“‘The Strictest School in the World’: A tale of a rubber boy, a clever girl and a collection of flying machines, mostly broken,” is a magnificent tale of … well, a rubber boy, a clever girl and a collection of flying machines, mostly broken.

This book takes place in 1894 in England. But if you don’t like historical fiction, don’t let this discourage you.

Emmaline Cayley is a 14-year-old unladylike girl. She has always wanted to build a flying machine. However, she is afraid to fly. So Emmaline uses 12-year-old Robert Burns to be her pilot. His nickname is Rubberbones because he can never hurt himself. Bricks even bounce off of his chest!

Emmaline is soon sent to the strictest school in the world, St. Grimelda’s School for Girls.

This school is so strict and depressing, it makes the boarding school in “A Little Princess” sound cheerful. Emmaline must escape from the school, but the only way to leave is through her flying machines. Can Emmaline face her greatest fear?