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It's been buried underground for seventeen-hundred years. It's been found by two boys bunking off a geography field trip. They have no idea where it came from or what it does. But Geoff's discovered that when you sit in it these little coloured lights come on, and if you push one of the big blue ones. . . . . . Whoosh!

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Member Reviews

4 reviews
Children's books don't have to be deep to be great. And this one is not deep but it was a very good and funny read. Two 11 year old boys stumble upon an ancient hidden life-raft from an alien civilisation - and decide to keep it to themselves. Formerly the two worst students in their year in school, they surprise their teachers with their sudden enthusiasm for archeology, history, geology, mathematics and Latin!

This book was very funny, fast paced, slightly absurd, and yet also highly believable (well... except for the whole UFO thing). I enjoyed it very much and have already suggested my daughter read it!
½
This is a funny and heartwarming book about two boys who find a roman spaceship.

Geoff and Tom are at the bottom of their class. But when they find themselves a roman spaceship, they suddenly have to learn a lot of mathematics, physics, geography... and latin!

The book is full of warm humour, with a big dollop of 'if people are just interested and motivated to learn, they can do Great Things.'
A book from my childhood and one which I still read.

The plot is engaging and captivating - you really do want to know what happens to the boys and to see how the tale develops. And being a Classicist, it would naturally interest me.
Light entertainment. Thumbs up from me.

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Author Information

Picture of author.
26 Works 553 Members

Awards and Honors

Common Knowledge

Canonical title
Aquila
Original publication date
1997
People/Characters
Tom Baxter; Geoff Reynolds; Miss Taylor; Mr. Urquart; Dr. Warner; Mrs. Reynolds (show all 14); Mrs. Baxter; Mr. Reynolds; Brian Bovis; Peter Duncan; Amy Poulson; Derek Bampford; Mrs. Murphy; Mr Hodge
Important places
Peak District, England, UK; Staveley, Cumbria, England, UK
Related movies
Aquila (1997 | IMDb)
Dedication
For my wife Jane, who has always been a biggish sort of eagle
First words
It began when Geoff disappeared.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)'I would say that we've hardly started.'
Original language
English

Classifications

Genres
Fiction and Literature, Kids, Children's Books
DDC/MDS
823.914Literature & rhetoricEnglish & Old English literaturesEnglish fiction1900-1901-19991945-1999
LCC
PZ7 .N778Language and LiteratureFiction and juvenile belles lettresFiction and juvenile belles lettresJuvenile belles lettres
BISAC

Statistics

Members
97
Popularity
332,287
Reviews
4
Rating
(4.14)
Languages
English, French, Italian
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
14
ASINs
1