The Boy Who Wanted to Fly

A Young Boy’s Imagination Takes Flight!

Book by Farial English

Article Written by WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH

Local author Farial English has done it again! With the release of The Boy Who Wanted to Fly, her second heartwarming adventure story for kids ages 6-8, English tells the story of a wheelchair-bound youngster named Max, who loves nothing more than observing and participating in the natural world around him. 

The book’s cover illustration shows Max seated on a window box— binoculars in hand, wheelchair nearby—smiling as he takes in his birds-eye view of the town below and watches the sky above as a majestic falcon soars by. Max’s mobility may be limited, but his curious mind and imagination soar every bit as freely as that falcon coasting on the currents beyond his window sill. Max’s bedroom walls are painted with fluffy white clouds. A model airplane and an Origami dove hang from his ceiling. 

“One day,” he whispers, “I’ll fly and touch the sky.”

But how, we wonder, will he do it?

The Boy Who Wanted to Fly (Miriam Laundry Publishing Company, August 2025) is available in multiple formats ($7.99 Kindle, $14.99 Paperback, $24.99 Hardcover) at Amazon and wherever books are sold.
www.farialsbooks.com/boy-who-wanted-to-fly

A strange ‘red bird’ in the sky and the promise of a vacation at the beach, “where there’s always wind,” lead Max to brainstorm in earnest and achieve his lofty goal. As often happens in life, however, success does not come right away. Through trial, error, persistence, and the help of his sister Maya, Max ultimately experiences the freedom and thrill of flying in a most unique and wondrous way.

“At its heart, The Boy Who Wanted to Fly is a book about imagination, perseverance, and believing in the impossible,” Farial English reflects. “This story holds a special place in my heart because it was inspired by my beloved cousin Amna, who passed away recently. At the age of two, she contracted polio, which affected her mobility for the rest of her life. I watched her journey as she moved from leg braces to crutches, then to a scooter, and eventually to a wheelchair. Through it all, Amna remained strong, positive, and full of life. She was—and still is—a true inspiration to everyone who knew her.”

In Pakistan, where Amna was born, doctors offered little hope that she would live beyond the age of 10. But Amna took their dire prediction as a challenge! Not only did she become a certified medical technologist, but she emigrated to the United States, became recertified here, learned to drive, and went on to have a long and amazing career in the scientific field. Amna never thought of herself as disadvantaged. Rather, she made the most of her situation and savored life fully, sharing her passion and joy with everyone she met. 

Amna passed away last year at the age of 71, and one year later, she was honored as the inspiration for The Boy Who Wanted to Fly: a book dedicated, in part, to the “unwavering spirit” of this amazing woman.

Brilliantly illustrated by Max Rambaldi, The Boy Who Wanted to Fly is a testament to Farial English’s love of books and her belief that a well-told tale can broaden a child’s world view, stimulate the imagination, and offer powerful life lessons. English read hundreds of books to her three sons when they were young. Although her own children are grown and gone now, the author’s love of the written word and her affection for children and the joys of childhood adventures shine through in every heartfelt page.

Contact the author at fsenglish@gmail.com.