The Boy Who Wanted to Fly, by Farial English

Book Review of The Boy Who Wanted to Fly
The Children’s Book Review

What to Expect: Perseverance, Teamwork, Kite Flying, Inclusive Story, Disability Representation, Sibling Relationship, Beach Setting.

When a young boy in a wheelchair dreams of soaring, a family trip to the beach and a challenging kite project with his sister may be his chance to finally touch the sky.

Every morning, Max watches the birds dance outside his window and whispers his dream: “One day, I’ll fly and touch the sky.” A spring break trip to the beach provides the perfect windy weather for an opportunity. Max enlists his sister, Maya, to help him gather supplies to create something that will fly. Building the kite proves difficult, but the siblings work together and persevere to create a bright, bold kite they name Falcon.

Farial English’s narrative peacefully tugs at the readers’ hearts. Exquisite writing with lilting descriptions, the story beautifully conveys the power of perseverance, teamwork, and inclusivity through an admirable Sibling Relationship. Max Rambaldi uses a soft, warm palette that creates a dreamy, hopeful feel for young readers. Furthermore, the artwork includes a delightful interactive element: ten colorful kites are hidden throughout the pages. This scavenger hunt encourages children to look carefully at the pictures, boosting engagement and replay value.

The Boy Who Wanted to Fly is an inspiring and heartfelt story that celebrates the power of dreams and the strength of a sibling bond—it’s an excellent fit for those looking for a story that reminds kiddos to believe in themselves.

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About the Author

Farial English lives in a small rural community with her husband and two dogs. Several years ago, they moved from a Chicago suburb to an old farm in upstate New York, where their dogs roam freely. Farial spends much of her time outdoors, tending to flowers, growing vegetables, and caring for her honeybee colonies.

A lifelong reader, Farial shared hundreds of books with her three sons as they grew up. During their scouting years, books often sparked ideas for hands-on projects that nurtured their creativity and deepened their appreciation for the natural world. One of their most enjoyable family activities was making and flying kites for the Kite Derby. The joy of those spring afternoons—watching homemade kites soar alongside those of neighborhood families—became the inspiration for The Boy Who Wanted to Fly.

Farial is also the bestselling author of Charlie and Sophie’s Great Escape, an award-winning book about the adventures of her Border Collie puppies.