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Mid-Air
A tender-souled boy reeling from the death of his best friend struggles to fit into a world that wants him to grow up tough and unfeeling in this stunning middle grade novel in verse from the Newbery Honor–winning author of Genesis Begins Again .
It’s the summer before high school and Isaiah feels lost. He thought this summer was going to be just him and his homies Drew and Darius, hangin’ out, doing wheelies, and watching martial arts movies—a lot of chillin’ before high school and the Future. But more and more, Drew will barely talk to him—barely even look at him—and though he won’t admit it, Isaiah knows it’s because of Darius, because Darius is…gone.
And Isaiah wasn’t even there when it happened, with his best friend in his final moments. But he’s going to be there now. Him and Drew both, they’re gonna spend the summer breaking every single record they can think of, for Darius, for his dream of breaking world records. But Drew’s not the same Drew, and Isaiah being Isaiah isn’t enough for Drew anymore. Not his taste in music, his love for D&D, his interest in taking photos, or his aversion to jumping off rooftops. The real Isaiah is sensitive; he’s uncool.
And one day something unspeakable happens to Isaiah that makes him think Drew’s right. If only he could be less sensitive, more tough, less weird, more cool, more contained, less him, things would be easier. But how much can Isaiah keep inside until he shatters wide open?
It’s the summer before high school and Isaiah feels lost. He thought this summer was going to be just him and his homies Drew and Darius, hangin’ out, doing wheelies, and watching martial arts movies—a lot of chillin’ before high school and the Future. But more and more, Drew will barely talk to him—barely even look at him—and though he won’t admit it, Isaiah knows it’s because of Darius, because Darius is…gone.
And Isaiah wasn’t even there when it happened, with his best friend in his final moments. But he’s going to be there now. Him and Drew both, they’re gonna spend the summer breaking every single record they can think of, for Darius, for his dream of breaking world records. But Drew’s not the same Drew, and Isaiah being Isaiah isn’t enough for Drew anymore. Not his taste in music, his love for D&D, his interest in taking photos, or his aversion to jumping off rooftops. The real Isaiah is sensitive; he’s uncool.
And one day something unspeakable happens to Isaiah that makes him think Drew’s right. If only he could be less sensitive, more tough, less weird, more cool, more contained, less him, things would be easier. But how much can Isaiah keep inside until he shatters wide open?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 2024
About the author
Alicia D. Williams
6 books339 followersWhat's there to know about Alicia D? Well, that depends on who you ask.
If you ask kindergartners, they'd tell you:
1. She likes chunky guacamole.
2. She likes shiny things.
3. She tells good stories.
If you ask her middle schoolers, they'd surely say:
1. She gets us.
2. She makes us laugh with all her jokes.
3. She is Da BOMB.
While all of these may be true, there are a few more points to add . . . Alicia D. is a teacher in Charlotte, NC. She is the proud mother of a brilliant college student. Her love for education stems from conducting school residencies as a Master Teaching Artist of arts-integration. Alicia D infuses her love for drama, movement, and storytelling to inspire students to write. And like other great storytellers, she made the leap into writing--and well, her story continues. Alicia D loves laughing, traveling, and Wonder Woman.
If you ask kindergartners, they'd tell you:
1. She likes chunky guacamole.
2. She likes shiny things.
3. She tells good stories.
If you ask her middle schoolers, they'd surely say:
1. She gets us.
2. She makes us laugh with all her jokes.
3. She is Da BOMB.
While all of these may be true, there are a few more points to add . . . Alicia D. is a teacher in Charlotte, NC. She is the proud mother of a brilliant college student. Her love for education stems from conducting school residencies as a Master Teaching Artist of arts-integration. Alicia D infuses her love for drama, movement, and storytelling to inspire students to write. And like other great storytellers, she made the leap into writing--and well, her story continues. Alicia D loves laughing, traveling, and Wonder Woman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 9, 2024
What a read! Alicia did it again, capturing the world of a black teenager and his journey through his development along with his obstacles to overcome. Love that this story is in verse.
November 13, 2023
“Grief,” he says, “is one of those emotions that’ll consume you, if you don’t take care of yourself. Trust me, I know.”
🚲
It’s the summer before high school and Isaiah is lost. His best friend just died and his other best friend is shutting him out. What was going to be a summer of breaking records ends up being one where Isaiah is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle. There he meets a girl, creates new friendships and starts to recognize and voice all the emotions that he’s been struggling with. Isaiah is holding a lot in; what will happen when he lets it all out?
🛹
This is @authoraliciadwilliams sophomore MG novel and it’s a novel in verse with gorgeous illustrations. This book deals with a lot of topical issues such as toxic masculinity, police brutality, imprisonment and more that many students will relate and connect with. I highly recommend this title for middle grade and above readers. It releases April 23.
