Carolyn Copland

A lovely story, so well written and just right for the suggested age group of 8+. The author has evoked the period detail very well and has offered a glimpse into the lives of people living more than 100 years ago The character of Dolly Shepherd is very well described and her pioneering and adventurous spirit show how restrictive were the lives of some women. Her determination and sense of justice is clearly inherited from her parents, who make no attempt to curb her enthusiasm and desire for adventure. The scene where she describes throwing an ink pot at a bullying teacher is very amusing, as is her parents' reaction, when they 'pretended to be cross' with her. The technicalities of aeronautical flight are well described as is the social importance of Alexandra Palace for providing entertainment for all the people, however rich or poor.