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Air
An action-packed, empowering middle grade novel about a girl who has to speak up when her wheelchair motocross dreams get turned upside down.
Twelve-year-old Emmie is working to raise money for a tricked-out wheelchair to get serious about WCMX, when a mishap on a poorly designed ramp at school throws her plans into a tailspin. Instead of replacing the ramp, her school provides her with a kind but unwelcome aide--and, seeing a golden media opportunity, launches a public fundraiser for her new wheels. Emmie loves her close-knit rural town, but she can't shake the feeling that her goals--and her choices--suddenly aren't hers anymore. With the help of her best friends, Emmie makes a plan to get her dreams off the ground--and show her community what she wants, what she has to give, and how ready she is to do it on her own terms.
Air is a smart, energetic middle grade debut from Monica Roe about thinking big, working hard, and taking flight.
Twelve-year-old Emmie is working to raise money for a tricked-out wheelchair to get serious about WCMX, when a mishap on a poorly designed ramp at school throws her plans into a tailspin. Instead of replacing the ramp, her school provides her with a kind but unwelcome aide--and, seeing a golden media opportunity, launches a public fundraiser for her new wheels. Emmie loves her close-knit rural town, but she can't shake the feeling that her goals--and her choices--suddenly aren't hers anymore. With the help of her best friends, Emmie makes a plan to get her dreams off the ground--and show her community what she wants, what she has to give, and how ready she is to do it on her own terms.
Air is a smart, energetic middle grade debut from Monica Roe about thinking big, working hard, and taking flight.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2022
43 people are currently reading
965 people want to read
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April 27, 2022
This review was written by my 11 year old daughter, Ali.
I really enjoyed Air and reading about Emmie. She is smart, strong and uses her voice to get what she wants. I liked learning about the side business Emmie and Claire have because I am thinking about starting one too. At school I receive support for my Autism and even though it’s not the same as Emmie being in a wheelchair, I sometimes feel that people try to help too much. I really connected with Emmie on that. Sometimes people think they know what you need but they’re not always right. The ending of the story made me happy and I was happy for Emmie.
I really enjoyed Air and reading about Emmie. She is smart, strong and uses her voice to get what she wants. I liked learning about the side business Emmie and Claire have because I am thinking about starting one too. At school I receive support for my Autism and even though it’s not the same as Emmie being in a wheelchair, I sometimes feel that people try to help too much. I really connected with Emmie on that. Sometimes people think they know what you need but they’re not always right. The ending of the story made me happy and I was happy for Emmie.
April 18, 2024
Highly recommend reading the author's note afterwards 👍🏼.
This was a fun ride of a book and brings up very good points.
Sometimes what you think someone needs isn't what they want or what is best for the person in question. Every case is different and people aren't lesser humans because they are disabled.
Disability can be a superpower too.
This book had a pace like Emmie's love for speed, you just go along for the ride and hang on :).
I wanted to see more of Emmie's sparky grandma client, she was great :).
There's laughter and tears (have some tissues ready at some parts), and some heart to heart talks that'll pull all your strings :).
Emmie learning what she wants, how to express who she is and what she needs... gathering the courage to do what she knows is necessary... loved seeing it all.
I want to keep this book but also pass it along to everyone I know.
Hopefully coming across clear, trying to write this review when I'm mentally drained (feeling mostly better but still have my bad days) :(.
Go read this book!
This was a fun ride of a book and brings up very good points.
Sometimes what you think someone needs isn't what they want or what is best for the person in question. Every case is different and people aren't lesser humans because they are disabled.
Disability can be a superpower too.
This book had a pace like Emmie's love for speed, you just go along for the ride and hang on :).
I wanted to see more of Emmie's sparky grandma client, she was great :).
There's laughter and tears (have some tissues ready at some parts), and some heart to heart talks that'll pull all your strings :).
Emmie learning what she wants, how to express who she is and what she needs... gathering the courage to do what she knows is necessary... loved seeing it all.
I want to keep this book but also pass it along to everyone I know.
Hopefully coming across clear, trying to write this review when I'm mentally drained (feeling mostly better but still have my bad days) :(.
Go read this book!
July 4, 2023
3.5
The book is solid and is a great book for 3rd-6th graders. I think I’m just getting burned out of middle grades books. Only four more Reading Bowl books left 😅😭😳
The book is solid and is a great book for 3rd-6th graders. I think I’m just getting burned out of middle grades books. Only four more Reading Bowl books left 😅😭😳
July 16, 2023
A great middle grade novel about ableism, accessibility and standing up for what you need.
Twelve year old Emmie was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. She has wheelchair motocross dreams and is trying to raise money for a new chair but when she has an accident at school she gets assigned an aid she doesn't want or need.
Then when the school offers her money for a new chair she decides she'd rather have them put it towards making the school more accessible for everyone. Good on audio narrated by Sandy Rustin and recommended for fans of books like Roll with it by Jamie Sumner and The chance to fly by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz.
Twelve year old Emmie was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. She has wheelchair motocross dreams and is trying to raise money for a new chair but when she has an accident at school she gets assigned an aid she doesn't want or need.
Then when the school offers her money for a new chair she decides she'd rather have them put it towards making the school more accessible for everyone. Good on audio narrated by Sandy Rustin and recommended for fans of books like Roll with it by Jamie Sumner and The chance to fly by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz.
