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After her mother’s death, Sky leaves her city life to move in with her aunt and uncle in a small Australian town. When her mum was alive, Sky knew who she was: she was kind-hearted and full of a passion for justice, especially the rights of animals. She was also a vegan whose hero was Jane Goodall. And until recently she preferred the company of dogs to boys.
But being a vegan and trying to fit into her new home isn’t easy. Her aunt has forgotten she doesn’t eat meat, and Sky is desperately lonely without her mother and friends. It seems the only way to fit in and make friends is to pretend to be someone she’s not.
When Sky starts to investigate the local chicken farm for a school project, the cruelty she witnesses goes to the very heart of who she is. She knows she has to do something, but what? Can one single act really make a difference?
As she struggles between her desire to belong, and her desire to remain true to her values, can Sky find the true courage it takes to stand up for what she believes in and be true to herself?
After her mother’s death, Sky leaves her city life to move in with her aunt and uncle in a small Australian town. When her mum was alive, Sky knew who she was: she was kind-hearted and full of a passion for justice, especially the rights of animals. She was also a vegan whose hero was Jane Goodall. And until recently she preferred the company of dogs to boys.
But being a vegan and trying to fit into her new home isn’t easy. Her aunt has forgotten she doesn’t eat meat, and Sky is desperately lonely without her mother and friends. It seems the only way to fit in and make friends is to pretend to be someone she’s not.
When Sky starts to investigate the local chicken farm for a school project, the cruelty she witnesses goes to the very heart of who she is. She knows she has to do something, but what? Can one single act really make a difference?
As she struggles between her desire to belong, and her desire to remain true to her values, can Sky find the true courage it takes to stand up for what she believes in and be true to herself?
252 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2017
9 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Ondine Sherman
9 books18 followersOndine Sherman is the author of YA fiction, the Animal Allies Series, with Pantera Press. The series includes Sky (April, 2019), Snow (July 2019) and Star (August, 2020).
Vegan Living, an easy guide to a cruelty-free, vegan, plant-based life is Ondine's lastest book and will come out with Pantera Press in late 2020.
Ondine's memoir, The Miracle of Love was published in 2013 (Murdoch Books) and follows her journey with her twins with severe disabilities.
Ondine is a life-long animal advocate and is passionate about promoting respect and compassion for all creatures. In 2004, she and her father, Brian Sherman AM, founded Voiceless; the organisation is now one of Australia’s leading animal protection groups.
Ondine grew up in Sydney and now lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and three children. Her mischievous street cats, loyal dogs and rescue chickens all keep her entertained.
Vegan Living, an easy guide to a cruelty-free, vegan, plant-based life is Ondine's lastest book and will come out with Pantera Press in late 2020.
Ondine's memoir, The Miracle of Love was published in 2013 (Murdoch Books) and follows her journey with her twins with severe disabilities.
Ondine is a life-long animal advocate and is passionate about promoting respect and compassion for all creatures. In 2004, she and her father, Brian Sherman AM, founded Voiceless; the organisation is now one of Australia’s leading animal protection groups.
Ondine grew up in Sydney and now lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and three children. Her mischievous street cats, loyal dogs and rescue chickens all keep her entertained.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 28, 2017
Okay. Here’s the last line of the book’s summary, “Sometimes you have to lose everything to find yourself.”
What do you think this book is going to be about? Self discovery? That’s probably the least touched on subject in the book, and the romance was unexpectedly minimal. The book turned into the author convincing me not to eat meat, and that’s not the message I was expecting to take from this story—nor was it a message well delivered.
I disliked Sky’s character. I really tried to connect to her, but I just didn't. Even understanding what she was going through, she couldn't communicate, she was whiny, she resorted to lying practically every time someone asked her a question, and she knew how awful those girls were and she still wanted to be popular. She went against the one thing she was sure of about herself, to please these girls.
I did like the realistic involvement of the parents/guardians in their kid’s lives. And I enjoyed the Australian setting. But I don’t know. I could write thousands of words explaining all my feelings on every aspect of this book and why they bothered me, but I just don't want to think about it anymore.
*I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley, all opinions my own
What do you think this book is going to be about? Self discovery? That’s probably the least touched on subject in the book, and the romance was unexpectedly minimal. The book turned into the author convincing me not to eat meat, and that’s not the message I was expecting to take from this story—nor was it a message well delivered.
I disliked Sky’s character. I really tried to connect to her, but I just didn't. Even understanding what she was going through, she couldn't communicate, she was whiny, she resorted to lying practically every time someone asked her a question, and she knew how awful those girls were and she still wanted to be popular. She went against the one thing she was sure of about herself, to please these girls.
