Flying Up the Mountain

Flying Up the Mountain by Elizabeth Irene Baitie

A breathtaking bird sanctuary. A secret connected to a beloved father. Three brave friends facing a threat far greater than they imagined.

Flying Up the Mountain is an exciting Ghanaian eco adventure filled with mystery, friendship and environmental discovery. Written by award winning children’s author Elizabeth Irene Baitie, the novel follows twelve year old Ato and his friends Dzifa and Leslie as they travel to Nnoma, a protected island sanctuary alive with birds, wildlife and secrets.

What begins as the opportunity of a lifetime soon becomes a dangerous mission to protect nature, uncover the truth and preserve the legacy Ato’s father left behind.

A dream journey to Nnoma

Ato has long dreamed of visiting Nnoma, the bird sanctuary his late father helped establish. When he and his friends are finally selected to travel there, he believes the island may contain something valuable that his father hid especially for him.

At Nnoma, the three friends meet other children from across West Africa. They are divided into teams and given challenging missions designed to expand their understanding of wildlife, conservation and the natural world.

The winning children will become Asafo, ambassadors of Nnoma and defenders of the Earth. For Ato, winning would be an honour and another connection to the father he continues to miss.

But the competition is only the beginning of their adventure.

A mystery inside the bird sanctuary

As the children complete wildlife missions, some of the adults responsible for Nnoma begin behaving strangely. Their decisions no longer seem to protect the island or the creatures that depend upon it.

Ato suspects that something is wrong. Together with Dzifa and Leslie, he begins searching for answers.

Their investigation uncovers a sinister plan to exploit the sanctuary. The children must decide whether to remain silent or challenge adults who appear more powerful than they are.

To save Nnoma, they will need courage, honesty and the ability to trust one another. They must also recognise that every member of their team brings a different strength to the fight.

An African environmental adventure

Flying Up the Mountain introduces environmental responsibility through an entertaining story rather than a classroom lesson.

Readers learn about wildlife, ecosystems and conservation while following the children through competitions, discoveries and danger. The book encourages young people to question actions that harm the environment and to believe that their voices can make a difference.

The story also considers greed and the exploitation of protected natural resources. It shows how personal ambition can threaten places that belong to an entire community and to future generations.

These ideas make the novel especially suitable for young readers interested in animals, climate action, birdwatching and protecting the planet.

Friendship, courage and family legacy

At the heart of the story is the friendship between Ato, Dzifa and Leslie. The children do not always agree, but they learn to value one another’s abilities and work together when the sanctuary is threatened.

Ato’s relationship with his late father gives the adventure additional emotional depth. His search for something valuable gradually becomes a journey towards understanding what his father truly left behind.

The novel explores grief without allowing sadness to overwhelm the adventure. Family memories become a source of courage, helping Ato recognise his own ability to stand up for what is right.

This combination of mystery and emotion makes Flying Up the Mountain engaging for independent readers, families, schools and children’s book clubs.

Can this book be read on its own?

This novel continues the story that began in Crossing the Stream, but readers can still understand and enjoy the adventure without reading the first book.

Reading the books in order provides more background about Ato’s family, his friendship with Dzifa and Leslie and their original effort to earn a visit to Nnoma.

New readers can begin with Flying Up the Mountain, while returning readers will enjoy seeing the characters grow in confidence and take on a greater challenge.

For the complete journey, begin with Crossing the Stream or purchase the Crossing the Stream and Flying Up the Mountain bundle.

Why children will enjoy this story

This inspiring middle grade novel is ideal for readers who enjoy:

• Mysteries and fast moving adventures
• Books about animals and nature
• Stories set in Ghana and West Africa
• Strong friendships and teamwork
• Young characters solving difficult problems
• Environmental stories that inspire action
• Family mysteries and meaningful secrets
• Brave children standing up to powerful adults

Parents and teachers will appreciate the book’s positive messages about cooperation, truth, conservation and social responsibility. Young readers will enjoy the missions, competition, humour and danger that keep the story moving.

School Library Journal describes the novel as a fast moving mystery about friendship and conservation that will appeal to both activists and mystery readers. Read the full School Library Journal review.

A celebrated middle grade adventure

The book was selected as one of the Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Books of 2023 for its United States edition. This recognition highlights its strength as both an entertaining adventure and a meaningful story about young people protecting the environment.

You can view the title in the Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Books list.

Young readers looking for more stories from across Africa can also explore Cassava Republic’s African and Black books for young readers.

About Elizabeth Irene Baitie

Elizabeth Irene Baitie is an award winning Ghanaian author whose stories for children and young adults combine mystery, emotion, family life and social issues.

Her first children’s book, A Saint in Brown Sandals, won the Macmillan Writer’s Prize for Africa. Several of her other novels have received the Burt Award for African Young Adult Literature.

With Flying Up the Mountain, Baitie presents young readers with an exciting reminder that they are not powerless. Through curiosity, courage and cooperation, children can challenge wrongdoing and help create a greener and fairer world.

Order Flying Up the Mountain today and join Ato, Dzifa and Leslie on an unforgettable mission to protect Nnoma and defend the Earth.