“The Chance to Fly” by Stacy Davidowitz and Ali Stroker, is a New York Times bestseller. The book explores the themes of friendship, finding independence and breaking boundaries.
Who is Ali Stroker?
Ali Stroker is a 37 year old actress, author and singer. She won a Tony Award in 2019 and became the first wheelchair-bound actor to appear on a Broadway stage. Through her career she has appeared in various Broadway shows, including Oklahoma and Spring Awakening. She has also written three books, “A Chance to Fly”, “Cut Loose!” and “Ali and the Sea Stars”.
Who is Stacy Davidowitz?
Stacy Davidowitz is a writer who has made a name for herself as an author, playwright, and a screenwriter. Her books include the popular Camp Rolling Hills book series and . In addition, she has also written many plays such as The Rubber Room and PINK!.
Summary1
11-year-old Nat loves her dog Warbucks, her best friend Chloe, and musicals. From Annie to Hamilton, there isn’t a cast recording she doesn’t know. The only problem is that she’s never been in a play or ever seen someone who uses a wheelchair for mobility on stage.
When Nat’s family makes the move from California to New Jersey, Nat comes across auditions for a kids’ production of Wicked, one of her favorite musicals. Nat faces the challenge of inclusion when she is cast in the assembly. The other cast members are really kind (well…most of them)-especially Malik. Malik is the male lead in the production, and the cutest boy Nat’s ever seen.
Who is Nat?
Nat is a lovable character who is relatable in many ways. Her passion for singing and preforming is amazing and her relationships with her parents and the way she tries to gain her independence will tug at readers’ hearts. Her parents are also really supportive.
Who are The Boulders?
The Boulder are the group of kids that are in the production with Nat. They are a diverse group of kids that include Malik an African-American boy and Reya who is an Indian American. There is also Fig, Jacklyn, and Savannah. The group adds a nice layer to the story, which allows for a range of different experiences. The reactions between the group feel authentic and shows a perfect representation.
Who would recommend this book for?
This book is recommended for anyone who is feeling like they don’t fit into this world, although “The Chance to Fly” is recommended for middle schoolers.
Opinion
As someone who is physically disabled, I thought the book was a good representation of what disability means. Throughout the book, there were a lot of moments where I could feel what Nat was experiencing. Not only because I am in a wheelchair, but also because the authors knew how to connect to people with disabilities. It made me feel seen and heard, which I really appreciated because not many books do.
One thing readers’ can pick up from this book is that being different is okay. It is okay to say the word disabled. We’re just normal people!