February 19, 2025
I loved this! Emmie was an excellent main character -- clever, brave, determined, and flawed. She made mistakes and hurt people she loved and then learned from her mistakes and tried to be a better friend. The messaging about how help is only helpful if the person wants it and asks for it was really useful for anyone reading the book (as a reminder, a reinforcement, or a wake-up call). I super loved the way she worked with her friend to meet their goals together. Emmie didn't ask to be anyone's inspirational story until she defined the way she wanted to be inspiring on her own. Highly recommend for 5th grade and up.
// reread in Feb 2025 for Reading Olympics // loved it even more the second time around & bumping it up to a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
// reread in Feb 2025 for Reading Olympics // loved it even more the second time around & bumping it up to a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 30, 2023
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ there was way too much times spent on a pseudo-romance and not enough time dedicated to developing key characters and themes.
Happy Disability Pride Month!!
This novel is a great middle-grade entry point into the topics of disability, advocacy, ableism, allyship (what that means/doesn’t mean), as well as into the issues with legislation & disability rights.
One of my larger issues is that the main character is white, but is surrounded by BIPOC in what seemed to be a very conservative area. She is the only one shown to face a lot of adversity, which I think was a really shallow and (I will say it: ignorant) way to go about it, especially in a story like this. Almost nothing was given ab discrimination against those at the intersections between race & disability, which left a very large hole in the story & it’s themes.
Yes, the Black Panther party was mentioned once, and yes, the character that Emmy has a crush on is Black & mentions Black historical figures a couple of times. That’s literally it.
Also, Ale was done DIRTY and got basically scraps of the development she should’ve been given. There’s also nothing mentioned about her besides being Latina and loving bees. That’s literally it.
I can admire how much passion the author put into Air; passion that definitely shines through in the pages & storytelling. I don’t love how it was executed.
I think this is a novel that should be on a lot more book lists and recommendations. I did enjoy it, and while it’s very surface-level, & it’s still effective for what it is.
Happy Disability Pride Month!!
This novel is a great middle-grade entry point into the topics of disability, advocacy, ableism, allyship (what that means/doesn’t mean), as well as into the issues with legislation & disability rights.
One of my larger issues is that the main character is white, but is surrounded by BIPOC in what seemed to be a very conservative area. She is the only one shown to face a lot of adversity, which I think was a really shallow and (I will say it: ignorant) way to go about it, especially in a story like this. Almost nothing was given ab discrimination against those at the intersections between race & disability, which left a very large hole in the story & it’s themes.
Yes, the Black Panther party was mentioned once, and yes, the character that Emmy has a crush on is Black & mentions Black historical figures a couple of times. That’s literally it.
Also, Ale was done DIRTY and got basically scraps of the development she should’ve been given. There’s also nothing mentioned about her besides being Latina and loving bees. That’s literally it.
I can admire how much passion the author put into Air; passion that definitely shines through in the pages & storytelling. I don’t love how it was executed.
I think this is a novel that should be on a lot more book lists and recommendations. I did enjoy it, and while it’s very surface-level, & it’s still effective for what it is.
November 2, 2023
Fabulous. I loved every character, and I loved the unapologetic message that every kid should have the resources that serve them best, not ones that impede them. The writing was so incredibly strong and the sass in this book was unparalleled. Emmie is a superstar-- full of strength and moxie and determination.
January 7, 2024
Trigger warnings: ableism, death of a parent (in the past), grief
A delightful middle grade story about a kid with spina bifida who desperately wants to do wheelchair motocross, but doesn't have a suitable wheelchair. Emmie was a fabulous protagonist and I really enjoyed her voice. I also liked her slow realisation that the fundraiser the school holds is less about supporting her and her dreams and more about turning her into inspiration porn for the able-bodied community.
It was perhaps a little TOO fast paced at some points, but on the whole it was really well done and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author's note about IEPs/ILPs and including students in those was great too.
A delightful middle grade story about a kid with spina bifida who desperately wants to do wheelchair motocross, but doesn't have a suitable wheelchair. Emmie was a fabulous protagonist and I really enjoyed her voice. I also liked her slow realisation that the fundraiser the school holds is less about supporting her and her dreams and more about turning her into inspiration porn for the able-bodied community.
It was perhaps a little TOO fast paced at some points, but on the whole it was really well done and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author's note about IEPs/ILPs and including students in those was great too.
May 25, 2023
This should be in every school library. Great characters and story.
December 13, 2023
I love a fiery girl, and Emmy was just that. She pushes limits physically and metaphorically, she learns to be a better friend, and to speak up for herself and follow her heart.
November 15, 2023
Really enjoyed reading this book for our middle grade book discussion at our library. Hoping the kids enjoyed it as much!
January 8, 2022
Air is a powerful and impressive middle grade novel about finding your voice and following your dream, while managing the transition to high school, friendship, adults who think they know best and the ways society limits the potential of all.
Air is a book I’m going to force upon a lot of people. Staff and teachers at my school, my principal, students. It’s a book I think everyone should read. The author so perfectly captures Emmie’s voice. That of a young girl who has just started seventh grade. She loves racing and jumping on ramps in her wheelchair. Chair skating. She’s an athlete and entrepreneur. She and her best friend run a small business selling plants and wheelchair bags. Emmie is saving up for a new wheelchair, one that is made for skating. But when she takes a fall at school - totally not her fault! - her new principal demands that she has a full time aide. Emmie is horrified. When the principal announces that the school plans to raise money to buy Emmie her new chair, she’s super excited, but it seems it might come at a cost and she has to decide what she wants and how to speak up for herself.