CW: death, car accident, physical attack, toxic masculinity, misogyny, imprisonment, police brutality, parental abandonment, grief
🚲
It’s the summer before high school and Isaiah is lost. His best friend just died and his other best friend is shutting him out. What was going to be a summer of breaking records ends up being one where Isaiah is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle. There he meets a girl, creates new friendships and starts to recognize and voice all the emotions that he’s been struggling with. Isaiah is holding a lot in; what will happen when he lets it all out?
🛹
This is @authoraliciadwilliams sophomore MG novel and it’s a novel in verse with gorgeous illustrations. This book deals with a lot of topical issues such as toxic masculinity, police brutality, imprisonment and more that many students will relate and connect with. I highly recommend this title for middle grade and above readers. It releases April 23.
CW: death, car accident, physical attack, toxic masculinity, misogyny, imprisonment, police brutality, parental abandonment, grief
May 11, 2024
My first novel in verse! I really liked what the author was able to portray, the voice and emotion through her words. Realistic fiction, grief and loss, courage and friendship. 12+
April 3, 2024
This was a beautiful example of how kids experience grief and the heart breaking reality of how our society treats Black boys like grown criminals. Teens experiencing friendship heartbreak, discovering identity, and finding love in the cracks of tough moments will appreciate this. I will for sure be buying this for my class library.
Thanks, NetGalley for the chance to read!
Thanks, NetGalley for the chance to read!
November 29, 2023
Alicia D. Williams' second middle grade novel (after the phenomenal Genesis Begins Again) is a novel in verse about a young boy named Isaiah, who is dealing with a major loss, as well as a feeling that he can't let those around him know his true self.
Williams' use of verse helps to showcase Isaiah's emotional journey and helps us to identify with his character. We spend every page of the book with his thoughts and Williams uses this intentionally limiting frame to great effect.
This book is perfect for fans of Genesis Begins Again--Williams once again tackles difficult subjects with emotional depth and clarity. It is also a great option for fans of other novels in verse (Starfish, A Work in Progress, and The Poet X come to mind).
Williams writes middle grade with heart and vision. She never talks down to her readers, trusting them to navigate the complexity of her characters' emotions. The book is a wonderful meditation on masculinity, understanding (and accepting) ourselves, and the fluidity of both gender and friendship. Absolutely loved this one!
Williams' use of verse helps to showcase Isaiah's emotional journey and helps us to identify with his character. We spend every page of the book with his thoughts and Williams uses this intentionally limiting frame to great effect.
This book is perfect for fans of Genesis Begins Again--Williams once again tackles difficult subjects with emotional depth and clarity. It is also a great option for fans of other novels in verse (Starfish, A Work in Progress, and The Poet X come to mind).
Williams writes middle grade with heart and vision. She never talks down to her readers, trusting them to navigate the complexity of her characters' emotions. The book is a wonderful meditation on masculinity, understanding (and accepting) ourselves, and the fluidity of both gender and friendship. Absolutely loved this one!
February 13, 2024
ARC provided by Follett First Look
Isaiah has been friends with Darius and Drew for a long time, and the three often try to break world records, often involving their skateboards. Both Drew and Isaiah have to deal with fathers who frequently travel; Isaiah's father is a photographer for National Geographic while Drew's is in the military. While he gets a long with these friends, Isaiah doesn't tell them everything about himself. He collects vintage concert t shirts from heavy metal groups that his friends consider "too white", he enjoys helping his mother with plants for her business, and he secretly enjoys wearing nail polish. His father thinks he should "toughen up", but sometimes the stunts that his friends want to pull are too much for him. When the three try to break a record for wheelies, they head to a neighborhood with better street surfaces and encounter someone who yells at them to leave. Tragedy occurs when the melee ends with Drew not seeing a car approaching. Both Isaiah and Drew are devasted by their friend's death and think it's their fault. Drew becomes very quiet, leaving Isaiah to suffer alone. During the summer, Isaiah is sent to live with relatives and help on the farm, which is very therapeutic. He meets a girl, Kiana, who accepts his "softer" side and even gives him black nail polish to wear. When he returns home, he has a better grasp of who he is, connects more with Darius, and gets ready to start high school as his authentic self.
Strengths: Like Williams' Genesis Begins Again, this is a great exploration of personal identity, a very important topic in middle grade literature. It's interesting to see her embrace the novel in verse format. I particularly enjoyed Isaiah's relationship with both of his parents, which was close but somehow detached in the way that parent-child relationships tend to become when children get into high school and have to decide who they are in the world at large. The grief is certainly there, but I appreciated that Isaiah was working at overcoming his guilt and really trying to figure out how to move forward. The difficulties with Drew are also well portrayed, and the fact that Isaiah is concentrating on his own issues and not really understanding what his friend is going through is absolutely true to life. There's a lot of healing and understanding that goes on, leaving this book with a hopeful ending as Isaiah starts high school unafraid to show the world his interests.