I did like the realistic involvement of the parents/guardians in their kid’s lives. And I enjoyed the Australian setting. But I don’t know. I could write thousands of words explaining all my feelings on every aspect of this book and why they bothered me, but I just don't want to think about it anymore.
*I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley, all opinions my own
February 7, 2019
This is a loveozya novel, about a girl called Sky who lived with her Mum in Australia. However, she sadly passes away from cancer and therefore, Sky ends up living with her aunt and uncle in a rural town away from everyone and everything that she has ever known. Sky is a passionate vegan and has her own website and social media accounts that she uses to keep in contact with her followers: One in particular called WildRider. During a school project, Sky learns a shocking truth about a case of animal cruelty going on close to her new home. If she doesn't speak up, the horrors will continue. If she does however, she may be slapped with a lawsuit on her head.
The length was short and surprisingly easy to get into. The novel talks about family, hidden secrets, being vegan, animal cruelty and neglect and struggles of trying for a baby (Sky's Aunt and Uncle). It was a little confronting at times and the majority of the characters including Sky herself wasn't the nicest. I really appreciate new story-lines and the last few chapters for me really packed a punch. There was a just a little something missing for me, the ending also felt a little too open and had more questions than answers!
The length was short and surprisingly easy to get into. The novel talks about family, hidden secrets, being vegan, animal cruelty and neglect and struggles of trying for a baby (Sky's Aunt and Uncle). It was a little confronting at times and the majority of the characters including Sky herself wasn't the nicest. I really appreciate new story-lines and the last few chapters for me really packed a punch. There was a just a little something missing for me, the ending also felt a little too open and had more questions than answers!
August 23, 2017
Unfortunately another book I didn't enjoy.
For starters from the get go the book was heavy on the vegan preach to the point that it alienates and berates those (readers) that eat meat. It was super judgey on that front but also on girls in general - popular girls were bitchy and 'normal' girls were nerdy. It seemed that the author and MC wanted us to think that she was the coolest and best girl in the world and that no one compared. But she was dull and the insta-attraction was lame. Why does every YA hero have to have hair 'artfully' covering one eye? Is that some prerequisite description for sexiness? Gag. I was bored so, DNF.
For starters from the get go the book was heavy on the vegan preach to the point that it alienates and berates those (readers) that eat meat. It was super judgey on that front but also on girls in general - popular girls were bitchy and 'normal' girls were nerdy. It seemed that the author and MC wanted us to think that she was the coolest and best girl in the world and that no one compared. But she was dull and the insta-attraction was lame. Why does every YA hero have to have hair 'artfully' covering one eye? Is that some prerequisite description for sexiness? Gag. I was bored so, DNF.
May 12, 2019
Actual rating - 3.5 stars out of 5. This book was quite easy to read and follow. Not normally something I read myself but I found it interesting that the story taps into themes that I don't usually come across in YA. Themes like family and family secrets are quite normal but for a teen who has embraced the path of being a vegan and is quite passionate about animal rights and against animal cruelty were areas I found unique to the story. I enjoyed Sky as a character and how she deals with transition in her life from loss to staying with family who even though they're family, it's not your immediate or inner circle. I feel this is an important book, I can see why the author felt it needed to be written - really touches the heart. The ending has left scope so I am keen to see what happens in book 2.
August 1, 2017
YA readers, particularly high school-aged girls, will find a relatable protagonist in Sky. The Australian teenager navigates problems big and small while trying not to lose sight of her values and personal identity.
Much has been said about the book's humane-issues content (both for and against), but this content is not the entire story, rather, it is a thread woven throughout the plot. I've read other "social issue" novels in which the author invented a few character names seemingly for the whole purpose of having them spout blog-like dialogue at one another. SKY is not one of these books. The author takes the time to develop the characters and situations, and I think this book will appeal to a wide cross-section of YA readers--not just those who consider themselves animal advocates.
Our main character starts out identifying herself as a vegan, which she briefly drops midway through the book while desperate to fit in with a popular clique after a major family tragedy forces her into a new town and school. Sky's slip-up in which she begins eating meat again is likely to disappoint the veg*ns reading this book, but the unfortunate thing is, it is realistic. Recidivism is depressingly high among veg*ns. However, once Sky begins finding her moral compass and righting herself again, she goes back to a compassionate diet and feels much better about it. I actually think the author was quite insightful to include this content--one, it shows backsliding veg*n readers that they can, indeed, choose a plant-based diet again; and two, it models the fact that suppressing who you are to fit in with the popular crowd isn't the path to happiness in any case.
Some readers have left aggressively negative reviews of SKY; this anger seems unwarranted but it is perhaps not surprising. I get it, the issue of factory farming and our own participation in propping up this system isn't something that most of us want to think about, even in passing. However, it's this self-censorship that allows this industry to continue to do things that no one except the most sociopathic among us would consider OK. The vast majority of us hold some sort of moral values regarding the way animals should be treated, and it isn't being outrageous to say that the factory farming system pretty much violates every one of them.
SKY models the concern we need for the most helpless and abused among us. It also shows some more compassionate paths omnivores can take if they aren't willing to cut out meat entirely, which is also encouraging. For example, one character vows to stop eating just chickens, which is--in terms of the number of lives spared each year--the single most helpful lifestyle change you can make for farmed animals aside from becoming vegan.
Much has been said about the book's humane-issues content (both for and against), but this content is not the entire story, rather, it is a thread woven throughout the plot. I've read other "social issue" novels in which the author invented a few character names seemingly for the whole purpose of having them spout blog-like dialogue at one another. SKY is not one of these books. The author takes the time to develop the characters and situations, and I think this book will appeal to a wide cross-section of YA readers--not just those who consider themselves animal advocates.
Our main character starts out identifying herself as a vegan, which she briefly drops midway through the book while desperate to fit in with a popular clique after a major family tragedy forces her into a new town and school. Sky's slip-up in which she begins eating meat again is likely to disappoint the veg*ns reading this book, but the unfortunate thing is, it is realistic. Recidivism is depressingly high among veg*ns. However, once Sky begins finding her moral compass and righting herself again, she goes back to a compassionate diet and feels much better about it. I actually think the author was quite insightful to include this content--one, it shows backsliding veg*n readers that they can, indeed, choose a plant-based diet again; and two, it models the fact that suppressing who you are to fit in with the popular crowd isn't the path to happiness in any case.
Some readers have left aggressively negative reviews of SKY; this anger seems unwarranted but it is perhaps not surprising. I get it, the issue of factory farming and our own participation in propping up this system isn't something that most of us want to think about, even in passing. However, it's this self-censorship that allows this industry to continue to do things that no one except the most sociopathic among us would consider OK. The vast majority of us hold some sort of moral values regarding the way animals should be treated, and it isn't being outrageous to say that the factory farming system pretty much violates every one of them.
SKY models the concern we need for the most helpless and abused among us. It also shows some more compassionate paths omnivores can take if they aren't willing to cut out meat entirely, which is also encouraging. For example, one character vows to stop eating just chickens, which is--in terms of the number of lives spared each year--the single most helpful lifestyle change you can make for farmed animals aside from becoming vegan.
June 4, 2017
I DARE YOU NOT TO CRY. Gorgeous Australian book, has the same feel as Thunderwith and Better For Everyone, which are also in my favourites... Sky is such a lovely main character, the setting is gorgeous, it's short and easy to read all in one go (plus you don't want to put it down!), I just wish it was longer...
April 12, 2017
Wonderful book, comfortable and easy to read with important messages about family, coming of age, standing up for what we believe in and love. Highly recommend to all young adults.
September 19, 2017
'Sometimes you have to lose everything to find yourself"
Not everyone knows how to feel after loosing a parent. Not only you loose your family member, but you loose almost everything. Sky had to move towns and live with people she doesn't relate to, but knows that they are her family in grief. It is tough being the new girl especially when a small town there are always stereotypes and the need to be approved by the most "popular" person in school. This story is a coming of age and how even though you don't need anyone, it does not mean no one needs you. Sky see's animal cruelty and she does everything her power, even if it means loosing it all, to help this animal in any way possible. I love how this storyline shows that family can come together as one to help each other out and become one. I recommend this to all YA lovers and to understand that standing up for what you believe in love could be done with no need for others approval.
I gave it a 4 stars because there were some typos, but overall a good learning lesson storyline.
Not everyone knows how to feel after loosing a parent. Not only you loose your family member, but you loose almost everything. Sky had to move towns and live with people she doesn't relate to, but knows that they are her family in grief. It is tough being the new girl especially when a small town there are always stereotypes and the need to be approved by the most "popular" person in school. This story is a coming of age and how even though you don't need anyone, it does not mean no one needs you. Sky see's animal cruelty and she does everything her power, even if it means loosing it all, to help this animal in any way possible. I love how this storyline shows that family can come together as one to help each other out and become one. I recommend this to all YA lovers and to understand that standing up for what you believe in love could be done with no need for others approval.
I gave it a 4 stars because there were some typos, but overall a good learning lesson storyline.
May 31, 2017
Nachdem Skys Mutter gestorben ist, zieht Sky zu ihrer Tante, die sie kaum kennt, aufs Land. Dort ist alles neu: ihr Leben wird komplett auf den Kopf gestellt. Neben der allgegenwärtigen Trauer muss sie sich neu zurecht finden. Das fällt ihr besonders in der neuen Schule schwer, denn sie würde dort gerne gemocht und akzeptiert werden. Zu lange war sie schon eine Einzelgängerin.
