Thank you Walker Books for this book in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:

From debut author Kelly McCaughrain comes a sweet and kooky romcom for fans of R. J. Palacio’s Wonder, Sarah Crossan, and Susin Nielsen’s We Are All Made of Molecules. Twins Finch and Birdie Franconi are stars of the flying trapeze. But when Birdie suffers a terrifying accident, Finch must team up with the geeky new kid, Hector Hazzard, to form an all-boys double act and save the family circus school. Together they learn to walk the high-wire of teen life and juggle the demands of friends, family, first love and facing up to who they are – all served up with a dash of circus-showbiz magic.

Review:

I have to admit this book isn’t usually something that I would usually pick up and read, but this debut book by author by Kelly McCaughrain took me by surprise and I feel in love with this beautiful tale. This is one of those books that gives you a deep appreciation for new coming writers and reminds you to shop small for indie authors, so you don’t miss fantastic reads like Flying Tips for Flightless Birds. And let’s face it this cover is everything!!!

The story is based around twins Finch and Birdie who are the stars of the flying trapeze in their family owned and run circus. Through Finch and Birdie are treated poorly at school due to their crazy fun clothes and being a part of the circus that makes them outsiders. This book covers your childhood dream of being in the circus but also I found their school experience highly relatable, which leaves me falling head over heels for these two beautiful and strong characters, who focus on their dreams and ignore the negativity in their lives.

Then let us add the twist of Birdie having a terrifying accident, leaving her in hospital and her once reliant twin Finch to face the world. Finch is a complicated character and I found that his dependence on his sister was just too beautiful. That’s when Hector comes along. Hector, the new geeky kid on the block is instantly cast as an outsider and has the dream of being in the circus, no matter how clumsy he might be. Finch takes Hector under his wing and teaches him the ropes and you watch these two characters grow together. Heart warming moment much? Like I said before this is not my usually kind of read where everyone dies and the villain rules the world, but nevertheless this is one of my favourite reads this year.

Now down to the negatives. I only had one. Yes nit picky, complainer over here only had one thing that I didn’t like about this book and that was the title. Yes I get how it lopes into the story, two characters that plan to spread their wings and fly but I still feel as though Flightless Birds would have suited just perfectly. After all, if the only thing I am hated about this book is the title because I am a weirdo, than that also says something about the book. I didn’t hate the book, not at all. Let’s face it, the book was brilliant and I cannot wait to see what Kelly McCaughrain comes up with next. I bow to you Kelly, finally a contemporary YA that did not make me want to gauge out my eyes with a spoon!

Rating: 4/5

Publisher: Walker Books

ISBN: 9781406375657