Author’s note;
The osprey is a symbol of conservation success. Once extinct in the UK due to persecution, ospreys have made an amazing comeback due to conservation strategies across the UK. Since Sky Hawk was published in 2012, breeding ospreys have returned to Wales and England and numbers are growing.

Some places to see ospreys in the UK – and webcams:

Wales: https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/ and https://www.glaslynwildlife.co.uk

England: https://www.birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk/osprey/ and https://www.lrwt.org.uk/rutlandospreys

Scotland: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/loch-of-the-lowes/ and https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/ and https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/loch-garten-abernethy

Awards for Sky Hawk;
Winner: UKLA Children’s Book of the Year 2012, Green Earth Book Award (Wild Wings US edition) 2012, Heart of Hawick Children’s Book Award 2012, Leeds Book Award 2012, Salford Children’s Book Award 2013, Solihull Children’s Book Award 2012, Warwickshire Children’s Book Award 2012, Tenterden Rural Alliance Book Award 2014, Children’s Book Award 2013 of the Jury of Young Readers (Austria),

Shortlists and Nominations: Brandford Boase 2012, Red House Children’s Book Award 2012, Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2012, CILIP Carnegie nominated 2012, Coventry Inspiration Awards 2012, Calderdale Children’s Book of the Year 2012, Dorset New Horizon Award 2012, Essex Book Award 2012, Kids Big Bath Read 2012, Kirkus starred review, Lancashire’s Fantastic Book Awards 2012, Leicester’s Our Best Book Award 2013, Maryland Black Eyed Susan Award (Wild Wings US edition) 2013, Northern Ireland Book Award 2013, Sefton Super Read 2012, Southampton’s Favourite Book Award 2012, Stockton Children’s Book Award 2012, USSBY Outstanding International Book for Young People 2012, Waverton Good Reads 2012, West Sussex Children’s Book award 2012/13, California Readers’ Medal (Wild Wings US edition) 2015

Reviews:
Opens your eyes, touches your heart, and is so engaging it almost turns the pages for you. ― Michael Morpurgo, Former Children’s Laureate

This beautifully written, captivating book should be on everyone’s bookcase. Breathtaking. Poignant. Unforgettable. ― Virginia McKenna, Founder of the Born Free Foundation

An edge-of-your-seat wildlife adventure that tells a very human story of friendship, discovery and an incredible journey. I loved it! ― Kate Humble, Presenter of BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch

Rich in atmosphere and full of heart, Sky Hawk is an intense and touching story of how protecting a rare bird forges a deep and special friendship between two children . . . Sky Hawk is an enthralling tale about a promise between two friends, Callum and Iona, that will change lives forever, and the power of friendship, loyalty, and hope. A book to treasure. ― Julia Eccleshare, Guardian

I loved Sky Hawk-it’s a tremendously assured debut novel and it reminded me very much of the books Michael Morpurgo writes. I can see teachers wanting to share this one with their classes because its themes are simultaneously diverse and universal, but I also think it’s a book for all ages to savour at home. Highly recommended. ― Jill Murphy (www.thebookbag.co.uk )

From the first page I was drawn into this very real novel which has at its heart an ecological message. The characters are truly believable and the language of this novel is poetic and beautiful. For anyone with an interest in wildlife and conservation issues, I would strongly suggest they buy this debut novel by emerging writer Gill Lewis. I hope it won’t be her last book! ― Charlotte Westwood, 13, First News, The Wee

Where to buy

Please consider supporting your local independent bookshop by ordering your copy there. If you prefer to buy online, copies are also available from Waterstones and Amazon.

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© Gill Lewis