Moving from a harsh West Belfast estate to the glamour of the showjumping ring, Taking Flight is a fast-paced story of courage overcoming jealousy. The only riding fifteenyear- old Declan has ever done is joyriding. When he's forced to stay with his snobby cousin 'Princess' Vicky, he's shocked to find himself falling in love with horses. Vicky would do anything to keep this grubby hood away from her precious showjumper, Flight. Populated with courageous and vibrant characters, Taking Flight is a brilliant debut from an exciting new young adult writer.
Belfast-born Sheena Wilkinson's first-ever short story, 'Amputees', won the Brian Moore Award in 2006. She teaches English at Methodist College, Belfast.
"Although horse stories are most often targeted to a female audience, this one has strong appeal for boys, including reluctant readers. Declan is a guy's guy: stoic, plain in his tastes, and monosyllabic in conversation. But through his first—person narration, it becomes evident that there is a perceptive, caring, and vulnerable young man buried deep within that hard exterior."
-- VOYA Magazine
"American readers will easily understand the meaning of the Irish slang within the context of the story and dialogue. Both narrators experience a bit of a romance, appropriate for even young teens. […] Recommended for general purchase, this title should appeal to fans of horse stories."
—School Library Journal
"Taking Flight is a complex novel with a large cast of characters, each exquisitely well-developed, including the adults. . . Declan is an especially fascinating character who struggles to care for his alcoholic mother while trying to attend school and pretending to the outside world that everything is okay. . . A fast-paced story sure to appeal to teen readers."
Highly Recommended."
— CM Magazine
Also available as an eBook in the following formats. Our web site is not set up to sell eBooks. Our eBooks are available at most major vendors:
Updates Available: Updates Available: Update available for Picture Gallery Module