Weaknesses: This is a rather contemplative and long novel, which would probably appeal very much to Isaiah himself, but doesn't have as much action as the cover would indicate. On the bright side, it is a book that involves skateboarding without involving the characters in building a skate park.
What I really think: This is not quite as philosophical as Rhodes' Ghost Boys, Draper's Tears of a Tiger, or Alexander's Rebound, and is equal parts dealing with grief and finding personal identity. This is a good choice for readers who want to read about more well rounded male friendships, like those in Jung's The Boys in the Back Row, Lucas' Thanks a Lot, Universe. or Craft's New Kid.
Isaiah has been friends with Darius and Drew for a long time, and the three often try to break world records, often involving their skateboards. Both Drew and Isaiah have to deal with fathers who frequently travel; Isaiah's father is a photographer for National Geographic while Drew's is in the military. While he gets a long with these friends, Isaiah doesn't tell them everything about himself. He collects vintage concert t shirts from heavy metal groups that his friends consider "too white", he enjoys helping his mother with plants for her business, and he secretly enjoys wearing nail polish. His father thinks he should "toughen up", but sometimes the stunts that his friends want to pull are too much for him. When the three try to break a record for wheelies, they head to a neighborhood with better street surfaces and encounter someone who yells at them to leave. Tragedy occurs when the melee ends with Drew not seeing a car approaching. Both Isaiah and Drew are devasted by their friend's death and think it's their fault. Drew becomes very quiet, leaving Isaiah to suffer alone. During the summer, Isaiah is sent to live with relatives and help on the farm, which is very therapeutic. He meets a girl, Kiana, who accepts his "softer" side and even gives him black nail polish to wear. When he returns home, he has a better grasp of who he is, connects more with Darius, and gets ready to start high school as his authentic self.
Strengths: Like Williams' Genesis Begins Again, this is a great exploration of personal identity, a very important topic in middle grade literature. It's interesting to see her embrace the novel in verse format. I particularly enjoyed Isaiah's relationship with both of his parents, which was close but somehow detached in the way that parent-child relationships tend to become when children get into high school and have to decide who they are in the world at large. The grief is certainly there, but I appreciated that Isaiah was working at overcoming his guilt and really trying to figure out how to move forward. The difficulties with Drew are also well portrayed, and the fact that Isaiah is concentrating on his own issues and not really understanding what his friend is going through is absolutely true to life. There's a lot of healing and understanding that goes on, leaving this book with a hopeful ending as Isaiah starts high school unafraid to show the world his interests.
Weaknesses: This is a rather contemplative and long novel, which would probably appeal very much to Isaiah himself, but doesn't have as much action as the cover would indicate. On the bright side, it is a book that involves skateboarding without involving the characters in building a skate park.
What I really think: This is not quite as philosophical as Rhodes' Ghost Boys, Draper's Tears of a Tiger, or Alexander's Rebound, and is equal parts dealing with grief and finding personal identity. This is a good choice for readers who want to read about more well rounded male friendships, like those in Jung's The Boys in the Back Row, Lucas' Thanks a Lot, Universe. or Craft's New Kid.
January 24, 2024
What worked:
First off, I’m not typically a lover of novels written in verse but the narrator’s voice uses slang and vocabulary making the words relatable and appealing for readers. The lines often sound like free verse with the words expressing the emotions and thoughts of the characters. A critical moment uses the words, “I scream… CARRR-CARRR!... Too… late.” Some of the lines read like sentences so young readers shouldn’t be intimidated or challenged to read them. Italicized phrases let readers know when characters are speaking to each other. The poetic narrative controls the pacing of the words to fully express the deep feelings and thoughts of the tragic accident and the emotional recovery.
Isaiah is the main character and his love of music is common among middle-graders, although his interest in classic rock groups is not. He has a secret collection of classic concert t-shirts with Aerosmith being his latest addition. Kids at this age sometimes have interests that might become embarrassing so Isaiah dresses up in his shirts and listens to the oldies rock songs in the safety of his closet. His friends sometimes comment that he’s a black boy trying to be white so he can’t let any of them know his secrets. Also, his dad thinks Isaiah needs to be toughened up so he can’t let his father know that he wonders what it would be like to polish his toes purple. Isaiah is afraid to let anyone know his inner self and this conflict continues until the end.
Dealing with grief is the main theme of the book. The characters struggle with different emotions associated with loss including sadness, denial, anger, and guilt. Isaiah is especially hurt that his other friend Drew won’t talk to him about the death of Darius. Isaiah won’t open up to anyone else either and the anger, grief, and guilt are eating him up inside. Handling death is a process and his parents give him the time and space to talk when he’s ready. Unfortunately, Isaiah’s emotions cause him to make some poor choices that cause his mother to make a life-changing decision.
