I was rooting for Isaiah Dunn 100% in this book! I hadn’t read about him in Flying Lessons, but have requested the book so I can backtrack and read him as he was originally introduced. Regardless, I sincerely hope his story continues in one way or another. Between losing his dad, taking care of a younger sister that has withdrawn and isn’t talking, bullying, near homelessness and more, the book never loses hope and isn’t written in a way that scares readers away. Fingers crossed we see more of Isaiah or his family in year eleven.

It starts off slow and kind of dense, but once the action begins, it's hard to resist the story as it drives forward. It reads as a true epic, one that makes you feel the world really has been reshaped as you read it. Would recommend.

Netgalley ARC - Thank you Kelly J. Baptist for turning Isaiah's story from Flying Lessons into a full-length, middle-grade novel. Isaiah is one of those characters that many people can relate to. In this novel, Isaiah experiences grief, homelessness, changes in friendship, dealing with a mother suffering from depression and alcoholism, trying to hold his family together, and amidst it all, providing hope. After Isaiah's father passes away, he has trouble finding his own writing voice; however, his father's writing is there to help guide Isaiah through this tumultuous time in his life. You will root for this strong, young boy to find his writing voice and reclaim his identity in his new, uncertain world.

Baptist gently approaches tough issues of homelessness and loss. Isaiah Dunn is a relatable, authentic character, and his story is one for all middle grade readers.

Well man. This book brought me to tears a few times. I would have loved to have my late fathers writing. I love that his friend was named Sneaky and that they are so close. I loved the experience of them going to the children’s museum! His words at the end of that day broke my heart. I loved that Isaiah submitted his dads poetry and it won!

A fantastic continuation of a character first introduced in Flying Lessons, Isaiah Dunn is My Hero is an engaging story whose shorter length will appeal to young readers. Baptist balances heavy themes with lighter, humorous moments. Highly recommend.

A very compelling story with great heart. I couldn’t put this book down. The MC’s story was so very heartfelt. The ode was good. I’d suggest this book.

What a great middle grade debut novel from Kelly J. Baptist. This book covers some major topics such as friendships, bullying, alcoholism, homelessness, overcoming adversity, and poverty all told through the lens of the 10 year old protagonist.

Isaiah is likable character and the reader cannot help but admire his tough character. You cannot help but to root for him to triumph over his hardships and accomplish all he wants to. A quick read that doesn't leave the reader quickly. Highly Recommend!

The publisher generously provided me with a copy of the book upon request on NetGalley. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

Isaiah Dunn is a super hero!!!

Tough kid, tough life who holds on to the memory of his Dad to get him through some rough times! Worth the read!

I received this as an ARC for an honest opinion.

What a great debut middle grades novel. It takes some very difficult issues that kids have to deal with in real life. The emotional depth of Isaiah's character is compelling . Etihad liked to learn more about Angel however.

Put this one on your book shelf and let young readers access it. Author Kelly J. Baptist writes well and this book yearns to be read.

“Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero” was a children to middle grade standout and I was surprised it touch based on sensitive subjects such as death, grievance, alcoholism, bullying, and homelessness which is all told in a 10-11 year old boy’s perspective. It touched home and most readers can easily relate to Isaiah’s story. Needless to say, I was impressed with the author's ability to tell the story in a child's eyes and what his thought process was when it seemed like everything in his life was falling apart when his late father suddenly passes.

Isaiah wants to write like his father, who kept notebooks of his stories, but never had them published. He wants to, but has been unable to since his father died, and his mother has spiraled down into drinking.

This is a great story, inspired by the author, a teacher, seeing children who might go to her school, who are homeless.

Through this all, Isaiah, if he can't write, he makes sure that his dad's stories are out there. He also reads the stories every day.

I read this story so fast, because it was so well written, and I really wanted to know what happened to Isaiah and his family. It is both heart breaking, and wonderful, at the same time.

Friendships, bullying, and hiding his homelessness are all part of Isaiah's world. Yes, he is my hero too.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

A quick read kid lit novel that explores grief, homelessness, alcoholism, and friendship. Isaiah Dunn's father recently passed away and his mother, left alone with two children, is failing to cope -- she's lost her job, the family's apartment, and most of her money to grief-ridden alcoholism. 10 year old Isaiah struggles to both be "the man of the house" and live up to his father's legacy of creative writing. Strong themes of community support weave throughout the text.