Doch der Preis dazu zu gehören ist hoch. Bald schon muss sie sich entscheiden, ob sie sich anpassen oder sich treu bleiben will.
Der Roman hat mir unheimlich gut gefallen, war leicht zu leicht und bietet dem Leser jede Menge Anregungen zu vielen Themen. Insgesamt wirkte die Geschichte auf mich jedoch nicht zu überladen, sondern stimmig. Trauer, Neuanfang, Tierschutz, Mobbing... alles war irgendwie dabei und zu einer spannenden Geschichte verwoben, die mich sehr gefangen hat.
Ein tolles Jugendbuch, das ich nur weiterempfehlen kann.
Doch der Preis dazu zu gehören ist hoch. Bald schon muss sie sich entscheiden, ob sie sich anpassen oder sich treu bleiben will.
Der Roman hat mir unheimlich gut gefallen, war leicht zu leicht und bietet dem Leser jede Menge Anregungen zu vielen Themen. Insgesamt wirkte die Geschichte auf mich jedoch nicht zu überladen, sondern stimmig. Trauer, Neuanfang, Tierschutz, Mobbing... alles war irgendwie dabei und zu einer spannenden Geschichte verwoben, die mich sehr gefangen hat.
Ein tolles Jugendbuch, das ich nur weiterempfehlen kann.
July 9, 2017
Sky moves from the city to country to live with her Aunt and Uncle that she hardly knows. This is a huge change for Sky, especially as in the city she was living her life as a Vegan with her own blog and was determined to do right by the animals. When she moved to the country she wanted to fit in, to belong and find a place. This meant sacrificing some of her beliefs. What was she willing to sacrifice and who can she find some peace with?
I enjoyed this book but found one particular scene confronting (which I am sure is what the author is hoping) in talking about Chickens and how they are bred and raised. I have found myself not able to eat chicken this week and it is all down to this scene and one other. In this respect, I take my hat off to the author as she has done what no one else has been able to do - make me question my eating habits.
It is a well written book with some really great messages. Due to some of the content, I would recommend this book for 14+ readers.
I enjoyed this book but found one particular scene confronting (which I am sure is what the author is hoping) in talking about Chickens and how they are bred and raised. I have found myself not able to eat chicken this week and it is all down to this scene and one other. In this respect, I take my hat off to the author as she has done what no one else has been able to do - make me question my eating habits.
It is a well written book with some really great messages. Due to some of the content, I would recommend this book for 14+ readers.
May 1, 2017
Sky is a beautifully moving book about a young Australian girl who although faced with difficult circumstances, finds her voice and learns to speak up for herself and those who cannot speak for themselves. Although written for younger readers Sky is a charming novel which no matter what your age will inspire the young activist within you.
May 14, 2017
This book is about Sky, who have to move to another city because her mother is dead.
Living with her aunt she didn't know well before might be hard, but day by day, they complete as a family.
This book is so fun to read, coming of age YA i needed and so many animals!!!
I recommend you to read this book. You will not regret this.
Living with her aunt she didn't know well before might be hard, but day by day, they complete as a family.
This book is so fun to read, coming of age YA i needed and so many animals!!!
I recommend you to read this book. You will not regret this.
April 18, 2017
Sky was such an enjoyable read. I found myself easily carried along, and eager to keep reading. It also touches on hugely important topics in a gentle way, and left me thinking about the ideas long after finishing the book.
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October 5, 2021This is another case where I got suckered in by a pretty cover. Seriously, how gorgeous is that? No one could resist without a will of iron. The rest of the series is similarly stunning.
I found the writing in this to be quite young. Definitely middle grade, but I thought the MC was 10, maybe 12. But then the 'popular' girls started talking about making out with boys and I went back and re-read the start. Yeah, she's 15. I thought this was set in primary school from reading it, so high school is really reaching. Super weird when they were talking about alcohol but they read like they're in primary school...
Beyond the alcohol and kissing I'd say this is perfect for kids 8+. Simple language and plot, lots of animal love and facts thrown in and learning to love yourself and the people around you for who they are.
I think it would probably be pretty good for an older teen who had trouble reading too, someone who wanted a bit more content towards their interests while keeping the language and sentences fairly simple as they build their reading confidence.
I found the writing in this to be quite young. Definitely middle grade, but I thought the MC was 10, maybe 12. But then the 'popular' girls started talking about making out with boys and I went back and re-read the start. Yeah, she's 15. I thought this was set in primary school from reading it, so high school is really reaching. Super weird when they were talking about alcohol but they read like they're in primary school...
