Augustin and the hot air balloon by David Metzenthen

Augustin is a poor boy who lives in a barn.
Celine is a rich girl who lives in a mighty palace.
Together they escape into the sky . . .
Only to land in a world of terrible trouble and dangerous secrets!

Augustin is an 11-year-old goatherder who is worried about starving to death during the coming winter, and when he sees the Montgolfier Brother’s hot air balloon ready to fly he decides to become the first person to be in the basket.  He hopes to land far away in a warm country with plenty of food and achieve fame as the first person to make that type of flight. 

Little does he know that another child has the same thought and is none to pleased to find him along for the journey.  Celine lives in the palace with Marie Antoinette as her mother’s close friend.  As the journey continues the two become unlikely friends as they use their life skills and unique understanding of their corner of the world to survive.

I first read this two years ago and reread it to complete the review, both times I have been engaged in the story and the history embedded in both the story and the chapter headings.  This is a history novel, told from the perspective of children living in very different circumstances but is so much more than that, it is an adventure story about unexpected friendships interwoven with historic fact. 

This is a book that would appeal to young readers who enjoy historical novels, adventure stories or just want a fun read about two children. It would work as a read aloud or class novel just as well as an independent read.  I would highly recommend this book to teachers and students alike. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Friendship, History, Adventure, French Revolution.

Mhairi Alcorn