What didn’t work as well:
The author may give Isaish too much to worry about as there are additional, serious subplots added to the story. The grief, doubt, self-expression issues, father’s absence, a racial incident, and Drew’s inner worries combine to complicate Isaiah’s life and give readers a myriad of topics to think about. Perhaps more than needed.
The final verdict:
Using verse to share the emotional story creatively shares the turmoil inside Isaiah’s mind. The language and slang make it relatable to young readers. Overall, it’s a sensitive story of grief and growth and I recommend you give it a shot.
First off, I’m not typically a lover of novels written in verse but the narrator’s voice uses slang and vocabulary making the words relatable and appealing for readers. The lines often sound like free verse with the words expressing the emotions and thoughts of the characters. A critical moment uses the words, “I scream… CARRR-CARRR!... Too… late.” Some of the lines read like sentences so young readers shouldn’t be intimidated or challenged to read them. Italicized phrases let readers know when characters are speaking to each other. The poetic narrative controls the pacing of the words to fully express the deep feelings and thoughts of the tragic accident and the emotional recovery.
Isaiah is the main character and his love of music is common among middle-graders, although his interest in classic rock groups is not. He has a secret collection of classic concert t-shirts with Aerosmith being his latest addition. Kids at this age sometimes have interests that might become embarrassing so Isaiah dresses up in his shirts and listens to the oldies rock songs in the safety of his closet. His friends sometimes comment that he’s a black boy trying to be white so he can’t let any of them know his secrets. Also, his dad thinks Isaiah needs to be toughened up so he can’t let his father know that he wonders what it would be like to polish his toes purple. Isaiah is afraid to let anyone know his inner self and this conflict continues until the end.
Dealing with grief is the main theme of the book. The characters struggle with different emotions associated with loss including sadness, denial, anger, and guilt. Isaiah is especially hurt that his other friend Drew won’t talk to him about the death of Darius. Isaiah won’t open up to anyone else either and the anger, grief, and guilt are eating him up inside. Handling death is a process and his parents give him the time and space to talk when he’s ready. Unfortunately, Isaiah’s emotions cause him to make some poor choices that cause his mother to make a life-changing decision.
What didn’t work as well:
The author may give Isaish too much to worry about as there are additional, serious subplots added to the story. The grief, doubt, self-expression issues, father’s absence, a racial incident, and Drew’s inner worries combine to complicate Isaiah’s life and give readers a myriad of topics to think about. Perhaps more than needed.
The final verdict:
Using verse to share the emotional story creatively shares the turmoil inside Isaiah’s mind. The language and slang make it relatable to young readers. Overall, it’s a sensitive story of grief and growth and I recommend you give it a shot.
January 20, 2024
Isaiah’s best friend Darius was fearless—always making and taking bets. When Drew joins their group, he is the same way. But Isaiah is less brave but doesn’t want to let on, so he joins them and hopes he won’t have to participate in some of the record-breaking stunts.
“Okay, so yeah, I
choked at the skate park.
Choked on top of the garage.
Choked when backflipping off a tree.
Doesn’t mean I’m going to flake this time.…
I wanna be like water. I really do.
Wanna ride down & come up laughing even if I flop.
Wanna have my boys finally give me props .
But no matter how long I stand there psyching myself—
no matter the next boy is rushing me to get going—
no matter that a bet was made—
I
can’t
do it.” (ARC 8-9)
But then during one of the stunts Darius is fatally hit by a car, and Isaiah, on lookout, feels responsible.
“Dad struggles to put words together.
I go back to covering my eyes
Knowing nothing he’ll say
Will ever make me understand ‘why.’” (ARC 47)
Isaiah decides that he and Drew need to break records to finish the work that Darius started, but Drew shuts down, and Isaiah feels he needs to hide some of himself from Drew—like collecting comics, talking to plants, vintage tee shirts, and the time he decides to paint his toenails. Drew appears to be growing away from him, spending less time, and Isaiah assumes it is him. When Drew admits that his father is not overseas in the military but in jail, and Isaiah unthinkingly asks what “he did,” the friendship appears to be over.
Isaiah’s parents send him south for 6 weeks of summer vacation between 8th and 9th grades to his aunt and uncle’s farm where his aunt and uncle give him lots of responsibility and farm work and also invaluable advice:
“’Isaiah,’ Uncle Vent continues, ‘I tell you like my daddy told me and your momma. Your shoulders might get heavy, head even drop low, but walk tall like you belong in this world, ‘cause you do. Hold yo’ head high, ‘cause it’s your birthright. You got a right to joy and peace and whatever else you want.’
I inhale his words. Words from my grandfather.
My rights. Never heard it put that way before.” (ARC 246)
There Isaiah meets new kids (and a girl he likes) who don’t judge him.
“Kiana purses her lips.
