Sky Chasers

By Author / Illustrator

Emma Carroll

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Chicken House Ltd

ISBN

9781910655535

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

04-01-2018

Synopsis

Prepare to be swept up, up and away on this high-flying adventure from the queen of historical fiction, Emma Carroll!Winner of the Teach Primary Book Award 2018Shortlisted for the Young Quills Award 2019Nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award 2019'Carroll, an unstoppable, natural storyteller, lets her imagination take off.' THE TIMES'Soaring flight and the power of friendship are to the fore in this gripping historical adventure.' THE GUARDIAN'Sky Chasers is a real joy: funny, energetic and, as ever, brilliantly told.' ABI ELPHINSTONE Orphan Magpie can't believe her eyes when she sees a boy swept off his feet by a kite ... or something that twists and dances in the wind. She goes to his rescue only to find herself dangling in the sky. The world looks so different from on high and suddenly Magpie knows what she wants - to be the first to fly in a balloon above the King and Queen of France ...

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Reviews

Sky Chasers is a wonderful adventure story, set against the backdrop of France at the time of Louis XVI. A colourful cast of characters - human and animal - tell the story of the Montgolfier family and their race to be the first to fly a hot air balloon. Magpie - a pickpocket - and her rooster find themselves caught up in their world, all the way to Versailles and the King and Queen of France. Magpie is a delightful, lively, brave and intelligent character who, despite all the circumstances stacked against her, is determined to do the 'right thing' and shows great loyalty to those around her. Her enquiring mind and determination to help allow the reader to see the development of the invention through its successes and set backs through her eyes. Each character, from the family to the servants and even the King and Queen of France, is well developed and engaging, such is Emma Carroll's skill. The story is quite beautifully told and moves along at a pleasing pace, full of excitement and action. There is something for everyone to enjoy in these pages as the complexities of family relationships sit amid the historical details and scientific discoveries. Adventure and excitement make this a rich tale based on a true story. 336 pages / Ages 9+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher.