About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Prince Conn will never be king. And that's just fine with him.
Conn is ninth in line for the pirate throne and is quite happy to sail the skies in his airship with his crew of cheery misfits, plundering as they go. But one by one his siblings are being murdered, in tragic fires, violent cannon attacks or mysterious poisonings. Soon all fingers are pointing toward Conn as the mastermind. To prove his innocence, Conn must make his way to Skull Island, navigating his airship through a gauntlet of villains, explosions and betrayals. Can he reach his father's kingdom before it's too late? Or will he suffer the same fate as the rest of his family?
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
Contributor Notes
Arthur Slade is a Governor General’s Literary Award–winning author of many novels for young readers, including the graphic novel Modo: Ember’s End, which is based on characters from The Hunchback Assignments trilogy. Raised on a ranch in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan, Arthur now makes his home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
Editorial Reviews
“The mystery keeps readers on the edge of their seats and the lower reading/ high interest level as well as the brevity of the book will not intimidate reluctant or struggling readers.”
— Must Read Literature
"Slade, a master of gung-ho, young adult novels, mixes plenty of drive-ahead action and plot contrivances with his much-loved sense of humour."
— Saskatoon Star Phoenix
"This is a wonderful read…The Pirate clan is a fascinating family, and I desperately want to know what the next adventure is! Another great read from the masterful pen of Arthur Slade! Hazzah!"
— McEvoy's Musings
"Filled to the brim with humorous dialogue and vivid action sequences, Death by Airship is sure to become a favourite with adolescent readers across all genders and reading levels…A novel that jumps off the page, leaving a vivid impression in the memories of its readers."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“There is much pirate talk and some science fiction elements, including flying ships and birds that blow up like bombs. The pace is fast and students that love pirates will enjoy this chapter book.”
— Resource Links