Beyond the alcohol and kissing I'd say this is perfect for kids 8+. Simple language and plot, lots of animal love and facts thrown in and learning to love yourself and the people around you for who they are.
I think it would probably be pretty good for an older teen who had trouble reading too, someone who wanted a bit more content towards their interests while keeping the language and sentences fairly simple as they build their reading confidence.
April 18, 2019
RTC. Thank you Pantera Press for the review copy and AusYABloggers for organising the blog tour! Stay tuned ;)
May 13, 2019
Fifteen year old Sky Lawson is grieving the loss of her mother, moving to the country town of West Creek with the estranged sister of her mother and husband. Sky is an impassioned vegan and patron for animal protection, using her Instagram account as an extension of herself and her advocacy. Isolated and alone within the small farming community, Sky is overwhelmed by her new environment including West Creek Public School, willing to compromise her integrity for inclusion. Navigating friendships, relationships, insecurity and separation.
Sky Lawson is mourning the loss of her mother to an aggressive cancer, her father unbeknown and her only immediate family is Paula, the estranged sister of her mother and her husband David who live in the pastoral town of West Creek. Sky is abrasive, she's aware she's treating her aunt with disdain but unfortunately cannot see past her own grief to realise her aunt is also mourning the loss of her sister. Sky has been displaced and while Paula and David have created a safe and loving environment, Sky is anxious and her concern lies within her ability to connect and create new friendships, including impressing popular, obnoxious girl Marissa, overlooking quiet achiever Lucy.
Behaving irrationally, Sky has lost her sense of awareness and compassion, choosing to abandon her veganism in favour of popularity. Throughout the narration, Sky begins to mature and realises how her behaviour has effected those around her, specifically Paula, David and friend Lucy. The tentative friendship Sky and Lucy shared was lovely, the girls are very similar in their advocacy and collaborate on the animal welfare investigation. Her online friendship with Wild Rider was wonderful, as he provided Sky with companionship and compassion, lessening the feelings of isolation. Potential love interest Oliver, although considered popular, was also a conservationist and animal advocate. His friendship with Marissa was peculiar and superficial, creating unnecessary tension.
The themes of animal protection and advocacy were gentle and wonderfully informative. Sky begins to investigate animal cruelty at local poultry business, coinciding with a school assignment. Sky discovers malnourished and malformed chickens, diagnosed with issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis and tibial dyschondplasia in inhumane conditions. Although it advocates for animal protection, it doesn't lecture or attempt to coerce readers into vegetarian or veganism, only the ethical treatment of animals.
Ondine Sherman has created a narrative that encourages discussion surrounding animal welfare and performative activism, gently encouraging readers to consciously choose to purchase and consume products that are sustainable, ethically sourced and certifiably organic. Thoroughly enjoyed it and anticipating the next Animal Allies installment.
Sky Lawson is mourning the loss of her mother to an aggressive cancer, her father unbeknown and her only immediate family is Paula, the estranged sister of her mother and her husband David who live in the pastoral town of West Creek. Sky is abrasive, she's aware she's treating her aunt with disdain but unfortunately cannot see past her own grief to realise her aunt is also mourning the loss of her sister. Sky has been displaced and while Paula and David have created a safe and loving environment, Sky is anxious and her concern lies within her ability to connect and create new friendships, including impressing popular, obnoxious girl Marissa, overlooking quiet achiever Lucy.
Behaving irrationally, Sky has lost her sense of awareness and compassion, choosing to abandon her veganism in favour of popularity. Throughout the narration, Sky begins to mature and realises how her behaviour has effected those around her, specifically Paula, David and friend Lucy. The tentative friendship Sky and Lucy shared was lovely, the girls are very similar in their advocacy and collaborate on the animal welfare investigation. Her online friendship with Wild Rider was wonderful, as he provided Sky with companionship and compassion, lessening the feelings of isolation. Potential love interest Oliver, although considered popular, was also a conservationist and animal advocate. His friendship with Marissa was peculiar and superficial, creating unnecessary tension.
The themes of animal protection and advocacy were gentle and wonderfully informative. Sky begins to investigate animal cruelty at local poultry business, coinciding with a school assignment. Sky discovers malnourished and malformed chickens, diagnosed with issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis and tibial dyschondplasia in inhumane conditions. Although it advocates for animal protection, it doesn't lecture or attempt to coerce readers into vegetarian or veganism, only the ethical treatment of animals.
Ondine Sherman has created a narrative that encourages discussion surrounding animal welfare and performative activism, gently encouraging readers to consciously choose to purchase and consume products that are sustainable, ethically sourced and certifiably organic. Thoroughly enjoyed it and anticipating the next Animal Allies installment.
