Reveiw: Flyaway by Lucy Christopher

Waterstones Children's Book Prize

When thirteen year old Isla’s father goes into hospital, she meets a boy there called Harry; the first to understands Isla and her love of the countryside. Although he is ill, they form a friendship, and together discover a swan detached from its flock. Isla is convinced that if she can help the swan, she will help Harry, and so the magic begins.

A little slow to start, but none the worse for that, with a good balance between the real and the fantasy. This lovely tale, laced with beautiful imagery, is about love and loyalty, friendship and family, and made a pleasant change from the usual fare of hormone, adrenalin charged teen stories.