Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell is praised for its lyrical prose and imaginative storyline. Reviewers highlight the novel's enchanting portrayal of Parisian rooftops and its strong, adventurous protagonist. However, some note that the plot can be predictable at times. Overall, it's celebrated as a captivating tale for young readers that beautifully blends adventure and heart.

A reader who would enjoy Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell likely appreciates whimsical, adventurous tales with strong, young protagonists and lyrical prose. Fans of Pippi Longstocking and The Night Circus might find its blend of magic and reality appealing, along with its themes of resilience and exploration.

In Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell, a young girl named Sophie embarks on a daring adventure across the rooftops of Paris to find her mother. Raised by her eccentric guardian Charles, after surviving a shipwreck as a baby, Sophie's quest leads her to encounter a secretive group of rooftop-dwellers, challenging her understanding of home and family.

Adventurous / Mysterious / Fantastical / Playful / Heartwarming

- Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell is inspired by the author's own love of exploring rooftops, a passion she embraced while living in Paris.
- The book was highly acclaimed and won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize in 2014, recognizing its captivating storytelling and imaginative setting.
- Katherine Rundell's writing style in Rooftoppers has often been praised for its lyrical prose and ability to evoke a sense of wonder and adventure.

**Sophie**  
A spirited and unconventional 12-year-old girl living in Victorian London, who has been raised by her eccentric guardian Charles since being found after a shipwreck. She is distinguished by her long-limbed frame, wild hair, and her preference for boys' trousers over traditional dresses.

**Charles Maxim**  
Sophie’s loving guardian and a nonconformist bachelor who rescues her after a shipwreck when she is an infant. He raises her in his clutter-filled London home, offering her an unusual but nurturing upbringing.

**Miss Eliot**  
A stern agent from the National Childcare Agency who challenges the suitability of Charles as a guardian for Sophie. She embodies the traditional values and rigid social norms of Victorian society.

**Matteo**  
A resourceful and cautious French boy who lives on the rooftops of Paris and becomes Sophie’s ally. He is noted for his agility and knowledge of the city’s rooftop terrain.

**Vivienne Vert**  
Sophie’s long-lost mother, remembered by Sophie in fleeting memories and described as an unconventional musician. Her mysterious past becomes the focal point of Sophie’s quest.

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Rooftoppers reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Rooftoppers | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Rooftoppers and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Rooftoppers Summary and Study Guide

Background

Rooftoppers Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Rooftoppers Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-12

Rooftoppers Chapters 6-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

Rooftoppers Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-22

Rooftoppers Chapters 19-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-31

Rooftoppers Chapters 23-31 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Rooftoppers Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Rooftoppers Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Rooftoppers Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Rooftoppers Important Quotes with Page Numbers

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Rooftoppers Essay Topics

Katherine Rundell

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

rooftoppers

Rooftoppers

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Rooftoppers?

RecommendedReading Age

Book Details