Sky High

Zigzag Kids #7

by Patricia Reilly Giff

Charlie has lots of ideas. Need something to go sky high? Ah-ha! The zinger-winger! Need to launch a cheese popper into soup? The amazing popper-upper! But the zinger-winger zings more than wings and the popper-upper plops. Charlie isn't allowed to invent for a week. Meanwhile, the afterschool invention fair is coming up. He needs time to make something special. Good thing he has his friends and Mr. Redfern, another inventor, to help him out.

80 pages, Library Binding

First published October 9, 2012

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute book for ages 6-9 that has been heartily endorsed by my eight year old grandson, Dante. He gave it a definite thumbs up, especially for kids who like to invent things.

In this story, Charlie is the main character. He loves to invent things. Unfortunately, sometimes his inventions get him into trouble, like when he flies his rocket airplane and ends up crushing one friend's garden and destroying another friend's bug collection. Then he makes a mess in the lunchroom and things go from bad to worse. The lunch lady tells him he can't invent for a whole week, and it's invention week at the program. Everything turns out right in the end as Charlie makes up for his misdeeds and becomes everyone's favorite inventor.

A definite must read for the younger set.