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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Flight by Sandy Whiting follows Cassie, a teenager in the aftermath of her father's death, dealing with her mother's addiction and her brother's detachment. Cassie manages household duties and feels increasingly isolated. At school, she views her life through literature, not nicely as it is Lord of the Flies, but also through a butterfly science project. Cassie receives support from her neighbor, Mrs. Lee, who shares her own experiences with loss and encourages Cassie to embrace transformation. Butterflies appear to be everywhere, whether journaling, swimming, or just having a feeling in her stomach. When her mother returns from rehab, Cassie is beset with a mixture of emotions, and is cautious about rebuilding their relationship; but perhaps a butterfly project for the whole family may help them, too.
Flight by Sandy Whiting is a genuinely unique read, narrated entirely in poetic verse. The writing style is one of its strongest features, intelligently breathing life into Cassie, Mrs. Lee, who is a wonderful character, and the butterfly metaphors that are embedded in virtually every experience. Whiting’s use of butterfly symbolism is masterful and renders a perfect illustration of Cassie’s evolving sense of self. I thought that Whiting was sensitive in the portrayal of Cassie's mother and her addiction, managing this without sacrificing its impact on and damage to every part of Cassie's life. This isn't a story that shies away from one of the most difficult situations a child, which Cassie is, may find themselves in, but it also celebrates the quiet strength and soft power that can emerge in the darkest of times. Very highly recommended.
