Pigeon racing is a two-hundred-year-old sport starring specially-trained winged athletes (known as racing pigeons) that are released from far-off locations and race back to their home lofts.

Rocket’s got speed. He’s got talent. He’s even got two blue racing stripes on his wings. But there’s one thing standing between this rookie racing pigeon and his dream of scoring a spot on the High Flyers racing team: ground school.
       Determined to fast-track his way onto the team, Rocket crashes a race to prove that he belongs flying at the front of the flock, not sitting in the back of a classroom. But when danger strikes, he makes rookie mistakes that cost him the race and push his dreams even farther from reach. With the help of an unlikely friend, a forgotten legend, and lessons from his long-lost racing champion father, Rocket learns that racing takes more than speed and he discovers what it really means to be a winner.

Buy the book! Choose your format below:

Paperback
Full Color Paperback
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Buy the book! Choose your format below:

Paperback
Full Color Paperback
E-book

It’s Rocket’s first season racing with the High Flyers, and he’s got BIG plans for winning BIG trophies. There’s just one problem: a poacher is on the loose, and he’s birdnapping pigeons. Race teams across Wingfield County are grounded, and everyone is afraid to go outside.
       Determined to save the season, Rocket sets out to prove that the skies are safe. Instead, he falls for the pigeon poacher’s trap and ends up in the hands of a mad bird scientist who's obsessed with unlocking the mystery of his homing instinct. With the help of a ragtag gang of fancy pigeons, his loyal teammates, and words of wisdom from his long-lost racing champion father, Rocket must hatch a plan to escape or he’ll never race again.

High-Flying Activities

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Meet the Author

Host a Virtual Author Visit for Kids:

During the COVID-19 crisis, High Flyers author Erika Liodice is offering FREE virtual author visits to elementary schools, home school groups, libraries, and youth organizations. See below to learn more about her presentation topics. To schedule an event, email Erika »

During this half-hour program, High Flyers author Erika Liodice will introduce children to the 200-year-old sport of pigeon racing. They’ll learn why racing pigeons are amazing athletes, how the sport works, its history, and more. Includes live Q&A.

During this half-hour program, High Flyers author Erika Liodice will give children a behind-the-scenes look at how to write a book. They’ll learn how to turn an idea into a story, explore the writing process, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how an author and illustrator work together to bring a book to life. Includes live Q & A.

During this half-hour program, children will learn about the five stages of the racing pigeon’s lifecycle, learn how pigeons parent their young, and watch a racing pigeon grow from a hatchling to a race-ready adult. Includes live Q & A.

 During this half-hour program, High Flyers author Erika Liodice will delight children’s imaginations with fascinating facts about racing pigeons. They’ll discover key characteristics that give these birds the endurance, speed, and intelligence needed to compete in races that can span several hundred miles. Includes live Q & A.

 

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