Product Description

Set in 13th-century China, this is the gripping, adventurous, compulsive story of Haoyou, a boy who makes his way in the world by flying into the air, strapped to a huge kite. The story is full of both incredible adventure and personal drama, and has been received with universal acclaim.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #283677 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Synopsis
Set in 13th-century China, this is the gripping, adventurous, compulsive story of Haoyou, a boy who makes his way in the world by flying into the air, strapped to a huge kite. The story is full of both incredible adventure and personal drama, and has been received with universal acclaim.

About the Author
3 x winner of Whitbread Children's prize, Blue Peter Award, Carnegie and Smarties

Customer Reviews

A Wondrous and Original Story - shorlisted for the Carnegie Medal in 2001
Set against the backdrop of 13th-century China this is the story of one boy, Haoyou, and his topsy turvy struggle for survival after the sudden death of his father. The story is compelling and unforgettable as you cannot help but be drawn into the spiritual and sensory experiences of Haoyou as he discovers manhood and responsibility and leaves his childhood behind.

With a need to earn some money after his father dies, Haoyou volunteers to test the wind for a ship's sea voyage, by being strapped to a board, and soaring up among the clouds high in the sky. This is for the voyage his father should have being going on if he were still alive... Dangerous, but ultimately exhilarating, Haoyou finds he has an aptitude for riding the winds as he understands how a kite files. With the help of his unconventional cousin, Mipeng, he turns next to kite-making, but is thwarted by the unpleasant sailor who wants to marry his mother. Haoyou will do anything in his power to prevent this unthinkable marriage from going head. Uncle Bo is only interested in any money his nephew can make, rather than his nephew's welfare, and when offered the opportunity Haoyou is happy to escape to the Jade Circus, where he is yet again destined to ride his kites in the sky. A powerfully moving and courageous story. It's easy to lose yourself in this novel, and when you've finished it do give it to an adult to read because they'll love it too. For ages 9/10+.

magical
This book doesnt grip the reader with suspense but draws them into the characters and their feelings and thoughts. You just have to keep reading just to check that all turns out ok.
The one negative point is that there are quite a few complicated names to remember but the 'cast of characters' on the front page helps a lot.
Overall a great book that i will read many many times.

Adventure in China
I picked up this book after my daughter had finished it and was soon engrossed. The characters were brought to life wonderfully and the settings were vivid. The story was a real adventure and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I would recommend it to all adults as well as older children.