Fly Boy tells the story of David “Robbie” McWilliams, an Ontario boarding school student who lies about his age to follow his father into the RCAF during the Second World War. As McWilliams works his way from basic training in Manitoba to the fiery skies over Europe, his dreams of sitting at the controls of a spitfire never waver, even after he is assigned the job of navigator.

More than just an enjoyable tale of one boy’s foray into fighter-pilot fame, Fly Boy captures the timbre, tone, and terrain of a bygone era. Short sketches of the Canadian heartland, along with later scenes from the European front, give young readers insight into the Second World War.

As with Walters’ previous books, however, it is the dialogue that lends Fly Boy its brains and bravado. The boyish, sometimes chirpy banter between McWilliams and his buddies ably captures the innocence and optimism of wartime camaraderie.

Walters’ ability to weave together a compelling scenario without getting in the way of the tale makes Fly Boy a treat for adventurers of all ages and helps cement his status as one of this country’s master storytellers.