Rooftoppers
Katherine Rundell’s Rooftoppers is a breathtaking middle-grade novel that sweeps readers into a world where courage, imagination, and the belief in “never ignoring a possible” reign supreme. Published in 2013, this lyrical tale follows Sophie, a spirited young girl with hair “the color of lightning,” who embarks on a daring quest to find her mother, believed to have perished in a shipwreck. From the cobblestone streets of Victorian London to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, Rundell crafts a story that feels both timeless and utterly original, blending the charm of a classic fairy tale with the gritty resilience of its unforgettable characters. This is a book that not only captivates young readers but also enchants adults with its poetic prose, vibrant imagery, and heartfelt exploration of family, freedom, and hope.
A Magical Premise Rooted in Whimsy
From the opening pages, Rooftoppers establishes itself as a story that revels in the extraordinary. Sophie, discovered as a baby floating in a cello case in the English Channel, is rescued by Charles Maxim, an eccentric scholar who becomes her guardian. Their unconventional life in London—filled with Shakespeare, trousers instead of skirts, and meals served on atlases—sets the stage for a narrative that celebrates individuality and defies societal norms. When the National Childcare Agency threatens to send Sophie to an orphanage, she and Charles flee to Paris, chasing a fragile clue tied to the cello case: the address of a cello maker. There, Sophie encounters the rooftoppers, a band of resourceful children who live above the city, navigating tightropes and rooftops with daring abandon. This premise, both fantastical and grounded, hooks readers immediately, inviting them into a world where the impossible feels tantalizingly within reach.
Rundell’s ability to balance whimsy with emotional depth is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. The story’s fairy-tale-like quality—evoking comparisons to Peter Pan or A Tale of Despereaux—is tempered by the stark realities of the rooftoppers’ lives, creating a narrative that feels magical without losing its authenticity. As Sophie joins these “urchins who live in the sky,” the rooftops of Paris become a metaphor for freedom, a place where rules are bent, and dreams take flight. This blend of enchantment and grit makes Rooftoppers a standout in children’s literature, offering a story that is as thrilling as it is poignant.
Lyrical Prose That Sings
Rundell’s writing is nothing short of poetic, a “confection of lyrical prose” that dances across the page with wit and warmth. Her descriptions of Paris at night are so vivid that readers can almost feel the cool breeze on their faces or smell the chimney smoke curling into the sky. Lines like “Books crowbar the world open for you” and “Mothers are a place to put down your heart” resonate with profound simplicity, capturing complex emotions in ways that linger long after the book is closed. The dialogue, particularly Charles’s quirky aphorisms—dismissing bureaucrats as “mustaches with idiots attached” or praising Sophie’s observation skills as “a credit to your optician”—infuses the story with humor and charm.
The prose flows like music, a fitting tribute to the cello that plays a pivotal role in the narrative. Rundell’s careful word choice and rhythmic cadence create a reading experience that feels effortless, as if “somebody was telling me a story, a beautiful story that was close to their heart.” While some reviews note that the metaphors can occasionally pile up, this abundance only enhances the story’s dreamlike quality, inviting readers to lose themselves in its magic. For young readers, this language sparks the imagination; for adults, it’s a reminder of the power of storytelling to turn the world upside down, much like Rundell’s own cartwheels.
Characters That Leap Off the Page
At the heart of Rooftoppers are its characters, each drawn with such vividness that they feel like old friends by the story’s end. Sophie is a captivating protagonist—brave, willful, and fiercely independent, yet imbued with a vulnerability that makes her relatable. Her unshakeable belief that her mother is alive, despite the odds, embodies the novel’s central message: “Never ignore a possible.” Her growth from a curious girl to a rooftopper navigating Paris’s heights is both inspiring and heartfelt, making her a hero young readers will root for.
Charles, Sophie’s guardian, is equally unforgettable. A scholar who speaks “English to people, French to cats, and Latin to the birds,” he is the epitome of endearing eccentricity. His unorthodox parenting—encouraging Sophie’s love of trousers and letting her write on walls—challenges conventional notions of family, emphasizing love and imagination over propriety. His relationship with Sophie is the emotional core of the story, a testament to the power of chosen family.
