Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award 2010.

Costa Book Awards 2010 Judges' comment: "Fresh, believable and deeply moving. We just loved this story."

Shortlisted for the Waterstone's Book Award 2010.

Tender and touching, this is a delicate story about facing up to difficulties and finding a way through. When Isla’s father develops a serious heart condition he can no longer take her to see the swans on the lake. Instead Isla follows the swans and finds one whose behaviour is different from all of the others; different, strange and magical. Can she and the swan make the difference that is needed not only for her father but also for Harry, the boy with cancer whom she befriends in the hospital. This is Lucy’s second novel, her first was Stolen, a superb novel for teens.  Flyaway is aimed at a younger audience of 9+.

Synopsis

In this touching novel for ages 10+, Lucy Christopher explores the remarkable bond between a young girl, a boy and a damaged wild bird - a relationship that will touch everyone who reads it. While visiting her father in hospital, thirteen-year-old Isla meets Harry, the first boy to understand her and her love of the outdoors. But Harry is ill, and as his health fails, Isla is determined to help him in the only way she knows how. Together they watch a lone swan struggling to fly on the lake outside Harry's window. Isla believes that if she can help the damaged swan, somehow she can help Harry. And in doing so, she embarks upon a breathtakingly magical journey of her own.

About the Author

Lucy Christopher was born in Wales but grew up in Australia, living in Melbourne from aged 9 until the end of her Undergraduate degree. As a child, she loved camping in the bush and exploring the overgrown creek at the back of her house. Since then, she has been fascinated by the wild places of Australia, and has made several trips to her favourite part; the Outback. Now living in the UK again, Lucy has earned Distinction in a Creative Writing MA from Bath Spa University. She is currently undertaking a PhD to explore the ways that Australian literature represents wild places, particularly in its writing for young adults. Her debut novel, STOLEN, explores her thoughts about the Australian desert in the story of a teenage girl who is kidnapped and taken there. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation