Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Oppel, K. (2004). Airborn. New York, New York: Eos.

Summary

On a trip to Lionsgate City, Matt Cruse, a cabin boy on the airship Aurora, spots a drifting hot air balloon. Upon boarding the gondolier, its pilot Benjamin Malloy, tells Matt about flying winged creatures before he loses consciousness and later dies. Six months pass before Malloy’s revelation is tested by the arrival of his granddaughter, Kate de Vries, on the airship Aurora. Kate convinces Matt to help her prove the existence of these creatures, their research being mostly hypothetical and dependent upon Malloy’s journal. However, what is initially a research expedition, soon becomes a fight for survival.

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Coming of Age: Matt is constantly trying to prove himself (his ambition to become a sailmaker and thus proving his worth, his quest for understanding his own identity-“light at air”… his constant need to be aloft as he tries to escape unhappiness, his relationship with his father via memories and dreams, his relationship with Kate, his resentment of the wealthy, and finally his relationship with the Aurora itself).

b. Kate “making it” in a male driven society, proving her own worth by proving the existence of cloud cats.

c. The idea of adventure and discovery is a crucial theme to this novel. Air has become the “next frontier” and yet, Kate and Matt are able to find an island with new creatures.

Age Recommendation:

This book would appeal to younger teens. It’s sense of adventure and growing relationships will resonate with readers who are 10 to 14 years old.

Other Information

Kenneth Oppel has also published Skybreaker and Starclimber in this series.

Awards for Airborn Include:
A 2005 Michael L Printz Honor Book (ALA)
Winner of the 2005 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award
Winner of the 2004 Red Maple Award (OLA

Reaction:

With its character development, interesting storyline, and themes, Airborn is an excellent read for young adults. Readers are able to connect with Matt and his sense of duty to his family, the ship Aurora, and his growing relationship with Kate. The writing style and story line is similar to that of Robert Louis Stevenson: a young boy who must face adversity while learning about himself and the world around him. I really enjoyed the fact that this novel takes place in a world created by the author. Where technology in air travel is very different from today, however, social behavior and manners are very reminiscent of our world’s past.