The rooftoppers, particularly Matteo, add a layer of gritty realism to the tale. These children, who live in the shadows and survive through resourcefulness and courage, are both heartbreaking and inspiring. Matteo’s guarded exterior and Sophie’s growing bond with him highlight themes of trust and belonging, making their rooftop adventures all the more compelling. Together, these characters create a tapestry of resilience and hope, each contributing to the story’s emotional resonance.
A Parisian Adventure That Soars
The Parisian setting is a character in its own right, brought to life through Rundell’s evocative descriptions. The rooftops, with their tightropes, drainpipes, and hidden nooks, become a playground for adventure, where “fierce kids in survival mode” scramble and soar. The contrast between the gritty reality of the rooftoppers’ lives and the ethereal beauty of Paris at night creates a captivating backdrop that fuels the story’s momentum. Scenes of birds fed atop tightropes or ice cream savored in the rain are “tiny delights” that make the adventure unforgettable.
While some reviews note that the plot accelerates toward the end, this pacing mirrors the urgency of Sophie’s quest, lending a breathless excitement to the final chapters. The story’s focus on the journey rather than a neatly tied resolution aligns with its fairy-tale logic, prioritizing wonder over practicality. For readers aged 8-13, the fast-paced rooftop scrambles and moments of danger—tempered by humor and heart—offer a thrilling ride, while the underlying themes of bravery and perseverance resonate universally.
A Timeless Tale for All Ages
Rooftoppers is a triumph of storytelling, a “classic-feeling” novel that captures the magic of childhood while exploring profound themes of family, identity, and the courage to chase dreams. Its accolades, including the Blue Peter Book Award and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, are well-deserved, reflecting its broad appeal and literary excellence. Rundell’s distinctive voice, praised by luminaries like Philip Pullman and Jacqueline Wilson, shines through every page, making this a book that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
For young readers, Rooftoppers is an invitation to imagine a world where rooftops are kingdoms and possibilities are endless. For adults, it’s a reminder of the wonder that comes from seeing the world through a child’s eyes. As one reader on X aptly put it, it’s “quirky, clever, characterful, adventurous, and improbable”—everything a great children’s book should be. Whether you’re drawn to its lyrical prose, vibrant characters, or soaring adventure, Rooftoppers is a story that will leave you breathless, longing to race across the rooftops of Paris under a starlit sky.
You can buy Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/42SWMnC
A Magical Premise Rooted in Whimsy
From the opening pages, Rooftoppers establishes itself as a story that revels in the extraordinary. Sophie, discovered as a baby floating in a cello case in the English Channel, is rescued by Charles Maxim, an eccentric scholar who becomes her guardian. Their unconventional life in London—filled with Shakespeare, trousers instead of skirts, and meals served on atlases—sets the stage for a narrative that celebrates individuality and defies societal norms. When the National Childcare Agency threatens to send Sophie to an orphanage, she and Charles flee to Paris, chasing a fragile clue tied to the cello case: the address of a cello maker. There, Sophie encounters the rooftoppers, a band of resourceful children who live above the city, navigating tightropes and rooftops with daring abandon. This premise, both fantastical and grounded, hooks readers immediately, inviting them into a world where the impossible feels tantalizingly within reach.
Rundell’s ability to balance whimsy with emotional depth is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. The story’s fairy-tale-like quality—evoking comparisons to Peter Pan or A Tale of Despereaux—is tempered by the stark realities of the rooftoppers’ lives, creating a narrative that feels magical without losing its authenticity. As Sophie joins these “urchins who live in the sky,” the rooftops of Paris become a metaphor for freedom, a place where rules are bent, and dreams take flight. This blend of enchantment and grit makes Rooftoppers a standout in children’s literature, offering a story that is as thrilling as it is poignant.
Lyrical Prose That Sings
Rundell’s writing is nothing short of poetic, a “confection of lyrical prose” that dances across the page with wit and warmth. Her descriptions of Paris at night are so vivid that readers can almost feel the cool breeze on their faces or smell the chimney smoke curling into the sky. Lines like “Books crowbar the world open for you” and “Mothers are a place to put down your heart” resonate with profound simplicity, capturing complex emotions in ways that linger long after the book is closed. The dialogue, particularly Charles’s quirky aphorisms—dismissing bureaucrats as “mustaches with idiots attached” or praising Sophie’s observation skills as “a credit to your optician”—infuses the story with humor and charm.
