Halfway to the Sky

by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Book Overview

Twelve-year-old Dani is running away from home, or what's left of home anyway. Her older brother, who had muscular dystrophy, died a few months ago. Then her father left and her parents got divorced.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440418305
• ISBN13: 9780440418306
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Dell Yearling
• Length: 166 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Entertaining and instructive for readers of all ages

This is an excellent coming-of-age book about a young girl who runs away and plans to hike the full length of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The author is particularly successful in bringing to life the lead character (Katahdin). The character gets her unusual name from the mountain that marks the northern terminus of the AT. Katahdin is troubled by the death of her brother, the divorce of her parents, and the imminent remarriage of her father. She is admirably methodical in her preparation to undertake the hike, and admirably determined to see it through. This is a poignant story; I was choked up reading about Katahdin's memories of her brother, and her difficult but cathartic moments with her mother. The story is not compromised with gimmicks or sensationalism. Characters and the storyline are patiently developed, adding to the realism of the book and strength of the message: Life can be challenging, often there are no easy solutions, and running from problems does not make them go away.

Book Review of Halfway to the Sky

Book Review of Halfway to the Sky It should not be so easy for a twelve-year-old girl to run away, Dani Brown thought. But it was in the book, Halfway to the Sky, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. This book is all about Dani who runs away because of problems in her family. She doesn't go to a place that you'd think she'd go though (if you want to find out where she goes, keep reading). In my opinion the book, Halfway to the Sky is one of the best books I've ever read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading. In this heartwarming novel the theme of determination makes it very suspenseful. One of the most suspenseful parts is when Dani helps her hurt mom get out of a blizzard. If you want to know what happens, read the book. The theme of determination also comes into play many other times in this book. The theme in this book will make you not want to put it down. In this book you will get to know Dani Brown and the struggles she went through. Dani Brown's real name is Katahdin, named after the mountain at the end of the Appalachian Trail. Her dad just left her and her mom to get remarried and her brother just died. Dani goes through some pretty tough times in this book. You can really relate to Dani and her struggles easily. Even though the characters and the theme of the book are really important parts of the story, the setting is equally important. The story mainly takes place on the Appalachian Trail, that's where Dani runs away to. If you read the book you'll find out how the setting is a significant part of the story. The setting brings the whole story together. Overall this book is touching and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading. The theme of determination makes this story very suspenseful and you won't want to put it down. It also has realistic events and characters that you can relate to. Also it's great description makes it all the more interesting. In my opinion Halfway to the Sky is an excellent story with details that bring the story to life.

Halfway there

This book Halfway to the Sky is by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Dani wants to run away from home. She runs away to the Appalachian Trail. Her mom followed her and they made an agreement that they will stay until they get to Virginia. What made me want to read this book is that the cover looked interesting and the librarian recommended it to me. The other people that might enjoy this book would be female and male, and people who might relate to it. Dani was a good friend and she is very caring and emotional. She gets sad when ever her and her mother talks about her brother. "You never paid attention to me. You never came to my soccer games. You never let Springer come. You were always working, or taking care of him, or doing something for yourself. Never me. You stayed together for him." I didn't like how they put the introduction to the paragraph. It tells you in one part she is in Tennessee then in the next part, she is in Georgia. March 1 3326 Holston Dr., Bristol, Tennessee. March 2 Summit of Springer Mountain (GA). I didn't like how there weren't any chapters. It was weird not knowing what chapter I was on. I think that female and male and people who might relate to this book would like it. I thought that this book was interesting. I think people should read this book because it teaches you a lot of good lessons. L.Lugo

A great read

I bought this book for my 9 year old daughter without knowing anything about it because she had enjoyed other works by this author (Ruthie's gift and Weaver's daughter). It was a surprise to me when my daughter suggested I read it too. I did, and was stunned to learn the brother had died of muscular dystrophy, as my son (her brother) has this disease as well. It spurred a probably long overdue discussion of his prognosis with my daughter--something I had not really ever done but I guess she was ready for. I cried through most of the book because it hit home to me how life threatening diseases affect the other children in your home (especially genetic ones). She was unusually nice to him for a few days, then went back to the normal sibling rivalry. The author handles the subject of disability, death, divorce, remarriage etc. incredibly well, at a level that's very appropriate for children.

C'mon mom just a couple more minutes

When I picked up this book I couldn't put it down. I guess it maybe because I love to hike. Well any how this book was great. Dani has real courage and strength. I know this review is short because you have nothing else to say but "WOW". If you start this book make sure your mom will let you stay up late because like I said you cant put this book down.