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Clara Poole and the Long Way Round Hardcover – July 4, 2023

by Taylor Tyng (Author)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 19 ratings
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Mr. Lemoncello meets the Amazing Race in this quirky high-octane balloon-racing middle grade around-the-world adventure.

When an unintended flight over Michigan in her class science project—a lawn chair held aloft by balloons—brings her instant celebrity, Clara Poole is invited to be the spokesperson for a round-the-world adventure race. But when her overprotective father refuses, Clara forges his signature in a moment of defiance and runs away to Paris to take her place in the skies. If only she’d read the fine print first.

Partnered with a veteran aeronaut who wants nothing to do with her, Clara faces down ten treacherous stages in a race around the world—capturing flags in the perilous mountains of Nepal; being a guest of honor at a maybe-wedding in the Saharan desert; flying through rings of fire in Hong Kong—all while learning the ropes alongside a colorful cast of international competitors.

But there are more dangers ahead. Someone is trying to sabotage the competition. And surviving this race means Clara must come to terms with the tragedy that set her fleeing to the skies in the first place, and accepting that forgiving herself isn’t a process she has to undertake alone.

Gorgeous prose and winning characters combine in this quirky, often-hilarious, sometimes heart-breaking, and thoroughly captivating middle grade adventure series starter from an incredible new talent.

A Crown Award Nominee
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Book 1 of 2
    Clara Poole
  3. Print length
    384 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    3 - 7
  6. Dimensions
    5.73 x 1.28 x 8.53 inches
  7. Publisher
    Pixel+Ink
  8. Publication date
    July 4, 2023
  9. ISBN-10
    1645951596
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1645951599
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A madcap tale with oddball characters, intrigue, and new friendships made. Tyng’s prose is appropriately light and action verb–driven. . . ."—The Horn Book

"With plenty of heart and charm, Tyng’s fast-paced debut conjures excitement via a high-octane premise that’s tempered by laugh-out-loud humor and populated by idiosyncratic characters."—Publishers Weekly

"Tyng surrounds his plucky preteen protagonist with a sturdy and colorful supporting cast, lays out a series of thrilling exploits and dramatic turns as the ten-stage race sails over six continents, and provides both a clever climactic twist and a clear lead-in to sequels at the close. Echoes of Jules Verne and Roald Dahl add even more lift to this soaring debut."—Booklist

"An engrossing and inventive flight through the skies."—Kirkus Reviews

From the Author

I wrote CLARA POOLE AND THE LONG WAY ROUND because it is the kind of book I loved reading as a kid—those of Kipling, Verne, Dalh, and Defoe. And while Clara's story pays homage to those great adventure classics which filled me with a lifetime of wanderlust and wonder, it is also a book about forgiveness and the importance of family; however one defines that. 
I hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed imagining it.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pixel+Ink (July 4, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1645951596
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1645951599
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.73 x 1.28 x 8.53 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 19 ratings

About the author

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Taylor Tyng

Taylor Tyng

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Taylor got to writing late. After spending his early years performing in LA rock clubs, Taylor created a design agency and a software company for the advertising and entertainment industries, surrounding himself with the art of storytelling. He's created designs that have traveled to space, written songs for film, played bit roles in bad movies, and occasionally does dumb things like rocketing down bobsled tracks or snorkeling in Iceland during winter. As a lifelong dyslexic, Taylor never imagined becoming an author was on the list, which only proves how random and remarkable life's journey can be.

Taylor lives in a 1700s farmhouse outside Boston with his wife, two daughters, and a very busy miniature Australian Shepherd.

Learn more about Taylor at taylortyng.com // IG: taylortyng // Twitter @tayortyng

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
19 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

J. Engel
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful MG Adventure
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
Clara Poole and the Long Way Round is a delight from beginning to end. With steampunk vibes and a vibrant cast of characters, this is a middle grade book that grabs hold of the reader and doesn't let go. Besides being a captivating adventure story, it also has themes of grief and loss, father-daughter relationships, and navigating the changes that come with growing up. A fun read for all ages!
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James
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, original story.
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2023
Verified Purchase
I bought this book for my 10 year-old daughter. She really enjoyed it. I know this because when I asked her for a review she said “It was really really really good.” I inquired for a more detailed breakdown and was told “Daaaaaaaaaaaad.” That is middle-grade girl-code for this conversation is over.

