Altitude

by Gretchen K. Wing

After a summer of betrayal and heartbreak and an epically rotten year, 16 year-old Jocelyn (The Flying) Burgowski is fleeing family and friends on Dalby Island for school on the mainland. What good is flying if it wrecks relationships? The guy she fell for almost destroyed her power. Now, discovering the ugly underbelly of mainland life, has Joss stumbled upon a fellow Flyer—only to bring her down? Confronting the dual forces of magic and maturity, Joss must face the question: what does “to thine own self be true” really mean?

270 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2017

About the author

Gretchen K. Wing always wished to fly unaided, but since the magic never visited her, she learned to fly on paper instead. After twenty years of teaching teenagers, she now devotes her time to writing and professional baking. She misses the kids, but grading essays…not so much. Gretchen received her B.A. in English from Harvard University in 1984, and her Master’s in North and South American History from the University of Washington in 1993. A native North Carolinian,Gretchen moved to Washington in 1990, where she taught high school English and history and raised two sons. She now lives with her husband on Lopez Island where, in between books, Gretchen bakes part-time at Holly B’s Bakery (“Holly’s Buns Are Best”), and enjoys running, biking, backpacking, reading, and performing with her occasional band, Chicken Biscuit.

Reviews

[Iris Graville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this trilogy is better than the previous. Book 3 is filled with drama, inspiration, and surprises. Author Gretchen Wing shows the complexities of the characters so that I was drawn to them all, even the less likeable ones.

Although Altitude is categorized as a young adult book, I found the plot, setting, and characters engrossing, even though I'm a much older adult. The trilogy will especially appeal to young teens, however, with its themes, conflicts, and magic realism. Book 3 stands on its own, but I recommend the entire set to fully appreciate the growth of main character Jocelyn and her friends and family.

[Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

this last book of the trilogy is absolutely fabulous. A page turner that addresses many current issues within a story that captivated me and I am 75, so it is not just for the YA crowd.