Into Thin Air

By Author / Illustrator

SE Durrant

Genre

Family & Home

Age range(s)

Publisher

Nosy Crow

ISBN

9781839940811

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

13-08-2026

Synopsis

A compelling and heartwarming story about a girl's determination to find out what happened to her dad and the uncertainty she faces in the days following his disappearance. From the acclaimed author of Little Bits of Sky.

Luna's dad left in the middle of the night but nobody else seems worried. As the days go by, Luna tries to make sense of her dad's behaviour in the weeks before he left and, together with her sister Jade, starts looking for clues. They uncover some uncomfortable truths, and worried for their dad's safety, the two sisters set out to find him.

While Jade is outgoing and optimistic, Luna finds comfort in numbers, her dreams of being an astronaut and a passion for space science that she shares with her father.

A powerful look at family life, changing friendships and resilience in the face of fear and uncertainty.

"With a realistic background of financial insecurity and latchkey kids, this is a gripping mystery and a story of emotional resilience." - Daily Mail. "I absolutely love this book!" - Jacqueline Wilson about Running on Empty

Also by the author: Little Bits of Sky Running on Empty Talking to the Moon

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Reviews

Sue

When Luna's dad leaves home in the middle of the night, no one else seems to be worried about him. But as the days pass, Luna, her best friend, Casey, and her younger sister, Jade, try to work out what has happened to him. As the clues mount, they uncover secrets and lies . . . but will they find their father?

Into Thin Air is a compelling, satisfying mystery, with family love and friendship at its heart. Luna is a very relatable character. Numbers help her to feel grounded when she becomes anxious and recently, life has been challenging for her and her family. Her parents have lost their business, a cafe called The Centre of the Universe, meaning that money is tight.

Whilst her little sister seems oblivious to everything, seeing life in a very different way, Luna notices everything, her worries building. The relationship between the two is beautifully captured. Very different the siblings might be, often leading to feelings of frustration, but their bond is solid - and develops as the story unfolds, with Luna discovering that Jade (like most of us) has her own coping mechanisms, her own ways of facing challenging situations. Her experiences also help Luna to become a better friend, learning more about Casey, and other classmates, deepening understanding between them.

Tense writing and sectioned chapters help the mystery to develop at a pleasing pace, keeping readers desperate to discover what happens next. The girls, with Casey's help, are determined to find their father, showing great courage, determination and resourcefulness as they overcome various problems. The reasons behind their father's disappearance offer plenty to think about, perfect for sparking discussions about standing up for what you believe in and think is right. Perfect for those looking for a challenging, though-provoking read!

256 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher