For children who love a good mystery and thrilling adventure, this story encourages bravery when facing the unknown and exploring the natural world around them.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is captivated by secrets and mysteries, or needs a gentle story to encourage bravery in exploring the world around them. Shadow in the Clouds follows siblings Ted and Sally, who discover a homemade airplane and its mysterious pilot hidden in the woods near their home. They are drawn into the inventor's secret and must decide whether to help him achieve his dream of flying. This classic adventure story from 1975 explores themes of curiosity, courage, and the responsibility of keeping a big secret. It's a perfect chapter book for independent readers who enjoy quiet, realistic suspense and the thrill of a discovery all their own.
The main sensitive topics are keeping secrets from parents and befriending a stranger. The book presents these actions in a positive, adventurous light. The stranger is portrayed as a kind, misunderstood dreamer, not a threat. The resolution is hopeful and triumphant, reinforcing the children's good judgment in this specific instance. There is no violence, death, or other heavy themes.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a thoughtful 7 to 9-year-old who loves realistic adventure stories. It suits the child who enjoys exploring, building forts, and imagining what secrets their own backyard might hold. It is more for a quiet observer and dreamer than a high-action thrill-seeker.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold, but a parent may want to prepare for a conversation about secrets. It provides a good opportunity to discuss the difference between fun surprises and secrets that should be shared with a trusted adult, especially concerning strangers. No specific scenes require previewing as the tone is consistently gentle. A parent notices their child seems hesitant to explore on their own, or conversely, has become fascinated with the idea of having a "big secret." The child might be showing a new interest in old machines, inventors, or mysteries.
Age Experience
A younger reader (age 7-8) will be captivated by the core adventure: finding a secret plane! They will focus on the excitement and the friendship. An older reader (age 9-10) will be better able to appreciate the themes of pursuing a dream against the odds, trusting one's instincts, and the quiet courage it takes to support someone.
What Makes It Special
In an era of fast-paced, high-tech, or fantasy-driven adventures, this book stands out for its grounded, classic feel. Its power lies in the simplicity of its premise and the celebration of curiosity and a child's ability to find magic and mystery in the real world, without gadgets or supernatural elements.
Read plot summary
Siblings Ted and Sally are exploring the woods when they discover a man, a loner and inventor, who has secretly built his own airplane. He is the "shadow" they've heard about. The children befriend him, keep his presence a secret from the adults in their town, and help him prepare his aircraft for its first flight. The story focuses on the thrill of their secret discovery and the gentle suspense leading up to the eventual flight.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Ted and Sally first discovered the plane and the pilot, they were both scared and curious. What do you think you would have done? Would you have run away or stayed to see what was happening?
2
The children decided to keep the pilot a secret from their parents. Why do you think they made that choice? Can you think of a time when a secret is fun, and a time when a secret might be important to share with a grown-up?
3
The pilot had a big dream to fly his own plane, even if other people didn't understand. If you could build anything in the world, what would it be and why?
4
How did Ted and Sally show they were brave in this story? Does being brave always mean you aren't scared?
