This novel drew me in from start to finish. Although young readers won't learn as much history as is trademark of Walters, I felt thus novel captured the feel of war... fear, sorrow, excitement, nervousness. I was impressed, the plot was action-packed and characters engaging. ( )

Many kids I know love books by Eric Walters. The stories are accessible, invariably told in the first person, and usually focus on a young teen being tested in some way, coming to a big realization, or doing something heroic. Fly Boy is no exception. It is the story of young (underage)Robbie McWilliams, 17, who takes on the identity of an older brother ("Davie" died in infancy but his birth certificate was still kicking around the house)in order to enlist in the Royal Canadian Airforce during World War II. Robbie is determined to be a spitfire pilot but turns out to be exceptionally gifted at navigation. He finds himself navigating for Lancaster Bombers who fly out on night missions over occupied France. Walters doesn't create a lot of tension about Robbie's true identity being discovered, and Robbie's chance to actually fly a plane under difficult circumstances is a tad predictable. Nevertheless, Walters does manage to communicate some valuable information about World War II in narrative form for his young audience. Fly Boy is an okay read (not exceptional). Boys 11-14 would be the chief audience for the book. Iain Lawrence's novel B for Buster is similarly themed but more challenging and skillfully written. I prefer it over Fly Boy. ( )

http://books.moonsoar.com/archives/2011/02/18/fly-boy/ ( )