Saturday, July 24, 2010

Windblowne by Stephen Messer


Can you imagine flying a kite...to a different world?

Random House Children's Books sent me this book for review, and I'm very glad I read it. It's an exciting well-written tale that will keep you glued to your seat and turning pages.

Mr. Messer has a great imagination and creates a story sure to tantalize young minds and give them things to think about after they have finished reading the story.

It all starts with Oliver trying to build a kite that will actually fly. After all, the kite flying festival is only days away and he really wants to be able to compete this year. It seems all of his kites crash into the ground, though. So his only hope is his great-uncle Gilbert, who is a former champion. He's sure that with one of Gilbert's kites he'll be able to become one of the legendary fliers.

His great-uncle is reclusive and his parents don't want him to bother Gilbert. So he sneaks out at night and goes to plead his case. While he's there, his great-uncle is attacked by kites that fly all by themselves and they carry him off.

Now what's Oliver to do? When he picks up the red kite and tries to follow his great-uncle's route, he finds himself flying into a parallel world, where he and Gilbert are duplicated and living different lives!

The second Gilbert is evil, and Oliver must flee to another world yet. Will he find his great uncle? Will he be able to get back home?

No matter what happens, Oliver's life will never be the same again.

This young adult fantasy was great fun to read. It's written for ages 8-12. Let your young one fall into the story and "see" those other worlds. They'll be rooting for Oliver!

This book is on sale now, visit your local bookstore and pick up a copy.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

That's one of those books I meant to get. Your article on Stephen Messer's Windblown moved it to the top of my list. Thanks!

Yahong Chi said...

I agree, this book is great. Windblowne was an amazing read.

Benjamin Impossible by Timothy Root

It’s NOT EASY being the smartest 12-year-old in the world! Benjamin Impossible is a genius, kung fu master, and winner of the Franklin Count...