Voyage of the Sparrowhawk: Winner of the Costa Children's Book Award 2020
Natasha Farrant
Subjects
- Action Adventures - chills, thrills and plenty of spills
- History Time - blasts from the past
- Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Average rating
WINNER – COSTA CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD
THE TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR
The second sensational middle-grade standalone that follows an epic voyage from England to France in the aftermath of WW1, from the bestselling author of The Children of Castle Rock.
In the aftermath of World War One, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing. Lotti’s horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!). And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiancé . . .
Just as they think they’ve found their feet in the new order, disaster strikes, and Lotti and Ben must get away. And so they hatch a plan – to cross the Channel on Ben’s narrowboat and find Sam. And there’s something in France that Lotti is looking for, too . . .
Buffeted by storms, chased by the police, Lotti, Ben, Clara and a growing number of dogs set out on an epic journey, on the search for lost loved ones and a place to call home.
‘One of the most compelling, joyous, tearjerking and delightful reads of the year.’ The Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week
‘Empowering, rollicking, wistful and joyful.’ Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks’ War
‘Magnificent odyssey . . . a rich and rewarding read . . . it deserves prizes.’ New Statesman
‘A wonderful adventure.’ Piers Torday, author of The Frozen Sea
‘Fast-paced and fascinating.’ BookTrust
‘Compelling.’ The Scotsman
‘Wonderful.’ The Week Junior
‘Impossible to put down.’ LoveReading4Kids
‘Exciting adventure.’ Just Imagine
‘Highly recommended.’ Books for Keeps
Reviews
I liked the book a Iot. My favourite character was Lotti as she is very, enthusiastic.I would recommend this book to someone as it is interesting.
Nurse Mistral Astronomical 03.01.2024
Star Reviewer
I did find this book quite interesting. It is a bit different to what I normally read, though. My favourite character is lotti, she's just so brave, and outgoing. She's a true inspiration for me. 5/5
Mademoiselle Honeycomb Bookmark 14.12.2023
Star Reviewer
Such an exciting book!
Principal Jewel Elephant 03.09.2023
Good, interesting. But the narrowboat going over the channel felt unrealistic
Captain Cornetto Lavalamp 22.08.2023
I liked how the children went on a adventure
Professor Horatio Nuggets 12.08.2023
This was a really good book because after you finish reading one chapter you always want to read more.
General Morgana Rollerskate 12.08.2023
This was an AMAZING book!!! It was so beautiful- tear-jerking, dramatic, and full of friendship, love and finding what we miss. I loved it and would definitely recommend!
Queen Honeycomb Pinkerton 15.01.2023
A real action packed book and a fun read. It is about a girl called Lottie and a boy called Ben they go on an adventure to find Lottie's grandma, Moune and Ben's brother, Sam. Also, Ben lives on a canal boat which is a twist! Great book would definitely recommend.
Judge Beryl Bumblebee 18.09.2022
This is an excellent book to read and it is fascinating. The plot is very intriguing and unique. I think the character development and the plot run smoothly and the elements keep the audience excited. The dogs are one of the cutest things in the story. Great book overall.
Anonymous 18.08.2022
I liked Lotti because she was thoughtful of other people and I liked Sam because of how courageous he was. Yes I would recommend it.
Captain Birthday-cake Anteater 17.08.2022
The Sparrowhawk was a great book and I liked how it got very tense at parts and I would recommend it to anyone who likes canal boats, The English Channel or France. Or dogs and adventure and grandmothers.
Mademoiselle Nectarine Biscuits 06.08.2022
Loved it
Anonymous 25.07.2022
This was one of my favourite books of this year. I love how close the characters are and how much they care about each other. It's a mad adventure but if still feels believable.
Anonymous 22.12.2021
I loved this book because it was adventurous and had a magnificent plot line. My favourite characters were Lotti, Nathan and Sam. I would recommend this book highly.
Madam Angel Peanut-butter 05.12.2021
Awesome this book has its wonderful ups and emotional downs, so real I sometimes thought Ben and Lotti were actually in my room, I liked Lotti best but my second was little Delphine the puppy, every one I know will hear about this book.
Anonymous 16.08.2021
I like this boo, when I was reading it, it made me read on!
Dona Blossom Jellybaby 10.08.2021
When Ben lost his father he was determined to find his brother. This story really gripped me. I liked the way another character was brought in so Ben’s story was twisted with the story of a lonely girl he met and they travelled together.
Empress Rose Shortbread 05.08.2021
I really enjoyed this book an would definitely recommend it
Doctor Quincy Piano-key 02.08.2021
I really loved the twists and turns, lows and highs. It was magnificent and I loved it. My favourite people were Ben and Lotti when I finished I felt like Lotti and Ben were my best friends. I would recommend it to every single person I know. I really, really loved and enjoyed this book.
Anonymous 02.08.2021
This book was awesome, because it was all about boats. But, the bad thing was that the girl stole a dog -- but, the dog was being treated badly. The boy has a dog that is female and she has puppies when they get to France. And they go there on a canal boat. Really cool!
Superintendent Kipper Foxtail 29.07.2021
