Is Rooftoppers A Good Novel For Middle-Grade Readers?

Rooftoppers' by Katherine Rundell has this whimsical charm that hooks you from the first page. The story follows Sophie, a girl raised by an eccentric guardian who encourages her to 'never ignore a possible.' When authorities threaten to take her away, Sophie escapes to Paris rooftops, searching for her lost mother among a gang of fearless kids. The prose is lyrical, almost like a love letter to adventure and defiance. Middle-grade readers? Absolutely. It’s got that perfect balance of danger and wonder—kids scaling rooftops, evading authorities, and clinging to hope. But what really sells it is Rundell’s refusal to talk down to her audience. The themes of belonging and resilience are woven so naturally into the adventure that you barely notice how deep they go until you’re already invested.

One thing I adore is how the book treats fearlessness not as recklessness but as a kind of careful courage. The rooftop world feels magical yet tangible, like something you could stumble into if you just looked up at the right moment. It’s a great pick for kids who crave stories where the underdogs win by being clever and kind, not just lucky. Plus, the ending—no spoilers—leaves just enough room for imagination, which I think is crucial for young readers. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to tie a rope to your bedpost and practice balancing on fences.

If you’re looking for a book that’ll make a 10-year-old’s eyes light up, 'Rooftoppers' is a solid bet. The pacing is brisk—no long-winded descriptions, just action and heart. Sophie’s journey feels like a mix of 'Oliver Twist' and 'Peter Pan,' but with a fresh voice. The way Rundell writes about Paris, not as a postcard city but as a living, breathing playground, is genius. Kids’ll love the rooftop gang’s dynamics, especially Matteo, the boy who teaches Sophie the ropes (literally). There’s this scene where they communicate by tapping on pipes that stuck with me for days—it’s inventive and oddly poetic.

Some parents might worry about the 'rule-breaking' aspect, but honestly, the book handles it responsibly. Sophie’s adventures aren’t glorified recklessness; they’re about resourcefulness and trust. The lack of heavy-handed moralizing is refreshing. It trusts young readers to understand why Sophie’s choices matter. My niece devoured it in two sittings and immediately started 'training' to climb our backyard tree. That’s the mark of a good middle-grade novel—it doesn’t just entertain; it ignites imagination.

What makes 'Rooftoppers' work for middle graders is its unshakable faith in kids’ intelligence. Rundell doesn’t simplify emotions or dodge hard questions—Sophie grapples with loss, identity, and what 'home' really means—but she wraps it all in a thrilling package. The rooftop sequences are exhilarating, almost cinematic, but it’s the quieter moments that hit hardest. Like Sophie’s guardian Charles telling her, 'You deserve a place where you can be your whole self.' That line alone is worth the read. It’s a book that whispers, 'You’re capable of amazing things,' and isn’t that what every kid needs to hear?