Synopsis
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...
Details
10 January 2023
9781250798268Reviews
School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Books of the Year
Young Hoosier Award Nominee
Truman Readers Award Nominee
North Carolina Children's Book Nominee
Evergreen Teen Book Award Nominee
Whippoorwill Award Winner
Target Book Club Pick (age 9-12)
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Georgia Children's Book Awards Grade 4-8 Finalist
Cybils Awards Middle Grade Fiction Finalist
Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Nominee
Rhode Island Middle School Book Award Nominee
Massachusetts Children's Book Award Nominee
Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year
“A fun, fierce heroine fights architectural ableism with the powers of friendship.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Roe's energetic debut . . . thoughtfully depicts the obstacles Emmie faces, from assumptions about her abilities to the lack of wheelchair accessibility in her small South Carolina town, while highlighting the importance of intentional allyship and advocacy.” —Publisher's Weekly
“Though sports feature heavily in Air, the larger lessons on disability advocacy and finding your voice make this story especially powerful. Highly recommended for young daredevils and those looking for stories with a strong female protagonist.” —Booklist
“Emmie Ethrige is a daredevil who lives life FAST. She is gutsy and kind, fun-loving and flawed—exactly the sort of character readers will relate to and root for . . . A fantastic, bright, and important read.” —Kate Beasley, author of Lions & Liars and Gertie’s Leap to Greatness
“Air is fantastic, fierce, and too much fun. Please read it immediately.” —William Alexander, National Book Award–winning author of Goblin Secrets
“Air is the high-energy tale of a wheelchair athlete determined to get the equipment she needs to have fun and go far. After Emmie bumps up against others seeking to ‘help’ by pushing her in their direction, she learns to resist creatively. Her quest will engage readers from start to finish as they see how one girl forges her own path with the real help of loyal friends in their small town.” —Lyn Miller-Lachmann, author of She Persisted: Temple Grandin & co-author of Moonwalking
