SOLVED. Junior fiction/ fantasy: Boy goes to stay with cousin on island in the sky when parents die; trains with wearable wings while cousin breaks gender barrier to study magic. [s]

[Barbara]

Last read in 1990s/2000's; junior fantasy fiction suitable for 10+ yrs. Story begins with a boy being exiled from his first home because parents didn't register him and is sent to stay with his mother's relatives in a land which magically floats above the sea. He sets his sights on joining the flying defenders of his new homeland. His cousin (a girl) has a passion to learn and a talent for magic, both of which are forbidden to females. The floating land is threatened by the boy's former homeland, and both cousins are integral to fighting off the invaders.

[SarahBeth]

Possibly The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier The Floating Islands

[Barbara]

SarahBeth wrote: "Possibly The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier The Floating Islands"

That's the one - thank you so much!

[SarahBeth]

Barbara wrote: "That's the one - thank you so much!"

You are welcome. So glad I could help.