Stand on the Sky by Erin Bow
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on March 5, 2019
ISBN: 1328557464
Pages: 330
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Aisulu and her brother, Serik live in Mongolia with their Kazakh nomadic family. Aisulu breaks tradition by becoming an eagle hunter since Serik’s fate has been drastically altered. Aisulu raises and trains an orphaned baby golden eagle. She has much to learn about eagle hunting with her horse. She is helped by her extended family and determined to help her own family that moves to the city because of her brother, Serik’s illness. Winning an eagle hunting competition that offers prize money will allow the family to continue their nomadic way of life. Aisulu is determined to win. The author completed extensive research and lived with a family of eagle hunters. The descriptions of the eagles, animals, people, clothing, landscape, traditions, food, and dwellings are colorful and rich. The story moves quickly from the first page to the ending. The blend of traditional and current modern lifestyles is fascinating. There is a glossary consisting of terms and phrases, family members and others with the meaning of their names, and an author’s note. I highly recommend this novel for reader for ages 10 and up. The second sentence of the book has a typo. Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish
Recommend for Cream of the Crop