Bound To Stay Bound

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School Library Journal - 02/01/2010 K-Gr 3— An engaging account based on true events. James Banning and his copilot, Thomas Allen, the "Flying Hoboes" as the story has it, became the first African-American men to fly across the country. Traveling 3300 miles in 21 days, they flew from Los Angeles to Long Island, NY, in their old, rickety OXX6 Eagle Rock plane on October 9, 1932. Landing, they were met with a hero's welcome. The story is filled with the difficulties faced by the two men throughout their journey. Two black men trying to accomplish what few other people could even hope to do during the Depression was daunting. And they faced incidents of racism along the way. But, by and large, they were met with more help and encouragement than disdain. The story is exciting and fast paced, and the writing is upbeat and inviting. Large, colorful illustrations were painted in acrylics on canvas and truly enhance the text. Unfortunately, there is very little factual information about Banning or Allen. Great as a read-alone as well as for telling aloud, this story serves to rescue two worthy men from historical obscurity. Students would benefit from knowing about them and their "Hallelujah Flight."—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI - Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2010 In 1932, James Banning was the first African American to complete a transcontinental flight. Told from the viewpoint of his young copilot and mechanic, Thomas Allen, this dramatic picture book relates of their historic journey, in which they flew in a small plane from Los Angeles to New York in 21 days. Unframed, double-page paintings show the pair close-up in the cramped cockpit as they fly over the Grand Canyon and head into storms, the propeller whirring, while the ground passes not too far below. Some locals help, showing the kindness of family and friends, but the dramatic pictures also reveal the prejudice the pilots encountered when they are refused use of washrooms and restaurants. Finally, they reach New York and receive a hero’s welcome in Harlem. Along with the drama of the pioneer flight, kids will also enjoy the irreverent fun of the Flying Hoboes in their flying jalopy. The story of the pilots’ bonding is as memorable as the breakthrough flight. An introductory author’s note offers cultural and historical context. - Copyright 2010 Booklist.

Bulletin for the Center... - 03/01/2010 A transcontinental flight in a rickety biplane is no mean feat, but to achieve it as an African-American with no sponsorship during the Great Depression is a minor miracle. Bildner retraces, in this fictionalized picture-book account, the 1932 flight by James Banning and mechanic Thomas Allen from Los Angeles to Long Island-quite literally on a wing (well, two wings) and a Hallelujah prayer. With no funding to keep their “flying jalopy” in gas and parts, Banning appealed to spectators anxious to swap needed material for the honor of signing the wings and vicariously taking to the sky. Audiences follow the aviators’ adventures, from stripping down to their underwear in an overheated plane to dropping out of the sky for victuals with family in Oklahoma. Holyfield’s acrylic paintings, with their luminous touches of sun and moonlight and the texture of exposed canvas, play for the tone of a tall-tale legend as the lanky figures of Banning and Allen take on every challenge with cool aplomb; however, the raw anger of prejudiced townsfolk who drive them off without supplies and the joyous pride of the Harlem community that fêted their accomplishment ground the event in reality. Partner this with the Provensen’s The Glorious Flight (BCCB 1/84) and Don Brown’s Ruth Law Thrills a Nation (BCCB 12/93) for a soaring storytime. EB - Copyright 2010 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

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