Emmie is such an awesome character. I loved being in her head as she narrates the story. She is spunky, determined, loves speed, she’s clever, a savvy businessperson, and caring. Since her mother’s death, she and her father have been managing on their own. Emmie is responsible for a lot around their house and she takes good care of her dad. She misses her mother a lot, especially when she has to face the principal without her mother’s fierce support. The addition of Emmie and her friend’s small business is a wonderful addition to the story and I, being a massive fan of sports novels, loved that Emmie is an athlete and works hard to train and improve her skills.
The author is a physical therapy professional and Emmie’s story is loosely based on a true story. She captures such a great perspective, valuing the importance for support and inclusion for those that need it, but also balancing that with independence. It also highlights how it is society and architecture that limit people with disabilities. I adored the solution that Emmie comes up with and the way she stands up for herself and others.
With themes of friendship, being a good friend, romance, family, grief, father-daughter relationships and so much more, this is just an utterly delightful book that also has such an important message. There is so much to love.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog
Air is a book I’m going to force upon a lot of people. Staff and teachers at my school, my principal, students. It’s a book I think everyone should read. The author so perfectly captures Emmie’s voice. That of a young girl who has just started seventh grade. She loves racing and jumping on ramps in her wheelchair. Chair skating. She’s an athlete and entrepreneur. She and her best friend run a small business selling plants and wheelchair bags. Emmie is saving up for a new wheelchair, one that is made for skating. But when she takes a fall at school - totally not her fault! - her new principal demands that she has a full time aide. Emmie is horrified. When the principal announces that the school plans to raise money to buy Emmie her new chair, she’s super excited, but it seems it might come at a cost and she has to decide what she wants and how to speak up for herself.
Emmie is such an awesome character. I loved being in her head as she narrates the story. She is spunky, determined, loves speed, she’s clever, a savvy businessperson, and caring. Since her mother’s death, she and her father have been managing on their own. Emmie is responsible for a lot around their house and she takes good care of her dad. She misses her mother a lot, especially when she has to face the principal without her mother’s fierce support. The addition of Emmie and her friend’s small business is a wonderful addition to the story and I, being a massive fan of sports novels, loved that Emmie is an athlete and works hard to train and improve her skills.
The author is a physical therapy professional and Emmie’s story is loosely based on a true story. She captures such a great perspective, valuing the importance for support and inclusion for those that need it, but also balancing that with independence. It also highlights how it is society and architecture that limit people with disabilities. I adored the solution that Emmie comes up with and the way she stands up for herself and others.
With themes of friendship, being a good friend, romance, family, grief, father-daughter relationships and so much more, this is just an utterly delightful book that also has such an important message. There is so much to love.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog
April 17, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
What a fantastic story! I adored Emmie and admired how hard she was willing to work to achieve her dreams. She was so lucky to have been raised by parents who instilled a strong sense that she was capable of so much. The author did a great job of raising some awareness of the rights of people with disabilities, as well as ways to be a good ally. I have no doubt people will be won over by Emmie, her zest for life, her amazing work ethic, and her WCMX dreams.
| | | | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
What a fantastic story! I adored Emmie and admired how hard she was willing to work to achieve her dreams. She was so lucky to have been raised by parents who instilled a strong sense that she was capable of so much. The author did a great job of raising some awareness of the rights of people with disabilities, as well as ways to be a good ally. I have no doubt people will be won over by Emmie, her zest for life, her amazing work ethic, and her WCMX dreams.
| | | | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
May 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this story of Emmie, who is saving up for a tricked-out wheelchair because she lives for speed! Emmie's mom died two years ago and her father is struggling to hold everything together, so when the new school principal takes Emmie's chair on as a "cause" Emmie doesn't protest, even though something about it doesn't quite sit right with her. Through soul searching and making plenty of mistakes, Emmie works to figure out what she needs to do to be true to herself and get the chair of her dreams. This story moved right along and I loved Emmie’s voice. It hit all the right notes of a kid who is confident in who she is but is also searching for the answers to problems she’s never had to deal with before. I particularly loved Emmie’s true-blue friendship with her best friend Ale and the beginnings of her first crush on a boy. Will recommend this to library patrons for sure!
February 27, 2022
This is BY FAR my favorite book of the year, so far! I can't wait for this to be released so that I can get it in the hands of my students. Such a powerful story that empowers students to understand the view of a student in a wheelchair.
July 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book about Emmie. It offers perspective for kids (and adults) on not getting in others� space or assuming someone with a disability needs help. I love Emmie’s voice and sass. Her and Ale’s shared determination to reach their goals is admirable. Definitely a book to book talk.
December 16, 2023
I loved this book! Super quick read and had super relatable and valuable lessons on disability advocacy! I loved the casual representation and the showing that disabled people are not delicate and can and do have dreams!
June 26, 2022
Air is an an excellent story about standing up against ableism, working through grief, and just navigating the challenges of being a kid.
January 30, 2023
4.5 stars, such a good read with so much to discuss!
August 26, 2022
RATING:
4 STARS
"More than anything, I wish someone had thought to ask me if I needed help before going ahead and planning it all out."