‘To be honest, I don’t care if you do or you don’t
I mean, it’s your life, ain’t it?’
Hold up, she doesn’t care? She doesn’t care?
She won’t think I’m weak…or soft…or nothing?
…I’m now thinking about what she said.
Plus, Uncle V.’s talk about my rights.
I mean, they have a point.
It is my life. Mine.” (ARC 254)
And when he returns home and faces Drew, he learns that Drew had been hiding some of himself as well, and he had not been the friend to Drew he thought he had and it as time for “real talk” on both sides.
A coming-of-age novel-in verse for those who feel the need to hide part of themselves and don’t feel that they can be brave.
“Okay, so yeah, I
choked at the skate park.
Choked on top of the garage.
Choked when backflipping off a tree.
Doesn’t mean I’m going to flake this time.…
I wanna be like water. I really do.
Wanna ride down & come up laughing even if I flop.
Wanna have my boys finally give me props .
But no matter how long I stand there psyching myself—
no matter the next boy is rushing me to get going—
no matter that a bet was made—
I
can’t
do it.” (ARC 8-9)
But then during one of the stunts Darius is fatally hit by a car, and Isaiah, on lookout, feels responsible.
“Dad struggles to put words together.
I go back to covering my eyes
Knowing nothing he’ll say
Will ever make me understand ‘why.’” (ARC 47)
Isaiah decides that he and Drew need to break records to finish the work that Darius started, but Drew shuts down, and Isaiah feels he needs to hide some of himself from Drew—like collecting comics, talking to plants, vintage tee shirts, and the time he decides to paint his toenails. Drew appears to be growing away from him, spending less time, and Isaiah assumes it is him. When Drew admits that his father is not overseas in the military but in jail, and Isaiah unthinkingly asks what “he did,” the friendship appears to be over.
Isaiah’s parents send him south for 6 weeks of summer vacation between 8th and 9th grades to his aunt and uncle’s farm where his aunt and uncle give him lots of responsibility and farm work and also invaluable advice:
“’Isaiah,’ Uncle Vent continues, ‘I tell you like my daddy told me and your momma. Your shoulders might get heavy, head even drop low, but walk tall like you belong in this world, ‘cause you do. Hold yo’ head high, ‘cause it’s your birthright. You got a right to joy and peace and whatever else you want.’
I inhale his words. Words from my grandfather.
My rights. Never heard it put that way before.” (ARC 246)
There Isaiah meets new kids (and a girl he likes) who don’t judge him.
“Kiana purses her lips.
‘To be honest, I don’t care if you do or you don’t
I mean, it’s your life, ain’t it?’
Hold up, she doesn’t care? She doesn’t care?
She won’t think I’m weak…or soft…or nothing?
…I’m now thinking about what she said.
Plus, Uncle V.’s talk about my rights.
I mean, they have a point.
It is my life. Mine.” (ARC 254)
And when he returns home and faces Drew, he learns that Drew had been hiding some of himself as well, and he had not been the friend to Drew he thought he had and it as time for “real talk” on both sides.
A coming-of-age novel-in verse for those who feel the need to hide part of themselves and don’t feel that they can be brave.
April 23, 2024
Review from my little sister Laly (11):
Isiah, Drew, and Darius are determined to break world records, but one day, while Darius was attempting to break the record for the longest wheelie, a man approached them and started shouting at them for riding on his street. The man yelled so loud that Darius couldn't hear Isiah warning him about an approaching car. Tragically, Darius was hit and killed by the vehicle. Now, Isiah has to live with the loss of his friend while Drew is growing up and is no longer interested in their record-breaking pursuits. Isiah is also about to graduate from 8th grade and move on to high school, facing a world that has changed forever without Darius.
This novel-in-verse was incredible but left me with mixed emotions. Although the storyline was fascinating and well-crafted, it was also heart-wrenching and made me cry through the entire first part of the book.
The author's use of various illustrations throughout the book added to the overall experience and made it even more memorable.
I delved deeper into the story and wondered what would happen next. One of the main characters, Isiah, was a relatable character who always tried to fit in but had to hide half of who he was. Drew was okay, but he could have opened up a little more. The most heartbreaking part of the book was when Darius died. He seemed like such a fantastic person, and I was distraught by his passing.
Despite the sadness, every part of the story was terrific, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good and emotional read.
Happy Reading, Laly ❤️ 📚
Thank you to the publisher for sharing this terrific book with me, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Isiah, Drew, and Darius are determined to break world records, but one day, while Darius was attempting to break the record for the longest wheelie, a man approached them and started shouting at them for riding on his street. The man yelled so loud that Darius couldn't hear Isiah warning him about an approaching car. Tragically, Darius was hit and killed by the vehicle. Now, Isiah has to live with the loss of his friend while Drew is growing up and is no longer interested in their record-breaking pursuits. Isiah is also about to graduate from 8th grade and move on to high school, facing a world that has changed forever without Darius.