April 19, 2019
Review to come!
August 19, 2017
I oscillated between stars for this one as I applaud the premise and genuine attempt at portraying teeny angst and it certainly made my eyes sting with emotion at times, however occasionally Sky's tearing heart pain felt a bit too much, a bit too forced and wildly erratic even in spite of the fact she is going through an incredibly tumultuous time after the death of her mother (and yes I can appreciate that this might be the norm in situations like this but it just didn't feel solid enough for me). I also found Sky's repeated attempts to 'fit in' with the popular girls in spit of their blatant awfulness a little disturbing.
Still, an enjoyable read that adequately harnesses the intense need for teenagers to anchor their emotional needs and dilemmas somewhere safe to survive. It would be interesting to hear if 13 - 15-year-olds feel this is a true snap shot of life ante adulthood.
Still, an enjoyable read that adequately harnesses the intense need for teenagers to anchor their emotional needs and dilemmas somewhere safe to survive. It would be interesting to hear if 13 - 15-year-olds feel this is a true snap shot of life ante adulthood.
August 9, 2017
L'idée de base pour ce livre est bonne, mais le tout n'est pas très bien exécutée. Le personnage de Sky m'a aussi irrité, car elle ne cesse de mentir à son entourage pour de mauvaises raisons et je n’approuvais pas beaucoup ses décisions (surtout le fait qu'elle veuille être populaire à tout prix, et ce, au débit de tout le reste). J'aurais aussi voulu que les thèmes de la cruauté animale et du deuil soit davantage exploités. La fin m'a laissée perplexe et je me suis demandé s'il va y avoir une suite à ce roman. Cela aurait du sens, mais s'il n'y a pas de suite, ce serait très décevant.
September 8, 2019
It was a pretty straight forward, easy to understand book about Sky struggling with herself in school and coping with the lost of her mother. But also it was interesting because Sky is a Vegan and also stands up for animals rights, and learning how she stands up for the chicken's rights in the factory is very insightful and how people go to lengths into protecting animal's rights. But I don't know if I should get the whole series though, it doesn't need to be a sequel it's good if it was a stand alone.
July 17, 2017
This book is REALLY, REALLY GOOD.
It strays from what has become the norm for fictional YA romances by infusing a good deal of animal compassion into the plotline, while managing to maintain elements of romance, self discovery and grief AND not being too long.
It has a really annoying/great cliffhanger, AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR NUMBER TWO!!!
It strays from what has become the norm for fictional YA romances by infusing a good deal of animal compassion into the plotline, while managing to maintain elements of romance, self discovery and grief AND not being too long.
It has a really annoying/great cliffhanger, AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR NUMBER TWO!!!
July 13, 2017
Sky was a wonderful heartwarming journey that has stuck to me since I have read the book. A ingenious story with exciting twists and turns. The book itself is relatable and I loved the main characters Sky's personality. A must read.
June 3, 2020
This is honestly my most favourite book that has ever been written! I have read both Sky and snow and I am so excited for Star to come out! I own the book on my kindle as well as in paper copy and I have read it so many times that I have lost count! I highly recommend this book!
July 18, 2017
I loved the book and will recommend it to my young friends. It's light reading but quite inspirational as it manages to convey relevant messages in a comfortable fashion. A good read.
May 28, 2020
Sky by Ondine Sherman is a touching novel about friendship, family, secrets, loss and morals. It's about doing the right thing.
This book has many layers. It focuses principally on animal protection. A very real main idea that can often be overlooked. Animal cruelty is something that a lot of people don’t give a second thought, but in this story, the issue is addressed very well. The book sends an important message. This makes the story grab a reader’s attention and turns their head to the way humans are treating animals.
The main character, Sky, faces problem after problem. These can vary from unique to relatable. For example, her struggles to fit in is something that people can relate to, as well as starting new in a completely different place. Her issues regarding her family and the secrets they hide make her story unfamiliar and interesting. Starting with her mother's death and moving to a new place, Sky does things that she usually wouldn't find herself doing. Sky thinks that the only way to fit in is to be someone else. Some she is not.
Sky is a passionate vegan and makes that clear from the very start of the book. She drops the diet in the middle of the book whilst she is struggling to fit in with the popular clique. Her loss of character, as disappointing as it is, is realistic. But, when Sky pulls herself back together she goes straight back to the passionate diet.
Sky’s new guardians, her aunt and uncle, try their very best to make Sky feel welcome in their home. They even adopt a stray dog to help her settle in. Sky, however, still feels out of place. Even in her new home. When she finds out how her aunt and uncle want to add another child to their family, Sky feels rejected. She loses all sense of belonging in her unfamiliar life. The only person she feels she can talk to is melody, her mother's old friend and flatmate. However, Melody is never around. Can her aunt and uncle be there for her when she needs advice?
