I have been haunted by wanting to reread this book since 1997, when my teacher read it aloud to my class. It was GRIPPING. It makes even more sense as an adult than it did as a 6th grader, and it is still very plot-driven and exciting. Following a young boy who is trying to sneak into a Mexican drug cartel and steal an airplane to avenge his mother's death - I give major kudos to Mrs. Klosinski for expanding my world with this story. I will have my son read it eventually. Theres a lot of Spanish words intermixed, so it would be ideal for him to read after a couple years of Spanish. Maybe 7th or 8th grade.

It was a little bland in the beginning, but got better towards the end

I had to take summer school for my math credit but at the beginning they stuck me in a math class AND an English class and we has started reading this book but then I had to transfer out into another math class so I asked my teacher if I could take it home and finish reading it because I had found it quite interesting, but she said, "Go ahead and keep it. I won't need it after this summer school year." So I thanked her and finished the book, it's quite interesting! I really liked it! ;D

Fast-paced story about a boy who runs away over the border to Mexico on a mission to steal a special plane right out from under the noses of a drug cartel. Sounds a little farfetched, but it works. Just remember that it's fiction, and go along for the ride! (Or I should say, flight, because there's a great airplane chase)

Great read for a middle school reading group, but we were all a little disappointed with the abrupt ending.

This is an interesting story about a 13 year old named Ricky who runs away to Mexico for a chance to avenge his Mother's death. The intense story gives Americans a greater appreciation for those who immigrate (on a small degree) by empathizing with the little girl he encounters and becomes friends with in Mexico. The entire time you are drawn in because the writing is very well done, and is not too redundant or slow. Sparrow Hawk Red is an imaginative adventure that (though unlikely) has a unique story line and fun thrill ride at the end. I was impressed with Ben Mikaelsen... this was the first book I read from him. The one thing I might recommend is knowing a little Spanish, I think it would make the book more enjoyable for you. No warnings or problems, but a great story overall. If you like fun stories of run-aways trying to get revenge, this is right up your alley.

I think it was a well written book and was very suspenseful.

This book is geared at a late elementary / middle school audience. It's a nice introduction to differences in culture and socio-economic status. It's also a good adventure, though the story lags a bit in the middle and feels quite rushed / abrupt at the end.

GREAT book for 7th graders!

My friend kris who teaches 6th grade sent this to me. It took me a few chapters to get into it but then I couldnt put it down. The story of a13 year old boy who decides to break into a Mexican drug compound and the ratera girl who helps him is totally exciting and had some parts that were so funny I'm still laughing at them.

The summary makes it sound more mature than it is - guys it’s a children’s novel - but FINALLY A BOOK FOR BOYS!!!!

Finally some wicked cool action sequences that aren’t gruesome or gory. Finally some father/son dialogue that isn’t full of loaded emotional trauma dumping. (Although the emotional subtext is there, but it’s level-appropriate). And finally, a freaking cool airplane that does flips. I loved it. My kid actually read it. So that’s a win on all accounts.

A brilliant story
Love the character in it
And definitely an inspirational story