This novel-in-verse was incredible but left me with mixed emotions. Although the storyline was fascinating and well-crafted, it was also heart-wrenching and made me cry through the entire first part of the book.
The author's use of various illustrations throughout the book added to the overall experience and made it even more memorable.
I delved deeper into the story and wondered what would happen next. One of the main characters, Isiah, was a relatable character who always tried to fit in but had to hide half of who he was. Drew was okay, but he could have opened up a little more. The most heartbreaking part of the book was when Darius died. He seemed like such a fantastic person, and I was distraught by his passing.
Despite the sadness, every part of the story was terrific, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good and emotional read.
Happy Reading, Laly ❤️ 📚
Thank you to the publisher for sharing this terrific book with me, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2024
Alicia D Williams (Genesis Begins Again) gives middle grade and YA readers an NIV that will grip them from the beginning and hold them until the very end.
Isaiah and Darius have been inseparable friends for years and in the 7th grade, they are joined by Drew, a trio that lives for challenges, especially the kind that might land them in Guiness’ book of world records. But Isaiah often holds back, can’t seem to follow through. Then a car accident takes Darius’ life and guilt and anger over the senseless death threaten to send Isaiah over the edge and his parents decide that finishing the summer before high school with his aunt and uncle in a more rural setting, far away from his grief and growing anger.
Told in NIV format, readers will feel the depth of Isaiah’s friendship with Darius and his conflicted emotions after his passing. Williams’ includes the very different ways that Isaiah and Drew try to process their feelings-one stuffing it down and not talking and one yearning to share memories. She also builds on Isaiah’s fear of challenges and profound sense of loss and adds in his insecurities over letting anyone really know him.
Powerful book that not only illustrates deeply felt emotions but touches on people’s ignorance and prejudice as well without ever seeming “preachy” or too heavy-handed. There is one use of the curse word “hell,” no sexual content and the violence is limited to recounting a physical attack but without any unnecessary details. Highly recommended for libraries serving students grade 5 and up into high school.
Thanks for the print arc, Atheneum Books/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Isaiah and Darius have been inseparable friends for years and in the 7th grade, they are joined by Drew, a trio that lives for challenges, especially the kind that might land them in Guiness’ book of world records. But Isaiah often holds back, can’t seem to follow through. Then a car accident takes Darius’ life and guilt and anger over the senseless death threaten to send Isaiah over the edge and his parents decide that finishing the summer before high school with his aunt and uncle in a more rural setting, far away from his grief and growing anger.
Told in NIV format, readers will feel the depth of Isaiah’s friendship with Darius and his conflicted emotions after his passing. Williams’ includes the very different ways that Isaiah and Drew try to process their feelings-one stuffing it down and not talking and one yearning to share memories. She also builds on Isaiah’s fear of challenges and profound sense of loss and adds in his insecurities over letting anyone really know him.
Powerful book that not only illustrates deeply felt emotions but touches on people’s ignorance and prejudice as well without ever seeming “preachy” or too heavy-handed. There is one use of the curse word “hell,” no sexual content and the violence is limited to recounting a physical attack but without any unnecessary details. Highly recommended for libraries serving students grade 5 and up into high school.
Thanks for the print arc, Atheneum Books/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
April 10, 2024
Alicia D. Williams is the Newbery Honor–winning author of Genesis Begins Again and I’m proud to say, a North Carolina author. Mid-Air is a middle grade novel in verse of a vulnerable teen struggling with the tragic death of his best friend. He’s supposed to be “tough” but he’s grieving.
It’s nearly the end of eighth grade, and Isaiah is feeling lost. He was looking forward to summer vacation with his boys Drew and Darius. They’d hang out, do wheelies, watch martial arts movies, with the ultimate goal to break Guinness World Records before beginning high school. All that changed when Darius was killed.
The friends were in the middle of record-breaking long wheelie when Isaiah should have been keeping watch… he should have yelled CAR! Even though there is no one to blame but the hit and run driver, Isaiah, is plagued with ache and guilt. Even so, he comes up with a plan to keep Drew and him together. They will spend the summer breaking records, to honor Darius.
But nothing is the same since Darius was killed, and friendships are strained. Isaiah wishes he could be less sensitive, and more tough. After all that’s what’s expected of a boy his age right?
This is a beautiful portrayal of how kids experience grief and the heart breaking reality of inequality. I feel young teens will relate to the heartbreak of friendship, self discovery, and finding love in life’s tough moments.
I highly recommend!
It’s nearly the end of eighth grade, and Isaiah is feeling lost. He was looking forward to summer vacation with his boys Drew and Darius. They’d hang out, do wheelies, watch martial arts movies, with the ultimate goal to break Guinness World Records before beginning high school. All that changed when Darius was killed.
The friends were in the middle of record-breaking long wheelie when Isaiah should have been keeping watch… he should have yelled CAR! Even though there is no one to blame but the hit and run driver, Isaiah, is plagued with ache and guilt. Even so, he comes up with a plan to keep Drew and him together. They will spend the summer breaking records, to honor Darius.
But nothing is the same since Darius was killed, and friendships are strained. Isaiah wishes he could be less sensitive, and more tough. After all that’s what’s expected of a boy his age right?
This is a beautiful portrayal of how kids experience grief and the heart breaking reality of inequality. I feel young teens will relate to the heartbreak of friendship, self discovery, and finding love in life’s tough moments.
I highly recommend!
May 2, 2024
Novel in verse. Isaiah feels as though there are a lot of things about himself he has to hide. His love for classic rock (instead of rap), enjoying helping his mother with plants, maybe wanting to paint his nails, and how he usually chokes when it comes to the more dangerous stunts his friends want to do. But it's ok, because he's got his boys, Drew and Darius, and they are unstoppable together. They're going to spend their summer breaking world records and watching martial arts movies--until a tragic accident takes Darius, and Isaiah and Drew were there. They try to keep things going, but they've both changed, and Drew isn't satisfied with just Isaiah anymore. Isaiah already feels as though he's drowning, but then something else happens--to him--and he can't cope anymore. How can he move on and figure out how to be completely himself, when the world doesn't want that self?
This was sad, but really good. The poems paint such a clear picture of the boys' friendship, how Isaiah feels about everything, the world around them, and everything that happens. I liked that Isaiah's parents weren't perfect, but they tried. I liked that Isaiah was not only blindsided by the things that happened, but he also had blinders on about how his life differed from Drew's more difficult situation. I liked how going away for a while really helped. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
This was sad, but really good. The poems paint such a clear picture of the boys' friendship, how Isaiah feels about everything, the world around them, and everything that happens. I liked that Isaiah's parents weren't perfect, but they tried. I liked that Isaiah was not only blindsided by the things that happened, but he also had blinders on about how his life differed from Drew's more difficult situation. I liked how going away for a while really helped. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
March 21, 2024
The summer before high school… Isaiah is going through it… he just lost one of his best friends and his other one has gone silent… with what seems to be to much to handle his mom tells him he will be staying the summer with his Aunt and Uncle… where he makes new friends and takes up new hobbies, works through his emotions and becomes comfortable with sharing who he is.
I loved the structure of this novel in verse. I felt right alongside of Isaiah on his emotional journey. The author tackles difficult topics but makes it comforting and relatable to the reader. I loved Uncle Vent and Aunt Terri… I would love for another book where Isaiah revisits them for the next summer!
🫶🏼
Friendship origins
Plant life
Vintage rock band tees
World Records
Grieving a friend
Summer spent in the country
Adults I want to hug
Purple/black nail polish
Thank you Simon Kids 📖
Releases 4/23
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
I loved the structure of this novel in verse. I felt right alongside of Isaiah on his emotional journey. The author tackles difficult topics but makes it comforting and relatable to the reader. I loved Uncle Vent and Aunt Terri… I would love for another book where Isaiah revisits them for the next summer!
🫶🏼
Friendship origins
Plant life
Vintage rock band tees
World Records
Grieving a friend
Summer spent in the country
Adults I want to hug
Purple/black nail polish
Thank you Simon Kids 📖
Releases 4/23
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
April 6, 2024
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC! I really enjoyed this one. Books in verse seem to be love or hate for me. This one had a strong storyline and great illustrations I think kids would enjoy. It was a strong story about a boy’s journey to find himself and come into his own while he tries to redefine a friendship of three minus one. It was funny and sweet and sad all at the same time. I am surprised I’ve never heard of this author before and plan to grab her other novel asap as I enjoyed her style, character development, and storyline in this one. I recommend this book for all ages and can’t wait to share Isaiah’s story with my students as they love novels in verse, and I enjoy putting diverse books with positive messages and outcomes in their hands. Though the overall story is sad, there’s strength in these characters and families and friendships that’s worth the read.
April 7, 2024
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I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The novel-in-verse genre at its finest. I absolutely loved this book. Well-written with engaging characters, powerful themes, and a wonderful story.
Includes themes of friends growing apart, loss, grief, guilt, racism, crushes, masculinity, family, and societal expectations. There was so much packed into this book without coming across as rushed or overwhelming. Perfectly paced.
Black-and-white illustrations help break up the text and pair perfectly with the narration.
An absolutely fantastic read about identity, friendship, and having the strength to be fully yourself.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The novel-in-verse genre at its finest. I absolutely loved this book. Well-written with engaging characters, powerful themes, and a wonderful story.
