Search  for anything...

The Twenty-One Balloons

  • Based on 1,263 reviews
Condition: New
Checking for product changes
$6.99 Why this price?
Save $2.00 was $8.99

Buy Now, Pay Later


As low as $1 / mo
  • – 4-month term
  • – No impact on credit
  • – Instant approval decision
  • – Secure and straightforward checkout

Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout. Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, PayTomorrow, Affirm, Afterpay, Apple Pay, and PayPal. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Free shipping on this product

30-day refund/replacement

To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.


Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Amazon

Arrives Saturday, Feb 1
Order within 2 hours and 41 minutes
Available payment plans shown during checkout

Description

A Newbery Medal Winner Professor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions.Winner of the 1948 Newbery Medal, this classic fantasy-adventure is now available in a handsome new edition. "William Pene du Bois combines his rich imagination, scientific tastes, and brilliant artistry to tell astory that has no age limit."—The Horn Book Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Puffin Books; Reprint edition (May 6, 1986)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Paperback ‏ : ‎ 192 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0140320970


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 78


Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 11 years, from customers


Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1070L


Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.51 x 7.81 inches


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Saturday, Feb 1

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

  • Klarna Financing
  • Affirm Pay in 4
  • Affirm Financing
  • Afterpay Financing
  • PayTomorrow Financing
  • Financing through Apple Pay
Leasing options through Acima may also be available during checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Top Amazon Reviews


  • Great 4th Grade Read
Perfect for a 4th grade read! It’s not too thick, and the story is great. Highly recommend for young readers.
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2024 by Products-In-Reality

  • EXTRAORDINARY
I loved this whole book overall. The only thing I did not like is that it has a slow ( yet necessary) start. However the adventure, mystery, and creative base of the book was amazing
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2024 by Amazon Customer

  • Nice
Enjoyed reading this with my son. It was his 7th grade summer reading book.
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2024 by Elda

  • The Gourmet Government
The idea of working 1 day on and 19 days off instantly appealed to me, and this is the structure of the Gourmet Government featured in this wonderful book. Yes, the leisurely form of government is one of my favorite "practical" ideas ever, but the story also ties together several other interesting things: volcanic explosions, tons of balloons, diamonds galore, Presidential trains, electric rooms and what-not. Even though the introduction tells you the outcome of the story, you still have no idea what's going to happen next. To me, this is the true characteristic of what makes a good novel. You want to read it, even though you already know how it's going to end. Some Newbery winners I love and some I can't stand. Take a guess as to my opinion of this particular one. There are some parts that I would consider slow, but the emphasis on the importance of leisure actually heightens the slow-moving experience. All in all, the Twenty-One Balloons is definitly worthty of respect and preservation, and I'm glad I was able to make room in my life to experience the fine literary and artistic craftsmanship of William Pene Du Bois. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2008 by theboombody

  • MY FAVORITE BOOK!!!!!
This book is sure to amaze any reader. The realistic fantasy is written greatly by William Du Bois. I would recommend this to everyone
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2024 by E. Short

  • Great book and a wonderful tool to expand imagination!
I had never heard of this book until a member of the AARP Bulletin Board posted that they had found it available and bought it for their grandchildren. Amazon's reviews gave this book glowing praise, therefore, I bought it for my 13 year old grandson. When the book arrived I decided to read a few pages just to make sure it was something he might like. I never put the book down! I read the entire book, being careful not to bend the pages. Oh! what a delightful story. At 59 I was saying to myself, "Well, if he could do that, I wonder if this, or that could be done too?!?!" I knew then that this book was perfect for anyone, young or old. It's an easy to read book, and I'm only sorry I didn't order two, one for me, and one for my grandson! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2006 by E. Christina Dabis

  • An effort to build a better world
I read this book in elementary school, decades ago. I have reread it several times since and it still holds up. I give copies of this to kids I tutor. Not only is there the element of fantasy and adventure, but also of hope and resourcefulness as the professor encounters a community of people who have intentionally created a utopia. Or have they? ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2021 by S. S. Wansbrough

  • A Balloon Adventure
This classic children's story was a delightful read! It was assigned as part of a school class for my son and we enjoyed it together. Some of the science concepts and ideas are definitely dated, but as a read aloud we found ourselves laughing throughout the story at many of the delightful ideas and how they were presented. Definitely worth the time and money. I look forward to rereading it with my younger son in a couple of years! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2020 by Amazon Customer

Can't find a product?

Find it on Amazon first, then paste the link below.