Fight + Flight by Jules Machias
Published by Quill Tree Books on May 24, 2022
ISBN: 0063053942
Pages: 400
Goodreads

Fight and Flight is a middle grade story told from dual perspectives. Avery, a feisty former drummer and dirt biker, is dealing with the pain and frustration of her Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which has stolen her favorite activities and independence away from her. The second narrator is soft-spoken Sarah, who is suffering from panic attacks following the death of her aunt and whose point of view is shared through her journal entries and accompanying drawings. While Avery has been developing a crush on Sarah for a while, the two truly bond during a terrifyingly realistic active shooter drill at school and in the aftermath as they both come to grips with the effect the incident has had on them.

Representation in this novel includes LGBTQ+ characters Avery, her two moms (one of whom was once her Dad), and Sarah who is questioning her feelings for Avery. Additionally, Avery’s best friend Mason is Black and he describes how his experience of going through an active shooter drill is different for him in a way that Avery could never understand.

This is an excellent read for middle schoolers who enjoy books about tough topics. In addition to the girls’ health problems, issues with family, friends, and even faith come into play which will give most readers something to ponder and relate to. No doubt the anxiety of active shooter drills will be all too familiar for students. Recommended for grades 5-8.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Kerri Lattari, York Middle School