This just didn't grab me. I wish I liked it more than I did.

'Uncrashable Dakota' by Andy Marino is about the maiden flight of a luxury airship considered unable to crash. We all know what happens to things that are considered uncrashable or unsinkable though.

Hollis Dakota, his mother, his new stepfather Jefferson Castor, his step brother Rob Castor and their friend Delia are all on board for the flight of the Wendell Dakota, a new luxury airship. Hollis christens the ship, but something unlucky happens. This is our warning that things may not be going smoothly.

In flashbacks, we learn the history of the airships. Hollis' grandfather discovered some unusual flying beetles and how they were used to help President Lincoln win the Civil War. Along the way, there were some grudges and now that will come to a boil aboard the Wendell Dakota. As Hollis, Rob and Delia find themselves aboard a hijacked airship, can they figure out how to stop the pirates and get down to the ground safely?

I enjoyed this one. I liked the kind of alternate USA that was set up. At one point, it's mentioned in passing that President Lincoln avoided being assassinated. The flying beetles living off a kind of moonshine was kind of a funny detail.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Henry Holt and Co., Macmillian Children's Publishing Group, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.