Fly on the Wall

Written and illustrated by Remy Lai

A boy defies his family to embark on a secret solo adventure across the world.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 851 ratings

336 pages· 35,488 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

$22.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Henry Khoo is tired of being treated like a baby. When his family's trip to Singapore is canceled, he seizes the chance to prove his independence by secretly traveling alone. But with a hidden identity as a gossip cartoonist and the risk of being caught, Henry's journey is fraught with challenges. Will he manage to navigate the world and his secrets without disaster? Join Henry on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure filled with near-misses and unexpected twists, as he learns what it truly means to be independent.

From the publisher

In Fly on the Wall, a moving and hilarious diary-style illustrated novel from the award-winning author of Pie in the Sky, a twelve-year-old boy goes on a (forbidden) solo adventure halfway around the world to prove his independence to his overprotective family.A Best Book of the Year for Kirkus, Booklist, Chicago Public Library, and School Library Journal! Henry Khoo’s family treats him like a baby. He’s not allowed to go anywhere without his sister/chaperone/bodyguard. 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! “Funny, enthralling, and a great reminder that being a little odd isn’t a bad thing.” –Kayla Miller, author of Click and Camp * Near-misses and laugh-out-loud moments abound, which will endear it to readers who like ‘Big Nate’ and ‘Wimpy Kid.’ –School Library Journal, starred review

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