Monica Roe’s newest middle-grade novel Air is an action-packed, thought-provoking contemporary tale full of positive disability representation, empowering messages, and even a bit of first-crush romance and hijinks. Emmie is a twelve-year-old girl affected by spina bifida (a birth defect in which an area of the spinal column doesn't form properly) who largely gets around using her wheelchair and dreams of one day competing in wheelchair motocross (WCMX). In order to do so, she’s been running a side hustle of sorts (making wheelchair armrest bags) to raise money. When her school hears of her plans and offers to fundraise (and make a very big deal out of the situation), Emmie must decide what she wants to do and what she wants her future to look like.
I really empathized with Emmie in this book. There are a lot of people in Emmie’s life that mean well, but one rule of thumb for interacting with wheelchair users that everyone should observe is to not touch someone’s wheelchair unless they give you permission. Like, ever. There’s also the struggle of all those meaning well when it comes to trying to help with fundraising for her new wheelchair. No one doubts the good intentions (especially Emmie), but I agree with some of the others in her life that the new wheelchair will be more meaningful if she earns it herself (and doesn’t have to ‘march to the beat of another person’s drum� to do so). I cannot imagine the painful awkwardness that would come with all the media attention that would surround the fundraiser (and it's still shocking to me that they didn’t reach out to her dad about it before setting it up) - I was cringing just reading about the entire situation.
The disability representation in this book is great (speaking from the viewpoint of someone who is disabled and chronically ill but not wheelchair-bound). It’s obvious that the author did her research (with a lot of it likely coming from her position as a physical therapist). After reading the author’s note at the end of the book, it was even cooler (and not surprising) to learn that this was loosely based on some of the author’s real-life encounters and experiences with a disabled student. I felt that the depiction of how Emmie’s father struggles to balance raising a child, going to school, and keeping a roof over their heads was very authentic. I also appreciate how the author touched on the fight by people with disabilities and their allies to secure equal and accessible facilities at schools and other public locations. It may feel like ages ago, but ADA rules and regulations haven’t actually been around for that long. As 'AKSalmonGrannie' remarks, it doesn't seem like it should be all that special to give students what they need at school.
While Emmie is undoubtedly the star of the show in this book, there were some side characters that really shined. For example, Mr. Singeltary (the gym teacher) goes out of his way to make Emmie feel comfortable and even does one on one basketball games with her. I was quite amused by his using his desk chair to make things more equal in the game. Mr. Milling, the history teacher has some insightful conversations with EmmieThere’s also Emmie’s best friend Ale, who is a voice of reason and the person Emmie goes to vent her frustrations. I was a bit saddened that Emmie didn’t take more interest in Ale’s hobbies (given how much Ale helps her with training to do tricks). I understand that bees are scary, but the give and take in their relationship is not exactly equal.
Overall, Air was an entertaining and enjoyable book. Emmie’s story is an inspirational one - not because of all the things she’s able to do in a wheelchair, but because of her mature responses to people’s flubs, her determination to make sure she and others continue to learn and do better, and her genuine enthusiasm for life. It was so exciting to see the representation in this book (I can’t really think of any other contemporary novels I’ve read that have featured the main character in a wheelchair), and I hope I can see similar representation in more books in the future. For those who love audiobooks, Sandy Rustin did a great job with the narration - she really brought Emmie’s personality and perspective to life with her performance. While this book is primarily geared towards a younger audience, I would happily recommend it to young adults and adults alike as I think readers of all ages would be able to take something away from this story.
Thank you to KidLit 411 for my giveaway copy of the book!
"More than anything, I wish someone had thought to ask me if I needed help before going ahead and planning it all out."
Monica Roe’s newest middle-grade novel Air is an action-packed, thought-provoking contemporary tale full of positive disability representation, empowering messages, and even a bit of first-crush romance and hijinks. Emmie is a twelve-year-old girl affected by spina bifida (a birth defect in which an area of the spinal column doesn't form properly) who largely gets around using her wheelchair and dreams of one day competing in wheelchair motocross (WCMX). In order to do so, she’s been running a side hustle of sorts (making wheelchair armrest bags) to raise money. When her school hears of her plans and offers to fundraise (and make a very big deal out of the situation), Emmie must decide what she wants to do and what she wants her future to look like.
I really empathized with Emmie in this book. There are a lot of people in Emmie’s life that mean well, but one rule of thumb for interacting with wheelchair users that everyone should observe is to not touch someone’s wheelchair unless they give you permission. Like, ever. There’s also the struggle of all those meaning well when it comes to trying to help with fundraising for her new wheelchair. No one doubts the good intentions (especially Emmie), but I agree with some of the others in her life that the new wheelchair will be more meaningful if she earns it herself (and doesn’t have to ‘march to the beat of another person’s drum� to do so). I cannot imagine the painful awkwardness that would come with all the media attention that would surround the fundraiser (and it's still shocking to me that they didn’t reach out to her dad about it before setting it up) - I was cringing just reading about the entire situation.
The disability representation in this book is great (speaking from the viewpoint of someone who is disabled and chronically ill but not wheelchair-bound). It’s obvious that the author did her research (with a lot of it likely coming from her position as a physical therapist). After reading the author’s note at the end of the book, it was even cooler (and not surprising) to learn that this was loosely based on some of the author’s real-life encounters and experiences with a disabled student. I felt that the depiction of how Emmie’s father struggles to balance raising a child, going to school, and keeping a roof over their heads was very authentic. I also appreciate how the author touched on the fight by people with disabilities and their allies to secure equal and accessible facilities at schools and other public locations. It may feel like ages ago, but ADA rules and regulations haven’t actually been around for that long. As 'AKSalmonGrannie' remarks, it doesn't seem like it should be all that special to give students what they need at school.
