Fly Like an Eagle cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 4.2
Points 5.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 32641
Points per Word 0.000153
Page Count 180
Points per Page 0.027778

Description

In Fly Like an Eagle, Horace (Ace) Hobart's exciting summer plans are derailed when his father decides to head west, taking Ace along on a journey to learn the truth about his parents and why they placed him in an orphanage. As they travel across the country, Ace uncovers clues hidden in small towns, old photographs, and conversations that lead to a surprising destination and force him to confront the mystery surrounding his family. The novel blends the adventure of a road trip with the emotional stakes of uncovering long-buried family secrets, creating a coming-of-age story rooted in personal discovery.

Quick Summary

Fly Like an Eagle starts out with Ace, a teen who's counting down the days to a summer full of his own plans, when his dad abruptly reshapes the vacation into a cross-country road trip that feels like an unexpected gift. As they roll through small towns, diners, and winding back roads, Ace and his dad get into a series of mishaps and heart-to-heart moments that slowly shift Ace's view of his father from irritation to genuine respect. The story mixes laugh-out-loud scenes like accidentally ending up in a chaotic county fair with quiet, reflective passages about chasing dreams and listening to the people who know you best. It's a great pick for teens who love road-trip adventures, family dynamics, or stories that balance humor with a lot of heart, and parents will find the tone light-hearted yet meaningful without ever feeling preachy.