The Twenty-One Balloons

by William Pene du Bois

After teaching arithmetic for forty years, Professor Sherman sets out in a hot air balloon in search of peace and quiet.  What he finds is mystery and high-adventure: erupting volcanoes, glorious riches, amazing inventions, and hair-breadth escapes!.


              Book Summary             

            Study Highlights             

Reading Level:   5th - 9th Spelling/Vocabulary:   Difficult
Category:   Adventure, Fantasy Comprehension:   Medium
Setting:   USA, Krakatoa Critical Thinking:   Medium
Theme:   Importance of science and imagination Biblical Focus:  God's power; folly of idleness
Paperback Novel:   180 pages Study Guide:  5 units

Related Studies:  Geography, government, inventors, natural disasters, travel

Barbara's Note:  What a fun story! It's creative plot, unique characters, and imaginative setting make it an excellent choice for boy and girl readers.  An amusing, refreshingly different fantasy.  (Grades 5, 6, 7)