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 heartbreaking, 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.

This was a really powerful and enjoyable read, perfect for middle grade classroom libraries. This is a great way to give students the ability to have conversations about difficult topics and also expose students to different lives and situations.

I liked how realistic the characters are and how Isaiah is surrounded by a supportive community. A fresh take on authentic voices and a story about resiliency. I plan to purchase several copies for my library system.

Isaiah has recently lost his father, and his mother is having trouble paying the bills. Isaiah wants to help his family, and while he can make a little money helping with his friend's side hustle re-selling candy, he wants to make more and develop a little business all his own. His mother is not dealing with the loss of her husband very well, making poor choices that have a great impact on her children. Fortunately, family is not just the people we live with, and there are many people who take Isaiah and his family under their wing when they need it most, helping to show them the light at the end of the tunnel -- if only they can keep pushing themselves forward.

Even though this book is geared towards the younger crowd I really enjoyed it. Isaiah was written as a really strong character from the beginning and throughout the entire book he grew stronger. His little sister Charlie was written in to show Isaiah’s soft side and she really brought it out of him. This book goes to show that even though you think you have it bad you never know what someone else may be going through. I read this book in two sittings and if it wasn’t for work I’d have finished it in one.

I’ve read a lot of books this year but Kelly J. Baptist’s book earns my first five-star book review. In sometimes heartbreaking pose, Baptist tells the story of Isaiah, a young boy struggling with his father’s loss. Isaiah’s mother is struggling too and can’t seem to focus on him or his younger sister, Charlie. But Isaiah is also a writer whose words help him paint a better world around him. This is a hopeful and charming book. Baptist captures the heart of a young boy determined to never forget his father while doing everything he can to help his family. This is a great read for middle school children and adults too!

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.

A sweet story that would benefit from a slightly more realistic middle-grade voice. Although Isaiah's narration sometimes comes off as unbelievable, this is a solid pick for librarians and teachers hoping to supply a sympathetic take on real-life issues from tragedy to creativity. A likely purchase.

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.

earc from netgalley.

this book is interesting, i just did not get very engaged in it, but it seems good.

“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.