While Emmie is undoubtedly the star of the show in this book, there were some side characters that really shined. For example, Mr. Singeltary (the gym teacher) goes out of his way to make Emmie feel comfortable and even does one on one basketball games with her. I was quite amused by his using his desk chair to make things more equal in the game. Mr. Milling, the history teacher has some insightful conversations with EmmieThere’s also Emmie’s best friend Ale, who is a voice of reason and the person Emmie goes to vent her frustrations. I was a bit saddened that Emmie didn’t take more interest in Ale’s hobbies (given how much Ale helps her with training to do tricks). I understand that bees are scary, but the give and take in their relationship is not exactly equal.
Overall, Air was an entertaining and enjoyable book. Emmie’s story is an inspirational one - not because of all the things she’s able to do in a wheelchair, but because of her mature responses to people’s flubs, her determination to make sure she and others continue to learn and do better, and her genuine enthusiasm for life. It was so exciting to see the representation in this book (I can’t really think of any other contemporary novels I’ve read that have featured the main character in a wheelchair), and I hope I can see similar representation in more books in the future. For those who love audiobooks, Sandy Rustin did a great job with the narration - she really brought Emmie’s personality and perspective to life with her performance. While this book is primarily geared towards a younger audience, I would happily recommend it to young adults and adults alike as I think readers of all ages would be able to take something away from this story.
Thank you to KidLit 411 for my giveaway copy of the book!
July 4, 2022
Hi everyone, as someone who is physically disabled and is a wheelchair user, I deeply related to this book and the various different disability topics that are mentioned. Even though I am a teen, I still enjoyed this book and the storyline because the story and challenges were very realistic circumstances that could happen in someone’s day to day life.
Kudos to Monica Roe for portraying disability and being disabled accurately without pitying disability and/or romanizing disability. Also, I was very impressed how accurately portrayed Emmie was as a disabled person considering that Roe wasn’t disabled herself. I know her experience as a physical therapist has contributed to her knowledge on disability topics.
I love how Monica incorporated lack of accessibility and school trying to overcompensate by giving Emmie a school aide, mention of Section 504, people making those ignorant, ableist remarks about using a wheelchair, and people taking control over your wheelchair without your permission, just to name a few. I have experienced more than one of these instances throughout my lifetime as a wheelchair user and it is amazing to read about fictional characters whom have also experienced these things.
While disability plays a huge role in the book, there is also some friend drama, family problems, and Emmie learning how to self advocate.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend to anyone to read this book. If you are disabled, it may help you not feel as alone in your struggles with inaccessibility and school. If you are nondisabled, this book can open your eyes to real life experiences a disabled student may face with school not understanding, lack of accessibility, people helping to much, and trying to learn to advocate your needs.
I loved this book so much, I will definitely read it again!
Kudos to Monica Roe for portraying disability and being disabled accurately without pitying disability and/or romanizing disability. Also, I was very impressed how accurately portrayed Emmie was as a disabled person considering that Roe wasn’t disabled herself. I know her experience as a physical therapist has contributed to her knowledge on disability topics.
I love how Monica incorporated lack of accessibility and school trying to overcompensate by giving Emmie a school aide, mention of Section 504, people making those ignorant, ableist remarks about using a wheelchair, and people taking control over your wheelchair without your permission, just to name a few. I have experienced more than one of these instances throughout my lifetime as a wheelchair user and it is amazing to read about fictional characters whom have also experienced these things.
While disability plays a huge role in the book, there is also some friend drama, family problems, and Emmie learning how to self advocate.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend to anyone to read this book. If you are disabled, it may help you not feel as alone in your struggles with inaccessibility and school. If you are nondisabled, this book can open your eyes to real life experiences a disabled student may face with school not understanding, lack of accessibility, people helping to much, and trying to learn to advocate your needs.
I loved this book so much, I will definitely read it again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2022
AIR is an upbeat, empowering, and engaging story that teaches lots of valuable lessons without being preachy or heavy-handed. Emmie is a strong, capable, and confident heroine. She may be in a wheelchair, but that doesn't stop her from doing lots of amazing things like running a successful online business, helping her dad in his auto shop, playing sports, performing daring stunts, etc. She has a strong voice, reminding readers that just because someone is wheelchair bound, it doesn't make them weak, dumb, or incompetent. Although I didn't find her super likable (in fact, she's a self-centered brat at times), Emmie is sympathetic and has a strong voice. While I really liked Emmie's strength and capability, they also made it so I didn't worry about her achieving her goals, which made her story less compelling for me than it would have been otherwise. I didn't have to root for her because she didn't need me to. She never really struggled to achieve her goals, so I didn't have to worry. I definitely would have been more invested in her plight if it felt a little less possible. I also felt like Emmie and her friends talked and acted much older than 12, which made them feel less authentic to me.
Roe's writing is engaging, so AIR feels both approachable and entertaining. It moves along swiftly, making for a quick, immersive read. I also enjoyed learning about the history of educational access for those with disabilities as well as simple etiquette for interacting with people in wheelchairs. Very enlightening.
All considered, I ended up liking AIR but not loving it. If I could, I'd give it 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.
