Skyjacked by Paul Griffin
Published by Scholastic Press on July 30, 2019
ISBN: 1338047418
Pages: 240
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Advertised for grades 7-9

This exciting, easy to read thriller tells the tale of 5 teens on a private charter jet that is hijacked and the teen intern at the National Air Traffic Investigation Center who helps solve the mystery.

This story draws on current history, reflecting on the 9-11 catastrophes and the possibility that this plane could be headed for a similar fate.  Each chapter is told from a different person’s voice, with a primer at the beginning of the book identifying the main characters.  The book flows easily, with suspense to the very end to solve the explanation for the skyjacking, and the possible scenarios that might be necessary to “end” the flight.

I enjoyed that the young intern on the ground uses her knowledge of social media to explore each character as they are trying to come up with possible motives. The teens on the plane use their ingenuity and “Macgyver” skills to fashion weapons and methods of escape. Be forewarned though, not all the teens and characters survive the ordeal.

Reviewed By Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Public Library, Castine