Includes themes of friends growing apart, loss, grief, guilt, racism, crushes, masculinity, family, and societal expectations. There was so much packed into this book without coming across as rushed or overwhelming. Perfectly paced.
Black-and-white illustrations help break up the text and pair perfectly with the narration.
An absolutely fantastic read about identity, friendship, and having the strength to be fully yourself.
May 7, 2024
Full disclosure - I have been a huge fan of Alicia D. Williams since before she was a published author.
However, that doesn't take away from how amazing this book is. Its a gorgeous novel in verse about how its okay to have feelings. Its okay to like things that not every one likes. Its okay to be yourself. Yourself sis the best person you can be.
Isiah's having to deal with grief is an important story for people to read. It reminded me, a woman in my 40s, that its okay to have feelings and process them in my own time and space. That my love of horror novels (that not everyone shares) is perfectly fine, even if other people don't get it. This is not just a story that middle graders need to read.
However, that doesn't take away from how amazing this book is. Its a gorgeous novel in verse about how its okay to have feelings. Its okay to like things that not every one likes. Its okay to be yourself. Yourself sis the best person you can be.
Isiah's having to deal with grief is an important story for people to read. It reminded me, a woman in my 40s, that its okay to have feelings and process them in my own time and space. That my love of horror novels (that not everyone shares) is perfectly fine, even if other people don't get it. This is not just a story that middle graders need to read.
March 5, 2024
Williams' follow-up to Genesis Begins Again is a free verse novel about a 13 year old Black boy, Isaiah, whose entire world changes the summer one of his best friends dies. Like most kids, Isaiah is wrapped up in himself, not noticing that his friend Drew is really struggling, not noticing that the older and taller he and his friends get, the more some people see these boys as men. It's a time in a kid's life when they are figuring out who they are, when sometimes friendships end. And sometimes if you observe and listen and you apologize, friendships also mend. Review from galley.
Read
April 29, 2024In the ackowledgements for this book, Alicia Williams talks about her fears about following up her celebrated debut Genesis Begins Again. Well, it seems she's brilliantly managed to channel her own feelings of vulnerability into this book, while giving Isaiah, the main character of Mid-Air, his own strong, relatable, and unique voice.
A story in verse as sensitive as this child moving through grief.
A story in verse as sensitive as this child moving through grief.
December 24, 2023
Thank you Edelweiss+ for the eARC! I'm always on the hunt for upper middle grade books for my 7th and 8th grade patrons that aren't quite ready for most YA and this is a perfect example of one. Isaiah is such a real character and his emotional journey after loss is beautiful to see. I don't love this quite as much as GENESIS BEGINS AGAIN but I think teens will really dig it. Plus this has a stellar cover!
May 14, 2024
Isaiah is going through a very terrible time. He has just lost his best friend, Darius, to an accident... and he was supposed to be the one who yelled "CAR COMING!" if he saw one. His other best friend, Drew, is pulling away and doesn't want to talk about Darius. Isaiah keeps thinking about the world records that he and Darius used to work on. Can he convince Drew to come back and help him beat a world record?
March 15, 2024
I absolutely loved this middle grade novel written in verse. Even though it covered tough subjects, it handled them in a way that was relatable for a younger audience. This was very well written and flowed very well. I think many middle graders will enjoy this one.
Thank you Simon Kids for sending me this advanced copy.
Thank you Simon Kids for sending me this advanced copy.
May 17, 2024
what a joy - love that it's written in verse
also a sucker for coming-of-age anything so i was def a mark
if i were (still) an English teacher i'd make every 8th grader coming into 9th read this... it's a grief book but also it's a growing up book but also a growing into one's self book ugh! just so good thank you npr for recommending
also a sucker for coming-of-age anything so i was def a mark
if i were (still) an English teacher i'd make every 8th grader coming into 9th read this... it's a grief book but also it's a growing up book but also a growing into one's self book ugh! just so good thank you npr for recommending
February 25, 2024
A novel in verse for young readers, covering a range of deep topics, written in a way that many kids today can probably relate to and find validation in. I liked the flow of the book and enjoyed the story.
This review is of an ARC I won in a Goodreads giveaway.
This review is of an ARC I won in a Goodreads giveaway.
April 28, 2024
I loved Genesis Begins Again by Williams. This one is good - a novel in verse- but doesn't quite live up to Genesis IMO.
April 30, 2024
A well written story about friendship and growth. Feels more middle grade but without as much high school appeal.
April 30, 2024
A really sweet book about a boy exploring the pressures of manhood and masculinity.
May 13, 2024
Loved everything about this book in verse. Ms. Williams has a written a great one!
May 13, 2024
5.75/10
May 14, 2024
NIV; kids being kids and dealing with stuff. quite emotional
May 18, 2024
Novel in verse about a teenage boy dealing with grief, growing up, and growing into himself during the transition from 8th grade into high school.
4.5/5
4.5/5
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