Revenge on the Fly - Softcover

Sylvia McNicoll is the award-winning author of more than 30 novels for young people. Once a financial clerk earning her English degree at night from Concordia University in Montreal, Sylvia has since been a teacher and the editor of Today's Parent Toronto. Today Sylvia is a full-time writer who also gives her time to the Canadian Children's Book Centre and Access Copyright. Sylvia lives in Burlington, Ontario.

Revenge on the Fly is an excellent book...It will make readers laugh, cringe, shudder - and think. (Resource Links)

McNicoll’s novel offers a unique and unconventional view of the fight against disease plaguing the world at the beginning of the 20th century. (School Library Journal)

It's how you win, not what you win; who you are, not what you have. These are hard lessons to learn when revenge is on your mind. In a true test of successful historical fiction, we are completely immersed in Will's world, and readers will await the outcome of the competition with bated breath. (National Reading Campaign)

...a young boy learning what it means to grieve, to win, and to be a man. Reminiscent of the historical novels of Karen Hesse, this quiet story is lyrically written with a believable young protagonist and a thoughtful message of hope in the midst of trouble. (Booklist)

In 1912, twelve-year-old William Alton sails with his Dad on the Empress of Ireland bound for new opportunities in Canada, leaving behind the graves of his mom and baby sister. A job for Dad, an education for Will, and no more disease! Unfortunately, another baby on board the ship succumbs to summer complaint, and Uncle Charlie falls ill with typhoid; why does everyone get sick and die? On Will’s second day in school, the city health officer, Dr. Roberts, gives him the answer. One tiny little insect spreads germs and death. Will and his classmates declare war on the fly (Middle Shelf Magazine)

Vividly narrating the story in Will’s voice, McNicoll brings this intriguing bit of Canadian history to life, deftly weaving rich historical detail into the tale, immersing young readers in the sights, sounds and smells of early 20th century Hamilton. (Canadian Children's Book News)

Revenge on the Fly is a startling, thought-provoking work involving fully-rounded characters - - and no one can accuse it of lacking realism! **Highly Recommended** (CM Magazine)

It's an exciting book and one that I found riveting. (CBC Children's Book Panel)

McNicoll paints a believably gritty portrait of urban life a century ago. An entertaining visit to the past with a likable guide on a spirited - if icky - quest. (Kirkus)

McNicoll never allows her characters or storyline to become predictable. Will, his father, and the rest of the cast possess individual voices that ring true and avoid cliché. (Quill & Quire)