Sky is driven to make her life in school less of a trainwreck. Being an environmentalist and having a love for nature, Sky is naturally drawn to the Landcare group, but when the popular girls start paying attention to her, she immediately changes course. She gets distracted at the thought of popularity she draws away from the good people in her life.
When Sky researches a local chicken farm for her school presentation, she is revealed to the horrid way they treat their animals, she rethinks what the most important things are to her.
Sky also wants to know more about her absent father. There were a lot of unanswered questions and her aunt didn't seem like she wanted to help.
Sky faces a lot of issues that stand out: the values in family and friendships, staying true to yourself and your values, and respecting animals and the environment.
The way Odine has written this book is outstanding. It is easy to read and beautifully written. The way it has been delivered can touch the feelings of a reader and can draw in their attention.
Sky plays the role of modelling a voice for the helpless and abused. It is a great book for young readers and addresses many issues. It is emotional and intriguing and is honestly an amazing book.
This book has many layers. It focuses principally on animal protection. A very real main idea that can often be overlooked. Animal cruelty is something that a lot of people don’t give a second thought, but in this story, the issue is addressed very well. The book sends an important message. This makes the story grab a reader’s attention and turns their head to the way humans are treating animals.
The main character, Sky, faces problem after problem. These can vary from unique to relatable. For example, her struggles to fit in is something that people can relate to, as well as starting new in a completely different place. Her issues regarding her family and the secrets they hide make her story unfamiliar and interesting. Starting with her mother's death and moving to a new place, Sky does things that she usually wouldn't find herself doing. Sky thinks that the only way to fit in is to be someone else. Some she is not.
Sky is a passionate vegan and makes that clear from the very start of the book. She drops the diet in the middle of the book whilst she is struggling to fit in with the popular clique. Her loss of character, as disappointing as it is, is realistic. But, when Sky pulls herself back together she goes straight back to the passionate diet.
Sky’s new guardians, her aunt and uncle, try their very best to make Sky feel welcome in their home. They even adopt a stray dog to help her settle in. Sky, however, still feels out of place. Even in her new home. When she finds out how her aunt and uncle want to add another child to their family, Sky feels rejected. She loses all sense of belonging in her unfamiliar life. The only person she feels she can talk to is melody, her mother's old friend and flatmate. However, Melody is never around. Can her aunt and uncle be there for her when she needs advice?
Sky is driven to make her life in school less of a trainwreck. Being an environmentalist and having a love for nature, Sky is naturally drawn to the Landcare group, but when the popular girls start paying attention to her, she immediately changes course. She gets distracted at the thought of popularity she draws away from the good people in her life.
When Sky researches a local chicken farm for her school presentation, she is revealed to the horrid way they treat their animals, she rethinks what the most important things are to her.
Sky also wants to know more about her absent father. There were a lot of unanswered questions and her aunt didn't seem like she wanted to help.
Sky faces a lot of issues that stand out: the values in family and friendships, staying true to yourself and your values, and respecting animals and the environment.
The way Odine has written this book is outstanding. It is easy to read and beautifully written. The way it has been delivered can touch the feelings of a reader and can draw in their attention.
Sky plays the role of modelling a voice for the helpless and abused. It is a great book for young readers and addresses many issues. It is emotional and intriguing and is honestly an amazing book.
May 8, 2019
Sky is a fifteen year old girl who is dealing with more than the average teenager troubles. Not only has she never known her father, her Mum, who she was very close with, has just died of cancer. She has no choice but to move to her Aunt and Uncle's house, hours from the city life she is used to, to a small town called West Creek where farms replace skyscrapers; the country. She doesn't know her Mum's sister and brother-in-law very well, and struggles to get close to them at first, though not without them trying. Through trying to find popularity at school, to learning things about her past that change her view on certain people in her life, she shows what a strong and resilient young woman she is and how much she changes and adapts to her new situation.
As someone who loves animals, I knew this would be an interesting read. It was a real page-turner, and really clutched at my heart-strings at times. I have pet chickens (among other pets) and after losing them all and my ducks bar one last year to a fox, I'm not sure I'll ever get over it. I certainly won't forget; they were like family to me. To think about what Sky witnesses is absolutely sickening, and the lengths she goes to to voice her opinion and try to make changes for those who are "voiceless" (which is certainly a fitting name for the charity started by Ondine and her father, which is mentioned a couple of times in this book, yay) demonstrate how truly kind and selfless Sky, people like her, truly are. It also demonstrates that not all vegans are crazy, angry, meat-eater haters. Some just want to make a difference and educate, not throw their opinions down peoples' throats and condemn anyone who doesn't agree and do as they do. Sky's own family are not vegan but happy to support her and make some changes to the food the whole house eats.