Roe's writing is engaging, so AIR feels both approachable and entertaining. It moves along swiftly, making for a quick, immersive read. I also enjoyed learning about the history of educational access for those with disabilities as well as simple etiquette for interacting with people in wheelchairs. Very enlightening.
All considered, I ended up liking AIR but not loving it. If I could, I'd give it 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.
November 28, 2023
Written by a pediatric physical therapy provider, this JF book focuses on accessibility for people with disabilities and the fact that the disability community is not here to inspire others. Emmie is a 12 year old girl whose Mom died a few years ago. Her Dad works hard to support the two of them and be there for his daughter but it’s tough for both of them. Emmie and her friend Ale are entrepreneurs with an online business. Emmie is saving up for a better wheelchair that she can more easily do tricks in-WCMX. Ale is a beekeeper and she’s is saving up for a better beehive. Emmie wants to be as independent as possible but navigating around her school can be challenging. What happens after Emmie takes a tumble, partly because of a ramp that is tough to navigate, will keep readers engaged.
June 25, 2024
Spectacular book that centers the difference between accessibility and well-intentioned virtue signaling. It’s got great characters� I love that Emmie is such a fierce individual � a great storyline, and a great message � about finding ways to speak up, and about drawing boundaries around the things that mean a lot to you. Along the way, great friendships, first crush, kick-ass wheelchair stunts, school politics and grief over the loss of a parent. It’s a lot, but the book just flows. Love it.
November 14, 2023
This might be a YA book, but all adults in education should read this. Loved it so much, great perspective of a student with a disability.
January 10, 2022
From the second page of this book for boys and girls, the reader hears voice, courage, and a good dose of Southern chutzpah, and a touch of sadness. The main character, Emmie, and her best friend, Ale, are setting her up for a launch off of the wheelchair ramp her father built. As they prepare she thinks,
"We [her father and her] used to be out here together, instead of me having to sneak around."
I read that sentence and thought, "What happened to change things?"
What a great way to insert backstory to make the reader keep going!
The internalization continues:
I pull on my padded gloves, bring my front wheels to the edge, and breathe. The view from the top of a drop--even a basic one like this--gets me going every time. Those tadpoles swimming in my chest and the sweat on my palms are the best kind of rush. Now that added jump waiting at the bottom makes my guts fizz like I ate a handful of live bees and chased them with a bottle of Coke.
Right. Let's do this. (p. 4)
A few pages later the chapter ends with:
I'm Emelyn Ethridge. I'm twelve-and-a-half years old. Alejandra Che is my best friend.
I like Flamain' Hot Cheetos.
And I love speed. (p.8)
As a reader, I'm hooked. And I won't let go until I find out what this daring young wheelchair athlete is going to do.
As speedy as Emmie herself, this book moves. The author doesn't take much space on the page to let the reader know, "Baby Emmie's spinal cord left the factory with a design glitch." Her parents "never let me get away with acting like I was some miracle for getting out of bed...They put me on wheels, had me popping curbs by the time I was six." (p. 19-20)
Early on the reader discovers that her mom recently died and her father has changed--he doesn't seem to believe in her anymore. "He was my biggest cheerleader--my partner in high-speed mischief. Since Mom's been gone, he's so...different. Cautious. Scared even. (p. 22) Her father's work, night classes, and overtime hours don't give them the time together she wants.
I admire the way in which Monica uses deep point-of-view to show who Emmie is and what she wants. For example, when she witnesses an argument between her father and Nonny, her maternal grandmother, she thinks:
Sometimes I think it's too bad Dad and Nonny don't have wheels, too. Moving fast is the best way I know to keep ahead of feelings you'd rather shake off. (p. 34)
When she dresses up and attends a fairy festival with Ale, she observes:
Nobody's paying us any mind. One thing I love about the festival is that pretty much nobody pays attention to my chair. It's almost like it's a part of my costume--like those people riding in the wooden troll wagon or bounding around on their spring-loaded stilts while telling fortunes. Everyone blends right in. (p. 101)
Without knocking the reader over the head and telling her that Emmie wants to be treated like a kid--not a person with a disability--Monica shows it. This theme is deeply embedded in Air and is crucial to the ending which I didn't foresee. Afterwards, I realized it is a perfect conclusion to a story where the character reaches both her internal and external goals.
In addition to a well-developed character, Monica includes some terrific secondary characters who contribute mightily to the plot. There's a budding romance with a cute, rodeo "prince" (with all the miscommunication that comes with a first-time crush); an annoying aide who is assigned to Emmie but who proves her worth as a friend; and a spit-firing Alaskan Granny who orders custom wheelchair bags from Emmie. (I forgot to tell you--Emmie and Ale have an online shop to raise money: Emmie craves a high-end, multi-link-suspension stunt chair and Ale is working towards getting a new hive. They sell bags that Emmie sews and natural stuff which they salvage from the South Carolina scrub between their houses).
Did I love this book? Guess that's obvious. Am I going to study it to see how Monica portrayed Emmie's voice so well? You bet.
Come back on Thursday and find out more about Monica and why she was in a unique position to write about a young person with a disability and why bees and Alaska found a perfect place in the world of Air.
"We [her father and her] used to be out here together, instead of me having to sneak around."
I read that sentence and thought, "What happened to change things?"
What a great way to insert backstory to make the reader keep going!
