The Twenty-one Balloons

A parent might reach for this book for a child who is fascinated by invention, Rube Goldberg machines, and grand, old-fashioned adventures. It speaks to the imaginative kid who loves detailed world-building and asking "what if?". The Twenty-one Balloons tells the incredible tale of Professor William Waterman Sherman, who, after being rescued from the Atlantic clinging to the wreckage of twenty balloons, recounts his amazing story. He crash-landed on the secret, utopian island of Krakatoa, a society built on a massive diamond mine and filled with whimsical inventions. The story celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, and resilience in the face of a spectacular natural disaster. Perfect for independent readers aged 8-12, this Newbery Medal winner is a smart, charming, and utterly unique journey.