KENNETH OPPEL

Kenneth Oppel Official Site


AIRBORN
"Matt, a young cabin boy aboard an airship, and Kate, a wealthy young girl traveling with her chaperone, team up to search for the existence of mysterious winged creatures reportedly living hundreds of feet above the Earth's surface."

This was not what I expected. I had been recommending this book to boys as a Science Fiction adventure; just goes to show you how a cover and reviews can mislead. It's a wonderful story, but I think the audience extends to girls who have enjoyed books such as A Great and Terrible Beauty by Bray. Matt's relationship with Kate holds a prominent place in the plot. Kate's independence serves as a great example to girls. I don't like categorizing books as boy or girl interests, but this is not an adventure in the likes of Stormbreaker.


SKYBREAKER
Horn Book starred (Spring 2006)

This sequel to Airborn manages to delve into its characters even as it delivers yet another breakneck flight through the skies of its beguiling alternative world. The romantic tensions among the four adventurers, killing altitudes, conflicting agendas, and ruthless goons provide more than enough material for heart-stopping action scenes that will please even the most jaded of readers.


SILVERWING
"When a newborn bat named Shade but sometimes called "Runt" becomes separated from his colony during migration, he grows in ways that prepare him for even greater journeys."

Also, make sure to check out Oppel's Silverwing and sequels for an easy level, page-turning adventure.