Airborn

In this enthralling early-20th-century cocktail of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, luxury airship cabin boy Matt Cruse, and a wealthy, intelligent passenger named Kate de Vries join forces to search for the existence of fantastical creatures rumored to be living in the skies. The elegant, well-crafted "Aurora" is hardworking Matt's home in the sky, and the young teen feels most firmly grounded floating 800 hundred feet above the earth. Though his father's death three years ago is still constantly in his thoughts, Matt loves his work and is as dedicated to the "Aurora" as he is to supporting his mother and sisters. After a dying balloonist shares knowledge of an unknown species, Matt soon finds himself involved in a dangerous, hair-raising exploration. This 2005 Printz Honor Book is brimming with exotic technology reminiscent of Victorian times, as well as interesting class conflicts and, above all, bravery.