Banner In The Sky

James Ramsey Ullman
48 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 1954

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Book Brief

James Ramsey Ullman

Banner In The Sky

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1954
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Swiss Alps • 19th Century

Theme
Coming of Age

•

Masculinity

•

Perseverance
Topic
Education
First Publication Year

1954

Publisher

HarperTeen

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

680L

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Super Short Summary

In James Ramsey Ullman's Banner in the Sky, Rudi Matt, a determined 16-year-old boy, dreams of climbing the Citadel, the same mountain that claimed his father's life. Despite facing objections from his family and the perilous challenges of the climb, Rudi's journey is one of courage, growth, and proving himself both as a climber and as his father's son.

Adventurous

Inspirational

Suspenseful

Emotional

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

3.9

5,115 ratings

69%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

James Ramsey Ullman's Banner In The Sky is a compelling tale of youthful ambition and adventure, praised for its vivid descriptions and inspirational themes. While many admire its thrilling narrative and well-developed characters, others find it occasionally predictable and slow-paced. Suitable for young readers, it remains a classic in mountaineering literature despite minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Banner In The Sky?

Readers who enjoy Banner In The Sky by James Ramsey Ullman are typically adventure-seeking adolescents with an appreciation for mountaineering and coming-of-age stories. Fans of books like Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and Peak by Roland Smith will find a similar blend of thrilling action and personal growth.

3.9

5,115 ratings

69%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

A 16-year-old with delicate features and a strong sense of duty, he is drawn to climbing despite challenges and expectations from others.

A renowned English climber with a calm authority, who supports and believes in Rudi's potential as a mountaineer.

The hotel cook and a former mountaineer, who encourages Rudi's climbing ambitions and provides him with guidance and training.

Rudi's uncle and a respected Alpine guide, who initially hesitates about climbing the Citadel but values duty and honor.

Rudi's mother, who is protective of him due to her late husband's fate but eventually understands Rudi's need to pursue climbing.

A skilled and physically imposing Alpine guide from a rival town, whose pride influences his actions during the climb.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Swiss Alps • 19th Century

Theme
Coming of Age

•

Masculinity

•

Perseverance
Topic
Education
First Publication Year

1954

Publisher

HarperTeen

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

680L

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