54 pages • 1 hour read
Kenneth OppelAirborn
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Airborn by Kenneth Oppel is a Young Adult steampunk adventure novel set in an alternate history world, following Matt Cruse, a cabin boy on the airship Aurora. Along with passenger Kate de Vries, Matt discovers a mysterious creature on a Pacific island while dealing with air pirates, class conflicts, and personal loss. The story delves into themes of exploration, adventure, and resilience. This story contains instances of violence, death, and themes of grief, sexism, and classism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Kenneth Oppel's Airborn captivates readers with its imaginative, high-flying adventure and well-crafted characters. Praised for its vivid world-building and fast-paced narrative, the book appeals to both young adults and older readers alike. Some critics note, however, that certain plot elements may feel predictable. Overall, it is a delightful blend of adventure and fantasy.
Who Should Read Airborn?
Readers who enjoy adventure-filled, steampunk-style narratives like Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series or Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days will be captivated by Kenneth Oppel's Airborn. Ideal for young adult fans of imaginative world-building and fast-paced plotlines.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsBook Details
Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction
Action / Adventure
Children's Literature
Life/Time: Coming of Age
Self Discovery
Society: Class