Sparrow rising

Ever since her parents were killed, 12-year-old orphan Ellidee Meadows has yearned to become an elite Goldwing, protecting the Clandoms' winged peoples against the stone gargols that rule the sky during stormy weather. But as one of the lowly Sparrow Clan, Ellie is destined for life as a farmer, discouraged from participating in the Goldwing Trials. In an attempt to buck tradition, though, she enters, encountering Nox Hatcher, a Crow who was wounded on a secret mission. Learning of an opportunity to attempt another qualifying race as a wild card, Ellie sets forth with Nox as her reluctant companion. But as part of Nox's band--which includes inventor Gussie, a Falcon, and animal-lover Twig, whose parents hail from different clans--Ellie finds her storybook ideals challenged. Her courage and resolve are tested by the harsh reality of the caste-dominated Clandoms, the duplicitousness of authority figures, and the constant threat of the gargols. With a resourceful, indomitable heroine, this high-flying series opener by Khoury (The Mystwick School of Musicraft) offers a wealth of adrenaline-charged, cinematic aerial scenes featuring a Black protagonist and a largely white, fully winged cast, making for a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Ages 8--12. Agent: Lucy Carson, the Friedrich Agency. (July)

In a fantasy world with a rigid hierarchy, a young, winged girl yearns to soar to greater heights. In this series opener, winged people live in Clandoms, divided along avian lines and further bifurcated into high and low types. Ellidee Meadows is a Sparrow, one of the low clans whose members are farmers, and an orphan since her parents were killed by a gargol, one of a species of fearsome stone creatures who hide behind clouds. Ellie dreams of becoming a Goldwing, the Clandoms' elite defenders. There has never been a Sparrow Goldwing before, but Ellie believes that if she works hard and stays true, she has a real chance to compete in the Race of Ascension and earn a spot as an initiate. Her plans take a turn when she meets Nox, a Crow; Twig, a boy with Mockingbird and Crane parents (and therefore a stigmatized piebald); and Gussie, a Falcon. The three steal a mysterious stone and soon find themselves on a thrilling adventure through lands where no one is what they seem. Each has faced some sort of discrimination within their divided kingdom, and their stories should resonate with a wide spectrum of readers. Khoury's worldbuilding is gripping and complex, tethering her adroitly rendered tale to today's most important issues, including racism, classism, privilege, and systemic oppression. Expect high demand for the next installment. Ellie, Nox, and Twig seem to be White by default; Gussie has brown skin. Enthralling. (map, clan information) (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.