Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Aug.21, 2007, under Adventure, Battle of the Books 2007, Fantasy, Grief, YRCA
Who would like this book? Teens who like fantasy that is laced with historical fiction and swash-buckling adventure. If you like flight and can imagine a dirigible-like, high-class cruise ship that flies over the Pacificus, don’t miss this tale. If you like mythological animals, that’s another reason to read it. Ditto if you’re into pirates.
Why? Oppel writes from the point of view of Matt Cruse, a 15-year-old cabin boy aboard the luxury cruise ship, the Aurora. Matt is a natural on the ship and in the air. The story opens as he makes a daring rescue of a disabled gondola with an older, deceased passenger. This event and the mysterious passenger’s journal frame the adventures that follow, and these adventures kept me rapt. Matt’s relationship with the fiesty and wealthy Kate is perfectly frustrating, and the introduction of a myriad of characters and plot twists is seamless and satisfying. Readers who like the mechanics of ships will appreciate the details that Oppel includes as Matt narrates the adventures; the rest of us will skim ahead to find out what happens next. Matt’s need to make a connection with his father (who died while serving on the Aurora) reminded me of The Kite Rider.
The details: 368 p. 2004
