We Own the Sky by Rodman Philbrick - ESSENTIAL

We Own the Sky by Rodman Philbrick, 208 pages. Scholastic Press (Scholastic). 2022. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Peril, Racist Language, Abduction). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

1924, Maine. 12yo Davy and his 17yo sister Jo have recently been orphaned. Before she died, their mother reached out to a distant cousin, asking that she find a place for the children. Ruthie, an aviatrix, picks up the kids, but it's right at the beginning of the Flying Circus season, so she puts them to work with her show. Davy sells popcorn and Jo sells tickets. The performers are immigrants - French Canadian, Italian, Irish, etc. and soon the KKK in Maine takes notice and tried to shut them down. 

Exciting stunts, dangerous situations, and relatable characters make We Own the Sky a gripping read. I love the cover picture - necessary because Bi-Plane and Wing Walker are both unfamiliar, but would have liked it better if the Klan had been in robes - they just look like cowboys. We really need a resurgence of interest in historical fiction, because I think kids are going to love this! 

Lisa Librarian