Sky Run by Alex Shearer

Sky Run by Alex Shearer. Sky Pony Press, 2014. 228 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12
Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up

One-line Summary: Sky Run is a science fiction adventure for middle grades that views the process of growing up through multiple perspectives.

I was 120 years old last birthday. Which is a good age in some places, but it’s not so much around here. But it’s no time of life to be locking after teenagers, I can tell you that.

Taking in two kids who were supposed to be distantly related to her (maybe so, maybe not) turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to Peggy Piercy, even though she was very reluctant at the time. But now that sharp-tongued, sarcastic Gemma is sixteen and dreamy, disconnected Martin is fourteen, they need to see more of the world than Peggy’s little piece of planet floating in space. There’s a boarding school on City Planet where all the well-heeled go. Even though it’s leagues away through shark-and-pirate-infested space, Peggy is determined to take them.

Their journey reminds one of The Pilgrim’s Progress as they travel through places called Toll Troll, Ignorance, and the Friendly Isles. Or perhaps it’s a bit like The Odyssey. This world consists of floating islands of varying size, created when the chemical bonds holding our earth together somehow came apart and water evaporated so that fish now swim in the air. It’s an interesting concept, not explored to a great extent. The world-building takes a backseat to the characters, who are well-drawn down to the lonely scavenger on Toll Troll. Some mild profanity (“hell”) becomes part of the discussion: how come kids can’t say it, but grownups can? The plot meanders a bit, but by the time they reach their destination, useful life lessons have been learned.

Cautions: Language (a few mild curse words)

Overall Value: 3.75 (out of 5)

• Moral/worldview value: 3.75
• Artistic value: 4

Categories: Middle Grades, Science Fiction, Character Values

Cover image from Amazon