Rooftoppers

Sophie, found floating in a cello case after a shipwreck, grows up in London with her eccentric guardian Charles. When authorities threaten to send her to an orphanage, Sophie and Charles flee to Paris to search for her mother, whom Sophie believes survived the disaster. In Paris, Sophie discovers a hidden world of children who live on the city's rooftops, moving across the skyline with grace and skill. She joins forces with Matteo, a boy who has made the rooftops his home, to continue her search while staying out of sight of the officials below. The story combines elements of adventure, friendship, and persistence as Sophie navigates both the physical landscape of Paris and the challenge of uncovering her past. Music, particularly the cello, serves as a thread that connects Sophie to her history and possible future. This novel explores themes of belonging and the different ways families can take shape, while celebrating unconventional approaches to life's obstacles. The contrast between the structured world below and the freedom of the rooftops creates a meditation on where one truly belongs.

Readers celebrate the imaginative writing style and poetic descriptions of Paris rooftops and skylines. Many note the book captures a child's sense of wonder while dealing with themes of belonging and determination. Readers highlight: - Sophie's fierce independence and resilience - The unique friendship dynamics - Vivid descriptions of life above Paris - The blend of whimsy and realism Common criticisms: - Plot pacing feels slow in the middle sections - Some find the rooftop adventures unrealistic - Adult characters could be more developed Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "The language is beautiful - every sentence feels crafted," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another Amazon reader states: "The premise stretches belief too far - children running across rooftops with no consequences seems irresponsible." Barnes & Noble readers rate it 4.3/5, praising the "memorable characters" but noting "the story takes time to build momentum."

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🌟 Katherine Rundell wrote Rooftoppers while completing her PhD in Renaissance literature at Oxford University. 🏛️ The author spent time exploring the rooftops of Oxford colleges at night to better understand how her characters would move and feel in high places. 🗼 The book's vivid descriptions of Paris were inspired by Rundell's own visit to the city, where she walked for hours studying the architecture and rooftop landscapes. 📚 Rooftoppers won the 2014 Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award, establishing Rundell as a major voice in children's literature. 🎻 The character Charles's habit of having breakfast wine and reading Shakespeare was inspired by Rundell's own father, who believed children should be exposed to sophisticated experiences from a young age.