Release: April 13th, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Amulet Books
Source: Amazon
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N
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A heartfelt middle-grade novel about a theater-loving girl who uses a wheelchair for mobility. And her quest to defy expectations and gravity from Tony award-winning actress Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz
Thirteen-year-old Nat Beacon loves a lot of things. Her dog Warbucks, her best friend Chloe, and competing on her wheelchair racing team, the Zoomers, are to name a few. But there’s one thing she’s absolutely obsessed with is MUSICALS! From Hamilton to Les Mis. There’s not a cast album she hasn’t memorized and belted along to. She’s never actually been in a musical, though. And has never seen an actor who uses a wheelchair for mobility on stage. Would someone like Nat ever get cast?
But when Nat’s family moves from California to New Jersey, Nat stumbles upon auditions for a kids’ production of Wicked, one of her favorite musicals ever. And she gets into the ensemble. The other cast members are super cool, especially Malik, the male lead and cutest boy Nat’s ever seen. But when things go awry a week before opening night, will Nat be able to cast her fears and insecurities aside. And will she “Defy Gravity” in every sense of the song title?
About the Author:
Ali Stroker made history the first person in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway and win a Tony Award. She made her Broadway debut in the revival of Spring Awakening and then played Ado Annie in Oklahoma’s revival.
Ali graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and has starred and recurred in numerous television shows. Her work as a humanitarian includes speaking and performing worldwide, helping people with and without disabilities through her message of “Making your Limitations into Opportunities.” This is her debut novel.
Stacy Davidowitz is the author of the Camp Rolling Hills series and coauthor of Camp Rolling Hills the Musical, which continues to have productions across the country. She is also the author of the Hanazuki chapter book series based on Hasbro’s YouTube series. Stacy has written award-winning plays that have been produced regionally and internationally. When she is not writing, she teaches creative writing and musical theater in schools. She is a Tufts University and Columbia University graduate, where she earned degrees in drama and acting. Stacy lives in Manhattan with her husband and twin boys.
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The Chance to Fly Review:
“The Chance to Fly” is an adorable tale that inspires you to follow your dreams no matter what challenges you face.
I loved the theme of the story. The authors have collaborated the plot in a creative manner where you root for Nat on her journey. I loved how they depicted her disability in a realistic but positive way. On one side, Nat faces hurdles and has to put a brave front over things that she cannot do. Nevertheless, that doesn’t stop her from following her dreams.
Moreover, I loved how lively and supportive the theatre group is. They accept Nat from the get-go and never say anything rude to her. More importantly, they don’t pity or feel sorry for Nat and treat her like everyone else. The way the author wrote this aspect was a breath of fresh air. Also, I loved the musical theme of the story! It is clear that the authors share a passion for musicals, and I was thrilled when I read scenes from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked,” “The Lion King,” and “Annie” (which are some of my favorites!)
The authors also did a beautiful job in the dynamics between the characters. Nat and Malik share a beautiful friendship. I also enjoyed the dramatic moments between Savannah and Nat. Similarly, Nat and Chloe’s scenes were interesting, and I was curious to know if they could overcome their difficulties. The author also sweetly wrote about Nat’s parents. Nat’s parents are overprotective of her, which is understandable, and fear her trying out new things if she cannot handle it.
Overall, I thought “The Chance to Fly” was an excellent realistic middle-grade novel that shows you can achieve your dreams if you put your mind and effort into it!
