When Anne Morrow, a shy college senior with hidden literary aspirations, travels to Mexico City to spend Christmas with her family, she meets Colonel Charles Lindbergh, fresh off his celebrated 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic. Enthralled by Charles’s assurance and fame, Anne is certain the aviator has scarcely noticed her. But she is wrong. Charles sees in Anne a kindred spirit, a fellow adventurer, and her world will be changed forever. The two marry in a headline-making wedding. In the years that follow, Anne becomes the first licensed female glider pilot in the United States. But despite this and other major achievements, she is viewed merely as the aviator’s wife. The fairy-tale life she once longed for will bring heartbreak and hardships, ultimately pushing her to reconcile her need for love and her desire for independence, and to embrace, at last, life’s infinite possibilities for change and happiness.
Last Mission, The
In 1944, as World War II is raging across Europe, fifteen-year-old Jack Raab dreams of being a hero. Leaving New York City, his family, and his boyhood behind, Jack uses a false I.D. and lies his way into the U.S. Air Force.
From their base in England, he and his crew fly twenty-four treacherous bombing missions over occupied Europe. The war is almost over and Hitler near defeat when they fly their last mission — a mission destined for disaster. Shot down far behind enemy lines, Jack is taken prisoner and sent to a German POW camp, where his experiences are more terrifying than anything he’d ever imagined.
Born to Fly
Born to Fly tells the story of eleven-year-old tomboy Bird McGill. Ever since she can remember, Bird has loved flying in small propeller airplanes with her mechanic dad. When the local airstrip is turned into a military flight school, Bird is in heaven. But when a young Japanese American student named Kenji Fujita joins Bird’s class, the entire school seems to be convinced that he’s a spy, or at the very least, that he and his uncle want the Japanese to win. Bird is wary of Kenji, not just because he’s Japanese, but because he steals her flight-related topic for a school report and leaves her to write about the deadly boring local marsh weed. But on Bird’s first trip to the marsh, she and Kenji accidentally discover real spy activity in the area. Bird realizes that Kenji is actually a stand-up guy—and she and Kenji begin an adventure that will shake the town and may even change the future of the United States.
Hindenburg Disaster (Osprey Graphic History)
Charles Lindbergh, Graphic Biography
Themes: Hi-Lo, graphic novels, illustrated, biography. Fast-paced and easy-to-read, these softcover 25-page graphic biographies teach students about historical figures: those who lead us into new territory; pursued scientific discoveries; battled injustice and prejudice; and broke down creative and artistic barriers. These biographies offer a variety of rich primary and secondary source material to support teaching to the standards. Using the graphics, students can activate prior knowledge–bridge what they already know with what they have yet to learn. Graphically illustrated biographies also teach inference skills, character development, dialogue, transitions, and drawing conclusions. Graphic biographies in the classroom provide an intervention with proven success for the struggling reader.
Amelia Earhart: Young Air Pioneer (Young Patriots series)
These true-life tales of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, based on the remembrances of her sister Pidge, will inspire and thrill young readers. Kids will cheer as Amelia rescues two neighbor boys from an angry dog and when she builds her own “rolly coaster” off the roof of her grandparents’ shed. Amelia’s fascination at seeing her first airplane, as well as her curiosity, courage, and determination to learn, will make this portrayal of an American heroine a favorite of both children and adults.
Wright Brothers: Inventors Whose Ideas Really Took Flight (Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Inventors and Scientists)
Venezia’s books contain many historical details about the Wright Brothers, but the writing is simple enough for even the young listener to understand. The illustrations are a combination of historical photographs and some vaguely humorous cartoon style illustrations. A note to parents of younger children, many pages are half filled with text, but it’s in a nice, easy to read larger font.
Eddie Rickenbacker: Boy Pilot and Racer (Young Patriots Series)
World War I flying ace, winner of the Medal of Honor, and racecar driver Eddie Rickenbacker was an adventurous boy who first attempted flight by riding his bicycle off the roof while holding an umbrella. The son of Swiss immigrants, young Eddie grew up in the Midwest in the early 20th century. He worked hard to help support his family, but found time to build a “pushmobile,” experience a thrilling ride in a horseless carriage, and come face-to-face with a moving train. Young readers will gasp as he rides a runaway mining cart that jumps the tracks and cheer at Eddie’s first auto racing victory. Included are fun facts about Eddie Rickenbacker’s life and the America he grew up in.