I remember the first time I read this book about 6 years ago, I couldn't put it down. Since then I have re-read it 6 (at least) times and never get sick of it. Even though I know what is going to happen, I still want to not be busy so I can keep reading it.
I do agree with some other people that the characters aren't very deep, although that only really applies to tone of the characters; Frannie. This can be excused for the fact that Patterson gives a deep insight for 11 year-old Max, where he doesn't write as if she's younger than he says or then tried to make her too much older.

It is also quite clichéd in some ways, but doesn't distract from the originality of the story, and it is because of the uniqueness of the storyline that I am still hooked, and still call it my favourite book to read.

Beware: may be spoilers!
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The storyline is about a "school", which is actually later implied to be a government organisation, which experiments on human beings, trying to make the "superhuman". The main focus is permitting humans to fly, however further on it allows insight into other experiments on them.
It is not told from the point of view of only one character, but from the point of view of 3 of the main characters and then sometimes from those who perform the experiments. This makes it so that it's not biased and actually makes you connect to the story even more.

This story is heart-warming and unlike others authors who may have wrote stories like this, doesn't go into too much scientific reasoning or complicated language to make the reader feel lost. #
I repeat; it allows you to feel more connected to the characters and to the events that unfold.

As far as recommending the author, James Patterson, I would definitely. This was the first book of his that I had read and I enjoyed it so much that I went ahead and borrowed a few more. This is one of his bests, but if you enjoy this, then I would recommend the Lake House (the sequel to When the Wind Blows), and the Alex Cross series.

Likewise, if you enjoyed the Alex Cross books, I would recommend this book.