The Swallows' Flight (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781665900911)

"A triumph." --Philip Pullman, bestselling author of the His Dark Materials saga

Four young lives are forever changed at the dawn of World War II in this "stirring and unforgettable" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) novel from award-winning author Hilary McKay.

In England, Ruby has no friends because of the speckled blotches on her face that kids say look like dirt. And Kate is sickly all the time, her older siblings each taking turns looking after her. Ruby and Kate's first meeting is nearly disastrous, but the two lonely girls soon strike up a friendship. Their connection becomes all the more important when England joins the war against Germany and the blitz begins overhead.

In Germany, Erik and Hans are best friends filled with plans for their future: Erik taking over their beloved local zoo, and Hans serving pastries right outside the gates. They never expected to be forced to join the national service, training as pilots and tasked with hurting people.

And in London a mistreated dog roams the streets looking for handouts, and for a friend.

All of these lives will cross in the most surprising ways in this heartrending tale of war and compassion, and hope that can be found in even the most unexpected friendships, brought to life by award-winning author Hilary McKay.

Author: Hilary McKay
ISBN-10: 1665900911
ISBN-13: 9781665900911
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Language: English
Published: 10/19/2021
Pages: 288
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.50w x 1.10d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.4
Point Value: 10
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 513908 / Swallows' Flight


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2021
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2021
Booklist 10/01/2021 pg. 62
Publishers Weekly 10/11/2021
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2021 pg. 107
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2021 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style