This title by John Boyne reminds me of a male version of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. Poor Barnaby is born with a gravity problem– he floats. His mom and dad are not too thrilled with this problem and finally after about 8 years and their numerous complaints, Mom takes Barnaby to the park. She convinces poor Barnaby to set his knapsack filled with ballast down, and she slinks away as he drifts slowly upward. What rotten parents! However, Barnaby is rescued by two women in a hot air balloon who take care of him before he embarks on various hair raising adventures. It does have a satisfying ending, and I would recommend it for 4th to 6th graders who enjoy Dahl’s books.
