The Kite Rider

Story

In 13^th century China, Haoyou’s kite riding talent attracts the attention of the Great Miao, leader of The Jade Circus. Flying high above astounded audiences, the young boy is given the chance to follow in his father’s footsteps and escape the clutches of his Uncle Bo and the poverty of his family. But as his success in the circus soars, back on the ground danger is lurking. Is Haoyou just a pawn in the Great Miao’s plans?

Why we chose it

A thrilling adventure story from a great storyteller that transports the reader into another world - a vibrant, exciting, action packed world, which comes to life on the page.

Where it came from

The author was inspired by an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum that explored man-carrying kites in Japan. Further research led her story to Cathay, the land we now call China, where she set the book.

Geraldine McCaughrean enjoys revisiting figures from history in her stories (others have included Hercules, Noah and Peter Pan). In The Kite Rider, she brings Kublai Khan to life as one of the characters most enchanted by Haoyou and his kite riding talent.

Where it went next

The story went on to win awards a number of awards - the Blue Peter Book Award 2001, the American Library Association 2003, and Nestlé Children’s Book Prize 2001. It was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2001.

Associated stories

Most of the over 170 books Geraldine McCaughrean has written are for children, although she has also written for adults and has written plays for the stage and radio. Some of her most popular children’s books include Casting the Gods Adrift, Stop the Train, The White Darkness, Peter Pan In Scarlet, Pull Out All the Stops, Middle of Nowhere, Not the End of the World, The Positively Last Performance, and Where the World Ends ,