The internalization continues:
I pull on my padded gloves, bring my front wheels to the edge, and breathe. The view from the top of a drop--even a basic one like this--gets me going every time. Those tadpoles swimming in my chest and the sweat on my palms are the best kind of rush. Now that added jump waiting at the bottom makes my guts fizz like I ate a handful of live bees and chased them with a bottle of Coke.
Right. Let's do this. (p. 4)
A few pages later the chapter ends with:
I'm Emelyn Ethridge. I'm twelve-and-a-half years old. Alejandra Che is my best friend.
I like Flamain' Hot Cheetos.
And I love speed. (p.8)
As a reader, I'm hooked. And I won't let go until I find out what this daring young wheelchair athlete is going to do.
As speedy as Emmie herself, this book moves. The author doesn't take much space on the page to let the reader know, "Baby Emmie's spinal cord left the factory with a design glitch." Her parents "never let me get away with acting like I was some miracle for getting out of bed...They put me on wheels, had me popping curbs by the time I was six." (p. 19-20)
Early on the reader discovers that her mom recently died and her father has changed--he doesn't seem to believe in her anymore. "He was my biggest cheerleader--my partner in high-speed mischief. Since Mom's been gone, he's so...different. Cautious. Scared even. (p. 22) Her father's work, night classes, and overtime hours don't give them the time together she wants.
I admire the way in which Monica uses deep point-of-view to show who Emmie is and what she wants. For example, when she witnesses an argument between her father and Nonny, her maternal grandmother, she thinks:
Sometimes I think it's too bad Dad and Nonny don't have wheels, too. Moving fast is the best way I know to keep ahead of feelings you'd rather shake off. (p. 34)
When she dresses up and attends a fairy festival with Ale, she observes:
Nobody's paying us any mind. One thing I love about the festival is that pretty much nobody pays attention to my chair. It's almost like it's a part of my costume--like those people riding in the wooden troll wagon or bounding around on their spring-loaded stilts while telling fortunes. Everyone blends right in. (p. 101)
Without knocking the reader over the head and telling her that Emmie wants to be treated like a kid--not a person with a disability--Monica shows it. This theme is deeply embedded in Air and is crucial to the ending which I didn't foresee. Afterwards, I realized it is a perfect conclusion to a story where the character reaches both her internal and external goals.
In addition to a well-developed character, Monica includes some terrific secondary characters who contribute mightily to the plot. There's a budding romance with a cute, rodeo "prince" (with all the miscommunication that comes with a first-time crush); an annoying aide who is assigned to Emmie but who proves her worth as a friend; and a spit-firing Alaskan Granny who orders custom wheelchair bags from Emmie. (I forgot to tell you--Emmie and Ale have an online shop to raise money: Emmie craves a high-end, multi-link-suspension stunt chair and Ale is working towards getting a new hive. They sell bags that Emmie sews and natural stuff which they salvage from the South Carolina scrub between their houses).
Did I love this book? Guess that's obvious. Am I going to study it to see how Monica portrayed Emmie's voice so well? You bet.
Come back on Thursday and find out more about Monica and why she was in a unique position to write about a young person with a disability and why bees and Alaska found a perfect place in the world of Air.
March 27, 2024
"Because when I'm skating, flying free...that's when I can truly be me."
Seventh grader Emmie is desperately saving up money so she can buy an extreme wheelchair like the WCXM athletes whose videos she loves watching. The way those wheelchair adrenalin lovers "chair skate" by hurtling down jumps and spiraling the air is awe-inspiring.
Another focus is her friend, Devontae, who she crushes on and who calls her "Hot Wheels."
Since her mom's death, it's just been Emmie and her dad. He's going to school on top of working long hours as a mechanic. When they attend a 504 meeting at school, her dad stays silent when it's recommended that Emmie gets some assistance since she just crashed her wheelchair at school. This is NOT what Emmie wants as she's incredibly independent. She's crushed her dad didn't speak up like her mother would have done.
Even worse, Emmie ends up with her own educational aide to give her support all day long--support doesn't want or need. As difficulties start stacking up for Emmie, can she find a way to cope, a way to be herself without upsetting those that care about her?
Seventh grader Emmie is desperately saving up money so she can buy an extreme wheelchair like the WCXM athletes whose videos she loves watching. The way those wheelchair adrenalin lovers "chair skate" by hurtling down jumps and spiraling the air is awe-inspiring.
Another focus is her friend, Devontae, who she crushes on and who calls her "Hot Wheels."
Since her mom's death, it's just been Emmie and her dad. He's going to school on top of working long hours as a mechanic. When they attend a 504 meeting at school, her dad stays silent when it's recommended that Emmie gets some assistance since she just crashed her wheelchair at school. This is NOT what Emmie wants as she's incredibly independent. She's crushed her dad didn't speak up like her mother would have done.
Even worse, Emmie ends up with her own educational aide to give her support all day long--support doesn't want or need. As difficulties start stacking up for Emmie, can she find a way to cope, a way to be herself without upsetting those that care about her?
November 17, 2023
Amazing, powerful, fun. Five stars.
March 11, 2024
Overall, this was a very good book. It provided valuable insight into the life of a person who uses a wheelchair, and it emphasizes the importance of consent - even if intentions are good. It also highlighted how you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and that everyone should have a voice and feel capable of using it. Characters felt realistic, and there was growth and development as the book progressed.
