Sprouting Wings
The True Story of James Herman Banning, the First African American Pilot to Fly Across the United States
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- €6.49
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- €6.49
Publisher Description
The inspirational and true story of James Herman Banning, the first African American pilot to fly across the country, comes to life in this picture book biography perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and Little Leaders. Includes art from a Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator.
James Herman Banning always dreamed of touching the sky. But how could a farm boy from Oklahoma find a plane? And how would he learn to fly it? None of the other pilots looked like him. Despite the challenges and prejudices that stood in his way, James knew he belonged above the clouds.
In a journey that would span 3,300 miles, take twenty-one days, and inspire a nation, James Herman Banning proved that you can't put barriers on dreams. Louisa Jaggar incorporates over seven years of research, including Banning's own writings and an interview with the aviator's great-nephew. She teams up with cowriter Shari Becker and award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper to capture Banning's historic flight across the United States.
"A pathos-filled picture book that celebrates the life of a figure in American history who hasn't been featured often." -School Library Journal, Starred Review
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Jaggar and Becker offer a comprehensive picture book biography of James Herman Banning, covering his childhood flying kites, the years he spent teaching others to fly, and his triumph as the first Black birdman with Thomas Cox Allen to make the transcontinental flight from California to New York. Sensory details ("James scrambled out of the plane and ran, but he could still smell the oil and gas, feel the controls in his hand") and substantiated quotes help scenes come alive, while Cooper's oil on board illustrations offer varying perspectives and imbue texture and nuance. Dense paragraphs and a leisurely pace make this less ideal for a readaloud, but its edifying, empowering narrative will enthrall aspiring aviators and young history buffs. Back matter includes an author's note from Jaggar. Ages 5 7.
