Ravs & Reviews
“Jenny and Cole can't stand each other. But when these siblings find themselves trapped in a runaway hot air balloon, they're forced to face their bitterness. This story of fear, faith, and forgiveness will not only capture your attention but will also captivate your heart.”
–Marianne Hering
co-creator of Adventures in Odyssey Imagination Station book series
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“In his novel, Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon, Mark Wainwright tackles a bundle of difficult topics that children often experience—grief, bitterness, anger. Teaching these topics from a biblical perspective instructs children to healthily address these emotional and spiritual challenges rather than stifling them and carrying them into adulthood.
Wainwright masterfully propels the story forward using cliffhanger chapter endings and nonconsecutive storytelling.
Far from condescending to his young audience, Wainwright incorporates advanced vocabulary words and vivid descriptions that will make readers feel they are in a careening hot air balloon thousands of feet from earth.”
–Sarah Eshleman
Managing Editor at Nat Theo
(previous Managing Editor at Answers magazine)
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“I like this book because it teaches you to be courageous and to face your fears.”
–Madison, 5th grader
St. Petersburg, Florida
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“Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon is a riveting story about two siblings who encounter more of an adventure than they bargained for. After a hot air balloon mishap launches them into the sky, Jenny and Cole must work together and face their fears and differences to survive.
Mark Wainwright's story vividly illustrates for kids the consequences of pride. Our family enjoyed the colorful descriptions that Mark weaves throughout his storytelling. He spares no detail when describing Jenny and Cole's strong emotions and honest inner thoughts.
The story also explores how God uses experiences, hardships, and mistakes to bring people to repentance and faith in His son Jesus. Many kids will identify with the siblings' struggles. Most importantly, Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon powerfully shares that kids can trust God in all things. Despite the danger and past hard experiences, Jenny and Cole learn that God is their faithful example, protector, and healer.
Overall, Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon is a great story for kids who like action and who are growing in their own faith.”
–Katie Wallace
founder of Create. Play. Travel.
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“Siblings Jenny and Cole find themselves trapped in a soaring balloon where they must face their fears and address the root cause of the strife between them. I appreciate how Wainwright weaved together an action-packed story with a timeless lesson about faith and forgiveness. The writing was so authentic that I found myself in tears over Jenny's heartache and grateful for the clear biblical response presented to the pain of loss and the danger of bitterness. Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon is an entertaining and valuable story, and I highly recommend it.”
–Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
award-winning author of 6 books
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“I love that this book teaches lessons but is still full of adventure.”
–Amanda, 8th grader
Brighton, Michigan
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“Up, up, and away! Jenny and Cole's suspenseful balloon adventure had me glued to each page. Mark Wainwright's debut novel reveals an author who is skilled at plotting and drawing interesting characters. And there's far more to the story than a dangerous balloon ride. The tale explores real-world issues: anger, bitterness, loss, and trust in a Creator who always does what is best, even though we may not understand. Highly recommended!”
–Adam Blumer
author of 5 books
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“Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon is a wild ride and a glorious read! Author Mark Wainwright weaves believable characters with epic adventures in a story that has a firm foundation in God's truth. Truly a marvelous book! I've already ordered several copies to give to the kids in my life.”
–Edie Melson
award-winning author of 11 books
Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
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“Loved this book! I learned a lot about hot air balloons, but I especially appreciated the character lessons of love, loss, and forgiveness! Excellent, exciting read!”
–Dan Faulkner
director, Camp Elim
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“I don’t know what I thought I would discover when I picked up Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon, but I was pleasantly surprised! I found relatable characters, a suspenseful plot, and worthwhile lessons that would benefit all readers. This Christian fiction story proves that modern is not equal to secular, and it will certainly guide the youth of today in overcoming life’s difficulties through the lens of Scripture.”
–Katie Green
5th grade teacher
Pensacola Christian Academy
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“This captivating story powerfully illustrates the miserable bondage of bitterness and the joy of forgiveness. It is a sweet reminder of how precious sibling relationships can be when we follow God's ways! I heartily recommend this novel as a great family read-aloud.”
–Sarah Mally Hancock
founder of Bright Lights ministry
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“Flying in a hot air balloon? What fun! Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon is a great story to read aloud or for older kids to read on their own. Five stars.”
–Deb Haggerty
book reviewer at Positive Grace
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“Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon is full of universally raw emotions relatable for both children and adults. Mark does a fantastic job weaving suspense and leaving you hanging at the end of each chapter. It's far too easy to tell yourself, "Just one more," and before you know it, you're trappped in a brilliant read.”
–Jenneth Leed
Washington D.C.
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“As a Christian, educator, and mom of three kids, I'm always on the look-out for good, Christian children’s books. I recommend Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon for your middle school children. They will learn the importance of offering forgiveness, growing faith, and overcoming fears. Your children will be captivated as they read each chapter!”
–Tania Young
Pensacola, Florida
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“A really awesome story.”
–Chase, 6th grader
Franklin, Tennessee
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“A clever tale with lessons about sibling rivalry, salvation, and some education about hot air balloons along the way. Though the adventure is exciting, the well-developed characters are what I found most enjoyable.”
–Tony Myers
author of 7 books
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“Wow, Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon captured my attention by remaining applicable in the midst of a high-action story. The lessons went beyond the stereotypical methods of teaching forgiveness and family values.”
–Nathan Carlson
Williams, Arizona
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“One of the reasons the story’s characters came alive was the author did such a good job sharing their metacognition—the thinking going on in their heads—which made them likable and awful, depending on the moment. But this also brought their spiritual lives out and helped the reader process how the Lord is with those who believe.”
–Sarah Poling
blogger and book reviewer
www.WisperingtheWord.blogspot.com
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“It kept me very interested and was hard to put down. I liked all the descriptive details. They painted pictures for my imagination.”
–Victoria, 8th grader
Pensacola, Florida
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“What an enjoyable read! Jenny's pain was so real, so vivid, that it brought me to tears! But the lessons taught through her pain and conflict with Cole are absolutely invaluable. Definitely recommended for anyone, regardless of age, who wants a fun and thoughtful book to read.”
–Elizabeth Wolfram
Bentonville, Arkansas
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“Adventurous and thrilling. The story had me on the edge of my seat!”
–Roman, 7th grader
Lexington, South Carolina