'Flyaway' is about a girl called Isla who loves birds. When her father's heart fails, she makes friends with a boy called Harry. Together they help a swan. This book is brilliant and I give it 10/10! Reviewed by Teresa aged 9

With her debut novel, Stolen, Lucy Christopher produced a taut, character-driven thriller which garnered critical acclaim from all over. This, her follow-up, treads a slightly different path but is still earmarked by her attention to detail and perfectly well drawn characters. Following 13-year old Isla through the traumatic event of her father's sudden collapse, and its associated fallout, this book is all about the importance of family and flock. Isla is an excellent narrator whose maturity in the face of life's difficulties makes the reader instantly warm to her. Beyond her, though, all of the characters are incredibly believable - be it the grumpy grandfather, the birdwatching father, the joyfully wise Harry or the silent swan that comes to play such a part in all of their lives. As the narrative converges towards the end of the book, it is almost impossible to remain umoved. I personally cried for the last 40 pages at least, no more so than in the final lines of the book. Lucy Christopher, over the course of two novels, has demonstrated incredible versatility and a strong voice for teenagers of all ages. Flyaway is a revelation and fully merits its nomination for the Waterstones Prize.

I picked up this book a couple weeks ago. I totally regretted it at first, as I went into the store and bought it in such a hurry. The first 2 chapters were pretty boring, but all of a sudden this was the best book I had read in a long time! This book does not disappoint. Brings magic, love and hope. Will tug at your heart strings! Give it a go!!<3

A surprising novel that really was not what I expected it to be. The author takes the average "teen issues" novel and weaves a bit of magic into the seams. Isla (aka Bird) is a charming character and this beautiful novel really brings her to life. This one is a bit slow to start but is well worth perservering with as the latter half of the book is really where all the fun stuff takes place. With just the right balance of the unbelieveable and the believeable, this is enjoyable and engaging read.

I personally believe this book had magic in each and every word. It wasn't your girlie romance novel but it also wasn't your action packed adventure. It is a book about the life of a young girl and the problems every day life throws at her. Isla is a strong character that gets into your head to tell her story. She toys with your heart strings the wholeway through this book and it still leaves alot for the imagination to question. Lucy Christopher is a strong writer that doesn't let down readers but gives her all and her all has got her to the end of a brilliant book. Pick this book up if things haven't always gone right for you and you need a pick me up or if you just fancy reading something different. Fantastic!