When all of the post-1970s technology in the world fails,13-year-old Jamie must cope with the rapid collapse of society as he tries to reach his parents on the opposite side of the country. Fortunately, the passengers and flight crew of the plane he was on all bring skills that will help them navigate the dangerous journey home. Teen fans of disaster and post-apocalyptic fiction will devour this gritty, fast-paced offering from award-winning author Eric Walters.

This would make a great addition to a school or classroom library for both avid and reluctant readers. The plausible ethical quandaries that the team faces as they struggle to find water, food, and shelter would also lead to fervent discussions in a lit circle or a thematic unit on survival. While the novel is set in the same world as The Rule of Three series, readers do not need to have read them to enjoy this tale of rising to life’s challenges.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Gun violence
Other End Matter: None
Images: B&W illustration
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Peter T., High School Teacher, BC Books for Schools

Eric Walters is the author of many acclaimed and bestselling novels for children and young adults. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Silver Birch, Blue Heron, Red Maple, Snow Willow, Ruth Schwartz, and Tiny Torgi, and have received honours from the Canadian Library Association Book Awards and UNESCO's international award for Literature in Service of Tolerance.

Eric lives in Mississauga with his wife, Anita, and three children, Christina, Nicholas, and Julia. When not writing or touring across the country speaking to school groups, Eric spends time playing or watching soccer and basketball, or playing the saxophone.

To find out more about Eric and his novels, or to arrange for him to speak at your school, visit his website at www.ericwalters.net.

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Eric Walters' profile page

• Nominated, Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award (MYRCA) Northern Lights
• Commended, Children's Book Council Young Adult Favorites Award
• Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection

“A fast-paced read [that] leaves you with lots of things to think about.”

Book Time

“It's tough to write a riveting dystopian thriller and to show how horrible things can be while also infusing the book with hope, but Walters balances these two things well…If you don't have this series in your middle school or high school library, make sure you order them…They will get lots of use.”

Ms. Yingling Reads

“This story is dark and thought-provoking. What would each of us do to survive or protect those that we love?”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“The story in Flight Plan is engrossing, and Jamie’s relationship with his travelling companions demonstrates the ties that bind in difficult times.”

Sal's Fiction Addiction

“The novel’s haunting premise and adolescent perspective give familiar tropes an intriguing spin…A page-turning story of teen empowerment with a potent underlying message.”

Kirkus Reviews