other fast， funny reads。 。。。more

Margaret Martin ，

4。5 - really engaging， nuanced book about helicopter parents and coming to terms with your quirkiness best for middle schoolers。

Reference

google book https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=Fly on the Wall

hathitrust digital library https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ls?q1=Fly on the Wall&field1=ocr&a=srchls&ft=ft&lmt=ft

The British Library https://bll01.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?query=any,contains,Fly on the Wall&tab=LibraryCatalog&search_scope=Not_BL_Suppress&vid=44BL_INST:BLL01&lang=en&offset=0