Children's Book review

Fly Cherokee Fly

By Chris d'Lacey

Published by Orchard Books

Darryl and Garry find an injured racing pigeon in the park one afternoon. Darryl's parents agree to let him keep it, if he promises to focus more at school.

His compelling presentation on racing pigeons looks as if their ploy is working. Cherokee Wonder's wing gets better too, and with the help of elderly trainer Alf Duckins, Darryl dreams of racing the bird once more.

Unfortunately, the school bully, Warren Spigott, discovers that Cherokee originally belonged to his father and threatens to tell him unless Darryl agrees to steal for him.

This gripping, moving story shows how courage, dedication and ambition can get the better of a cowardly bully and help a teenager to understand all about responsibility.

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Reading age: 9+
Interest level: 7+