As someone who loves animals, I knew this would be an interesting read. It was a real page-turner, and really clutched at my heart-strings at times. I have pet chickens (among other pets) and after losing them all and my ducks bar one last year to a fox, I'm not sure I'll ever get over it. I certainly won't forget; they were like family to me. To think about what Sky witnesses is absolutely sickening, and the lengths she goes to to voice her opinion and try to make changes for those who are "voiceless" (which is certainly a fitting name for the charity started by Ondine and her father, which is mentioned a couple of times in this book, yay) demonstrate how truly kind and selfless Sky, people like her, truly are. It also demonstrates that not all vegans are crazy, angry, meat-eater haters. Some just want to make a difference and educate, not throw their opinions down peoples' throats and condemn anyone who doesn't agree and do as they do. Sky's own family are not vegan but happy to support her and make some changes to the food the whole house eats.
August 17, 2019
Sky is a great novel for a teenage audience. It tackles issues of identity, loss and grieving that a lot of people will never have to deal with. However there is a fair amount of teenage angst that I didn’t necessarily enjoy but think teenagers will relate to. You can tell the author has strong views around animal activism and protection as seen from the main character being a vegan and the issue of animal factory farming that even had me questioning my eating preferences.
I felt so much for Sky as I cannot imagine having my whole life turned upside down with the loss of a parent at such a young age, and the feeling of leaving my whole life behind moving to a small town. Fitting in seems like such an important thing when we are young and Sky is no different. Sky has a constant struggle with who she is and who she tries to be and where she fits in her home and school life for the majority of the book.
I loved seeing Sky step out of her popularity bubble, finding her true friends, a new love, and embracing her passion for animal protection exposing a factory farm. I loved how powerful Ondine made Sky, that a 15 year old could make such a difference, If only that was true for the real world.
I felt so much for Sky as I cannot imagine having my whole life turned upside down with the loss of a parent at such a young age, and the feeling of leaving my whole life behind moving to a small town. Fitting in seems like such an important thing when we are young and Sky is no different. Sky has a constant struggle with who she is and who she tries to be and where she fits in her home and school life for the majority of the book.
I loved seeing Sky step out of her popularity bubble, finding her true friends, a new love, and embracing her passion for animal protection exposing a factory farm. I loved how powerful Ondine made Sky, that a 15 year old could make such a difference, If only that was true for the real world.
August 22, 2019
I devoured this book. It is incredibly easy to read and the pages turn faster than you realise.
Sherman has such a great writing style, it will draw you into Sky's world and make you want to know more.
That being said, I struggled to connect with Sky, I realise she is 15 and I am definitely not, but she felt younger than that, which made her friendship drama, her reactions and her actions hard to fully get behing and relate to. I also struggled with Sky, being such a passionate vegan and animal activist, then choosing to eat chicken for popularity. Popularity that you could tell, wouldn't stick with her.
I fully appreciate the heaviness of elements of this book. The loss of a parent, animal activism, family. They are some subjects that get touched on in a soft way, a way that younger readers can understand and process.
The power of speaking up for what you believe in , is a strong message in this book. When Sky finds her voice, her life starts to change and that is a great takeaway for younger readers.
A good, fast read. Perfect for younger readers.
Sherman has such a great writing style, it will draw you into Sky's world and make you want to know more.
That being said, I struggled to connect with Sky, I realise she is 15 and I am definitely not, but she felt younger than that, which made her friendship drama, her reactions and her actions hard to fully get behing and relate to. I also struggled with Sky, being such a passionate vegan and animal activist, then choosing to eat chicken for popularity. Popularity that you could tell, wouldn't stick with her.
I fully appreciate the heaviness of elements of this book. The loss of a parent, animal activism, family. They are some subjects that get touched on in a soft way, a way that younger readers can understand and process.
The power of speaking up for what you believe in , is a strong message in this book. When Sky finds her voice, her life starts to change and that is a great takeaway for younger readers.
A good, fast read. Perfect for younger readers.
July 27, 2019
This was a good read, with an simple premise of a girl trying to earn her chops as a journalist. How she goes about it, and the trouble she gets into along the way make the fun part of the story. Can a down on her luck girl catch a break after the love of life mysteriously walks out on her and sticks her with a mortgage she cannot afford, manage to get her career on the right track? While she works her way there, she has to contend with a former one-night stand, who also happens to be the ex's bestie. Those two manage to get themselves into all kinds of trouble, meet some very interesting people along the way, and try to fight whatever residual lust that once had for one another. The plot also has some twists and turns that had me guessing (in a good way).
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