The prose flows like music, a fitting tribute to the cello that plays a pivotal role in the narrative. Rundell’s careful word choice and rhythmic cadence create a reading experience that feels effortless, as if “somebody was telling me a story, a beautiful story that was close to their heart.” While some reviews note that the metaphors can occasionally pile up, this abundance only enhances the story’s dreamlike quality, inviting readers to lose themselves in its magic. For young readers, this language sparks the imagination; for adults, it’s a reminder of the power of storytelling to turn the world upside down, much like Rundell’s own cartwheels.
Characters That Leap Off the Page
At the heart of Rooftoppers are its characters, each drawn with such vividness that they feel like old friends by the story’s end. Sophie is a captivating protagonist—brave, willful, and fiercely independent, yet imbued with a vulnerability that makes her relatable. Her unshakeable belief that her mother is alive, despite the odds, embodies the novel’s central message: “Never ignore a possible.” Her growth from a curious girl to a rooftopper navigating Paris’s heights is both inspiring and heartfelt, making her a hero young readers will root for.
Charles, Sophie’s guardian, is equally unforgettable. A scholar who speaks “English to people, French to cats, and Latin to the birds,” he is the epitome of endearing eccentricity. His unorthodox parenting—encouraging Sophie’s love of trousers and letting her write on walls—challenges conventional notions of family, emphasizing love and imagination over propriety. His relationship with Sophie is the emotional core of the story, a testament to the power of chosen family.
The rooftoppers, particularly Matteo, add a layer of gritty realism to the tale. These children, who live in the shadows and survive through resourcefulness and courage, are both heartbreaking and inspiring. Matteo’s guarded exterior and Sophie’s growing bond with him highlight themes of trust and belonging, making their rooftop adventures all the more compelling. Together, these characters create a tapestry of resilience and hope, each contributing to the story’s emotional resonance.
A Parisian Adventure That Soars
The Parisian setting is a character in its own right, brought to life through Rundell’s evocative descriptions. The rooftops, with their tightropes, drainpipes, and hidden nooks, become a playground for adventure, where “fierce kids in survival mode” scramble and soar. The contrast between the gritty reality of the rooftoppers’ lives and the ethereal beauty of Paris at night creates a captivating backdrop that fuels the story’s momentum. Scenes of birds fed atop tightropes or ice cream savored in the rain are “tiny delights” that make the adventure unforgettable.
While some reviews note that the plot accelerates toward the end, this pacing mirrors the urgency of Sophie’s quest, lending a breathless excitement to the final chapters. The story’s focus on the journey rather than a neatly tied resolution aligns with its fairy-tale logic, prioritizing wonder over practicality. For readers aged 8-13, the fast-paced rooftop scrambles and moments of danger—tempered by humor and heart—offer a thrilling ride, while the underlying themes of bravery and perseverance resonate universally.
A Timeless Tale for All Ages
Rooftoppers is a triumph of storytelling, a “classic-feeling” novel that captures the magic of childhood while exploring profound themes of family, identity, and the courage to chase dreams. Its accolades, including the Blue Peter Book Award and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, are well-deserved, reflecting its broad appeal and literary excellence. Rundell’s distinctive voice, praised by luminaries like Philip Pullman and Jacqueline Wilson, shines through every page, making this a book that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
For young readers, Rooftoppers is an invitation to imagine a world where rooftops are kingdoms and possibilities are endless. For adults, it’s a reminder of the wonder that comes from seeing the world through a child’s eyes. As one reader on X aptly put it, it’s “quirky, clever, characterful, adventurous, and improbable”—everything a great children’s book should be. Whether you’re drawn to its lyrical prose, vibrant characters, or soaring adventure, Rooftoppers is a story that will leave you breathless, longing to race across the rooftops of Paris under a starlit sky.
You can buy Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/42SWMnC
Comments
Post a Comment