Reading Metrics
Description
Athan Wilde has always dreamed of flying, but when his friend Mr. Chen is murdered, Athan must save the secret flying machine they built together from falling into dangerous hands. With his family under threat, he faces an impossible choice: pursue his passion or keep them safe. This gripping adventure follows Athan as he navigates a world of rooftops and risky secrets.
Quick Summary
If you want a story that mixes adventure, heart, and a really cool flying machine, this one delivers. Athan's world gets turned upside down when his friend Mr. Chen is killed and he suddenly has to protect the incredible invention they built together while keeping his family safe from dangerous people who want it for themselves. It's got that classic tension of a kid being pushed into a situation far bigger than he expected, but what makes it memorable is how Athan wrestles with what matters more to him his dreams or the people he loves. Kids who enjoy stories like "Holes" or "The Westing Game" will appreciate how the stakes keep building, and there's enough action and mystery to hook reluctant readers who might otherwise drag their feet. The friendship between Athan and Mr. Chen feels genuine and adds real emotional weight to the story, which gives it depth beyond just the adventure plot. Parents will find it's a solid choice for middle graders there's tension and a few scary moments (those "wrong hands" are genuinely threatening), but it's ultimately a story about loyalty, courage, and making hard choices. At around 44,000 words, it's long enough to feel satisfying without being intimidating, and the AR level means it's accessible for a wide range of ages in that 4-8 grade span.