A few things I appreciate about how this book is written:

First, you may look at the cover and think you know what’s going to happen (Around the World in 80 Days much?) but you probably won’t guess much, it’s delightfully fresh and decidedly original, it doesn’t come off as derivative in the least. A welcome change in the churn of bone-achingly similar middle-grade fiction book series out there.

Secondly, Clara herself is an excellent protagonist. Tyng has captured the pre-adolescent mindset, uncertainty, haphazard bravery, comedy and bright outlook wonderfully. A real girl, she provides plenty of engagement and substance in the lead role, a strong main character that does not come off self-absorbed — a trope commonly found across the genre.

5 full stars from both myself and Lauren. We can’t wait to read the sequel as soon as it’s released, as well as any other books this author chooses to write.
One person found this helpful
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two coast lady
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome adventure for young readers
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
After reading an early "blurb", I pre-ordered several copies of Clara Poole as summertime, rainy day reading for my grandchildren (ages 9, 10, and 12). I decided to briefly scan the book before giving them away, and I'm so glad I did. I was quickly swept into a story that's fast-paced, filled with quirky characters, and even sneaks in some fascinating global geography. It's full of heart and wit - plus it's the first time in memory that I've laughed out loud at a book. There's a number 1 printed on the cover's spine, hopefully indicating that there's another story to come. My grandchildren and I can't wait!
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Ally W
4.0 out of 5 stars A high-flying debut
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2023
Hot air balloons. Races around the world. Monkey copilots. Secrets. Unexpected stardom. Friendship. Growing up. Father-daughter relationships. Quirky characters. This book has just about everything.

After Clara's mom died, she and her dad aren't on the same page -- especially when a science experiment gone awry sends her flying through the skies on a lawn chair tied to balloons and she is invited to participate in an around-the-world hot air balloon race as not just a pilot but as the Face of the Race. Her dad says she will not be participating under any circumstances. Clara flies to Paris without him and signs a contract before he can get her out of it. Before long, she starts to believe that someone is sabotaging the race and uncover secrets that had been buried for a long time.

This book was a lot of fun. I could talk about various flaws in the writing or story structure (all books have them, after all!) but I had too much fun to want to. I loved the emotional tension and resolution that Clara and her father have. I loved her growing relationship with Greta Gildersleeve, the elderly aeronaut she is paired with on the races. All the characters add something to the story. I loved the unexpected moments and the interactions between characters. I loved how it dealt with sensitive topics without feeling heavy.

I think readers of Mr. Lemoncello's Library, fans of The Amazing Race, anyone who is interested in hot balloons, and lovers of adventure will enjoy this book.
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Robert C. DeLena
5.0 out of 5 stars The hero we need!
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2023
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An incredibly well written adventure story that will have your kids begging to stay awake for one more chapter. Taylor creates memorable characters and situations that open young eyes to an endless world of possibilities. Buy it!
One person found this helpful
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kira brady
5.0 out of 5 stars A great adventure story about family, friendship, and following your heart.
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
Clara is a strong character who finds herself on a huge adventure around the world. Along the way she makes friends, learns how to fly a hot air balloon, and understands the importance of family. This book is bright, quick, and tons of fun!
One person found this helpful
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amy
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun adventure!
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2023
I was hooked from the moment Clara zings off into the sky in the first chapter. She's very lovable—rebellious and loyal—and like any good hero, she doesn’t always think before she acts. I also enjoyed the supporting cast, especially the monkeys.

By the way, I want those monkeys! Can’t I have just ONE monkey with a funny name to help me navigate my balloon over the Tibetan mountains? Is that too much to ask?

There’s lots of danger here, but also joy, and the important message that you get out of life what you put into it. At its core, this is the story of a "new girl" who makes friends and finds her place (not at school, but in a sky village). It’s also a father-daughter tale, in which the child’s not the only one who needs to grow up in order to establish a more mature relationship.

In some ways, this book struck me as a modern-day The 21 Balloons, especially in how it walks the line between realism and fantasy. We know Clara’s adventures couldn’t possibly happen, but we feel they almost could. In other words, wouldn’t it be great if life could be more like this book? I’d settle for the monkeys.
One person found this helpful
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S. Balloon
5.0 out of 5 stars fantastical story with depth
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023
Wonderful, fantastical story with depth. Well-written, fast-paced, and fun.
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