March 12, 2022
You don’t see a lot of books with main characters like Emelyn Ethrige: a 12-year-old entrepreneur who owns a set of sockets and a sewing machine; a determined athlete who’s willing to sacrifice some skin for an adrenaline thrill; a small-town girl who lives twenty miles from a grocery store—and, worse, a ninety-minute drive from a skate park; a seventh-grader born with spina bifida who uses a wheelchair because, as she tells it, “baby Emmie’s spinal cord left the factory with a design glitch.�
Emmie has grown up on wheels, raised by parents who never expected her to do less than other kids. By age six, she was popping curbs and flying down “baby� ramps. For almost as long, she’s admired WCMX athletes, who perform gravity-defying stunts with high-tech wheelchairs.
Emmie dreams of buying her own WCMX wheels and is half-way to her goal, thanks to an online business she runs with her BFF, Alejandra, who is saving for a special hive for her bees. The girls sell Spanish moss, pine cones, and pitch-soaked fire-starter sticks scavenged from the Carolina scrubland around their homes. Emmie also makes and sells custom wheelchair bags.
She likely inherited her need for speed from her dad, a mechanic and college student, who knows his way around a skate-park bowl and races dirt bikes. At least he did until two years ago, when his wife and Emmie’s mom died in a car accident. Now, he’s ordered Emmie to stay off their 6-foot homemade ramp setup. But how is Emmie supposed to improve if she doesn’t practice? (And, maybe, speed-plus-air eases a bit of the grief, too?)
When Emmie experiences a mishap on a steep, splintery school ramp—in part because a classmate grabs her wheels to “save� her from falling—the principal insists she be assigned a full-time aide, even though Emmie doesn’t need or want one. It doesn’t matter that she wasn’t injured and that other kids have fallen, too. Without consulting Emmie, the principal announces a community fund-raiser to buy her a WCMX wheelchair. Emmie will get awesome wheels and the school will benefit from positive media “optics,� he says. Win-win, right?
Except, as the plan snowballs without input from Emmie, she increasingly feels uncomfortable and confused—as well as distanced from her dad and friends. Yet she also struggles to find the right words and to speak up. Through the first-person story, readers experience countless microaggressions and worse as well-meaning friends and strangers grab and push Emmie’s wheelchair and try to provide “help� that isn’t—all without asking.
The story offers important representation for those who use wheelchairs and a valuable perspective for those who don’t. It also touches briefly on the recent past, when people with disabilities and their allies fought for equal access at schools and other public places.
But there’s so much more to the story, including the spark of first romance. The way Emmie’s wheelchair blends into the novel as she simply lives her busy life is a lesson in itself. Emmie is inspirational, but not because she uses a wheelchair. She tries to be a good friend and when she messes up, she’s willing to learn and do better, and she helps others do the same. Her ultimate response to her steamrolling, clueless principal is nothing short of a triumph. I would love to read more novels about kids like Emmie.
Disclaimer: I received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased opinion about the book. I only post reviews of books I finished and enjoyed.
Emmie has grown up on wheels, raised by parents who never expected her to do less than other kids. By age six, she was popping curbs and flying down “baby� ramps. For almost as long, she’s admired WCMX athletes, who perform gravity-defying stunts with high-tech wheelchairs.
Emmie dreams of buying her own WCMX wheels and is half-way to her goal, thanks to an online business she runs with her BFF, Alejandra, who is saving for a special hive for her bees. The girls sell Spanish moss, pine cones, and pitch-soaked fire-starter sticks scavenged from the Carolina scrubland around their homes. Emmie also makes and sells custom wheelchair bags.
She likely inherited her need for speed from her dad, a mechanic and college student, who knows his way around a skate-park bowl and races dirt bikes. At least he did until two years ago, when his wife and Emmie’s mom died in a car accident. Now, he’s ordered Emmie to stay off their 6-foot homemade ramp setup. But how is Emmie supposed to improve if she doesn’t practice? (And, maybe, speed-plus-air eases a bit of the grief, too?)
When Emmie experiences a mishap on a steep, splintery school ramp—in part because a classmate grabs her wheels to “save� her from falling—the principal insists she be assigned a full-time aide, even though Emmie doesn’t need or want one. It doesn’t matter that she wasn’t injured and that other kids have fallen, too. Without consulting Emmie, the principal announces a community fund-raiser to buy her a WCMX wheelchair. Emmie will get awesome wheels and the school will benefit from positive media “optics,� he says. Win-win, right?
Except, as the plan snowballs without input from Emmie, she increasingly feels uncomfortable and confused—as well as distanced from her dad and friends. Yet she also struggles to find the right words and to speak up. Through the first-person story, readers experience countless microaggressions and worse as well-meaning friends and strangers grab and push Emmie’s wheelchair and try to provide “help� that isn’t—all without asking.
The story offers important representation for those who use wheelchairs and a valuable perspective for those who don’t. It also touches briefly on the recent past, when people with disabilities and their allies fought for equal access at schools and other public places.
But there’s so much more to the story, including the spark of first romance. The way Emmie’s wheelchair blends into the novel as she simply lives her busy life is a lesson in itself. Emmie is inspirational, but not because she uses a wheelchair. She tries to be a good friend and when she messes up, she’s willing to learn and do better, and she helps others do the same. Her ultimate response to her steamrolling, clueless principal is nothing short of a triumph. I would love to read more novels about kids like Emmie.
Disclaimer: I received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased opinion about the book. I only post reviews of books I finished and enjoyed.
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