Stand on the Sky

2019 Winner of the Governor General's Literary Award?

It goes against all tradition for Aisulu to train an eagle, for among the Kazakh nomads, only men can fly them. But everything changes when Aisulu discovers that her brother, Serik, has been concealing a bad limp that risks not just his future as the family's leader, but his life too.

When her parents leave to seek a cure for Serik in a distant hospital, Aisulu finds herself living with her intimidating uncle and strange auntie—and secretly caring for an orphaned baby eagle. To save her brother and keep her family from having to leave their nomadic life behind forever, Aisulu must earn her eagle’s trust and fight for her right to soar.  Along the way, she discovers that family are people who choose each other, home is a place you build, and hope is a thing with feathers.

Erin Bow’s lyrical middle grade debut is perfect for fans of original animal-friendship stories like Pax and Because of Winn Dixie.

One girl must defy a thousand years of tradition to save the two lives that matter most—her brother’s, and a fledgling eagle’s.

• Strong Girl Protagonist: Follow Aisulu, a girl with a heart made of sky, as she dares to train a golden eagle—a role reserved only for the men of her Kazakh tribe.
• Unbreakable Sibling Relationship: A quest driven by love, as Aisulu risks everything to find a cure for her beloved brother, Serik, whose life is in danger.
• Animal Friendship Story: A deep bond forms between a girl and an orphaned eaglet. To have any hope of success, Aisulu must first earn her eagle’s trust.
• Immersive Mongolia Setting: Journey to the vast, windswept mountains of Mongolia and experience the traditional life of Kazakh nomads in this beautifully realized cultural heritage story.
• A Story of Courage and Hope: An uplifting and lyrical tale proving that family is who you choose and hope is a thing with feathers, perfect for fans of Pax.

Praise for STAND ON THE SKY:    Winner of the Governor General's Literary Award 2019    A Junior Library Guild Spring 2019 Gold Standard Selection   A New York Public Library 2019 Best Books for Kids   “[A] story of strength, courage, and resilience that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt abandoned, alone, or doubted themselves and their place in the world…. Bow delivers a jubilant tale that celebrates the power of family, love, and young women.” —Quill and Quire   "Bow uses wistful narrative flourishes to paint this meticulously detailed portrait of a nomadic family and their profound relationship with the wildlife and unforgiving land....[Y]oung readers will find [the ending] heartwarmingly earned and inspiring." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books   "[T]his book is lyrical and lovely and features complex and vivid characters."—Booklist   "Readers will root for Aisulu and her community, an ancient culture negotiating the contemporary world." —Kirkus   "[A]n interesting and unique setting." —School Library Journal   "Bow (Sorrow’s Knot) creates a vivid sense of place." —Publishers Weekly