Above 12+

About this book

"ABOVE pulls off that rare trick of being convincing and utterly magical at the same time."
- Emma Donoghue, NYT bestselling author of ROOM

"Leah Bobet's ABOVE is that rarest of creatures, combining the outspoken honesty of a good first novel with the craft of a seasoned professional." - Elizabeth Bear, Hugo Award-winning author of DUST

Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above--like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.

But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home--not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.

ABOVE is the debut of an amazing new voice.

Reviews

“A dark, dazzling tale… Bobet effortlessly blends reality and fantasy, her characters are both gifted and broken – hers is a world that is simultaneously fantastic and painfully real. Heartbreaking, romantic, complex, and magical, this fantasy lingers on the senses.” -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"[T]hose willing to go along with this captivating exploration of both individual and collective identity will find themselves pondering its implications long after the last page." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Bobet has crafted a genre-defying story that is as dark and twisting as the underground tunnels in which it is set. Themes of sanctuary, justice, and storytelling help tie the plot threads together and lend richness to the story… [A] multilayered tale that speaks to universal needs and desires." -- Voice of Youth Advocates

“Richly nuanced, this complicated tale touches on notions of security, truth, and autonomy with just a hint of romantic love.” -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books