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kitkatsbookden's review
4.0
Ohhhh this was so cute! How I wished I had something like this to read when I was 13!!!
megpancoast's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
bookhails's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sunset8305's review against another edition
5.0
Such a cute YA book that kept my attention from beginning to end!
bookishrealm's review against another edition
4.0
I've been trying to dive into more middle grade books that have queer representation and this is one that recently came on my radar. It definitely is a hidden gem of a book that details the experience of a young middle grade girl figuring her feelings for her first crush while being set against the backdrop of a theme park road trip. 4.5 Stars
Almost Flying follows Dalia, a roller coaster aficionado, who is determined to go to her first theme park and ride her first rollercoaster. Unfortunately, all of that gets derailed when her father reveals that not only is his dating someone, but he's engaged. Forced to build a relationship with her future stepsister, Dalia convinces her dad to let her join Alexa on her road trip to visit various theme parks across America. To make things even more interesting, Dalia wants to bring her new friend Rani. While the trip starts off fun and filled with adventures, things get more complex when Alexa's girlfriend joins the group. One of the most interesting aspects of this book was definitely the character development. Dalia has been sheltered most her life so spending time with Alexa, Alexa's girlfriend, and Alexa's gay best friend is a new experience. Arlow does a great job illustrating this sense of naivety within Dalia which further plays into her difficultly in being able to express that she may have feelings for another girl. By creating such a great and realistic cast, Dalia is able to look to them for support and guidance. There's also an interesting dynamic that is created between Dalia and Alexa. It's clear from the beginning that their parents didn't really take into consideration the effect their relationship would have on them. As a result, there is tension that exists between Dalia and Alexa that they have to work through. It isn't all pretty, but they end up encouraging and motivating each other in unexpected ways. The supporting cast is just as amazing, bringing unique and fun personalities to the story. And of course, the blossoming romance between Dalia and Rani is beautiful. Through their relationship they learn so much about each other, themselves, and the world around them. And Harlow makes sure to keep it real. There are some rough patches that they have to work through which is realistic of any relationship.
One of the highlights of this book was definitely the incorporation of the theme parks in the back drop. While this is a book about identity, new love, changes, and more, it also brings forward some really fun and interesting facts about rollercoasters. Dalia loves watching POV roller coaster videos so she's an expert at the various types and all the bells and whistles that comes with each. I was genuinely excited to hear her explain each single rollercoaster they went on. For some reason, it made me really excited for the summer (even if I don't plan on going to any theme parks). All the descriptions of the food and even the water park just set the right tone for this book. I wouldn't necessarily consider this to be a coming out story, but a young girl realizing that she has a first crush and the crush is on another girl. And like any other first crush, it can be hard to reckon with those feelings. This book was pure joy even through the difficult moments. To have an entire queer cast where the center of the story wasn't focused on trauma was extremely refreshing and fun. I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a new middle grade book to check out.
Almost Flying follows Dalia, a roller coaster aficionado, who is determined to go to her first theme park and ride her first rollercoaster. Unfortunately, all of that gets derailed when her father reveals that not only is his dating someone, but he's engaged. Forced to build a relationship with her future stepsister, Dalia convinces her dad to let her join Alexa on her road trip to visit various theme parks across America. To make things even more interesting, Dalia wants to bring her new friend Rani. While the trip starts off fun and filled with adventures, things get more complex when Alexa's girlfriend joins the group. One of the most interesting aspects of this book was definitely the character development. Dalia has been sheltered most her life so spending time with Alexa, Alexa's girlfriend, and Alexa's gay best friend is a new experience. Arlow does a great job illustrating this sense of naivety within Dalia which further plays into her difficultly in being able to express that she may have feelings for another girl. By creating such a great and realistic cast, Dalia is able to look to them for support and guidance. There's also an interesting dynamic that is created between Dalia and Alexa. It's clear from the beginning that their parents didn't really take into consideration the effect their relationship would have on them. As a result, there is tension that exists between Dalia and Alexa that they have to work through. It isn't all pretty, but they end up encouraging and motivating each other in unexpected ways. The supporting cast is just as amazing, bringing unique and fun personalities to the story. And of course, the blossoming romance between Dalia and Rani is beautiful. Through their relationship they learn so much about each other, themselves, and the world around them. And Harlow makes sure to keep it real. There are some rough patches that they have to work through which is realistic of any relationship.
One of the highlights of this book was definitely the incorporation of the theme parks in the back drop. While this is a book about identity, new love, changes, and more, it also brings forward some really fun and interesting facts about rollercoasters. Dalia loves watching POV roller coaster videos so she's an expert at the various types and all the bells and whistles that comes with each. I was genuinely excited to hear her explain each single rollercoaster they went on. For some reason, it made me really excited for the summer (even if I don't plan on going to any theme parks). All the descriptions of the food and even the water park just set the right tone for this book. I wouldn't necessarily consider this to be a coming out story, but a young girl realizing that she has a first crush and the crush is on another girl. And like any other first crush, it can be hard to reckon with those feelings. This book was pure joy even through the difficult moments. To have an entire queer cast where the center of the story wasn't focused on trauma was extremely refreshing and fun. I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a new middle grade book to check out.
the_kara_kara's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
booksandrollercoasters's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wanted to read it for the roller coasters (which are very well represented), finished it for the heart warming queer coming of age story that tackles many important themes all while on a roadtrip through East USA.
freddiereadsalot's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
there's something about reading middle grade & YA FROM QUEER MCs that hits every time, this rocked for me