Stand on the Sky

Gr 5-8--In an effort to help save her brother and family, Aisulu must become an Eagle Hunter, which is unheard of for a girl. Set in Mongolia, this is the tale of Aisulu and her family, who are part of a nomadic clan. Their sustenance depends on milking goats and yaks. Through a tragic, youthful act, Aisulu and her brother cause the death of a mother eagle. Feeling responsible, she risks her life to rescue the eaglet. While Bow uses a lot of details to relate the care of a baby eagle, too much focus is given to the hunting of mice and the carrying of water. Though an interesting and unique setting, there is a lack of character development and the eagle and familial relationships are somewhat flat. VERDICT Readers looking for middle grade stories set in Mongolia, of which there are very few, may enjoy seeing Aisulu triumph. A secondary purchase for most collections.--Maureen Sullivan, Calumet City Public Library, IL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

In Mongolia, 12-year-old Aisulu chafes at the expectations of her Kazakh community, which confines her to "girls' work," despite her skills in math, science, and horseback riding: "In a land where girls are supposed to have hearts made of milk, Aisulu had a heart made of sky." Aisulu, concerned about her older brother, Serik, betrays his confidence about his persistent limp after he breaks his leg, and he is sent for medical treatment. While her sibling and parents are away, Aisulu rescues an orphaned eaglet. She begins to feel as if she could be one of the burkitshi, the eagle hunters, and she and her bird prepare to compete in the Eagle Festival, with a monetary prize that could fund the medical treatment Serik needs. Though her uncle's wife says "there have been women with eagles since ancient days," Aisulu's father thinks her inclusion will defy local convention. The narrative traces Aisulu's growth, including her shifting role within her community, her burgeoning relationship with her eagle, and her maturing sense of self. And while Bow (Sorrow's Knot) creates a vivid sense of place, she is writing from outside the culture, drawing from a home stay with a family of nomadic eagle hunters. Her lyrical work of fiction offers readers and educators an opportunity to explore essential questions about cultural appropriation and the #OwnVoices movement. Ages 10-12. (Mar.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for STAND ON THE SKY:

Winner of the Governor General's Literary Award 2019

A Junior Library Guild Spring 2019 Gold Standard Selection

A New York Public Library 2019 Best Books for Kids

"[A] story of strength, courage, and resilience that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt abandoned, alone, or doubted themselves and their place in the world.... Bow delivers a jubilant tale that celebrates the power of family, love, and young women." —Quill and Quire

"Bow uses wistful narrative flourishes to paint this meticulously detailed portrait of a nomadic family and their profound relationship with the wildlife and unforgiving land....[Y]oung readers will find [the ending] heartwarmingly earned and inspiring." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"[T]his book is lyrical and lovely and features complex and vivid characters."—Booklist

"Readers will root for Aisulu and her community, an ancient culture negotiating the contemporary world." —Kirkus

"[A]n interesting and unique setting." —School Library Journal

"Bow (Sorrow's Knot) creates a vivid sense of place." —Publishers Weekly