Module 10 : The Hallelujah Flight

http://philbildner.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/HallelujahFlight.jpg

SUMMARY

Hallelujah Flight is a beautiful example of following your dreams through hard work and determination. James Banning had a dream, and that dream was to be the first African American to pilot a plane across the United States. He and Mr. Allen had all sorts of obstacles and deterrents that could have made some people quit. However, with a deep dream and lots of will-power they accomplished their goals, and dubbed their flight the Hallelujah Flight.

APA
Bildner, P., & Holyfield, J. (2010). The Hallelujah Flight. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

IMPRESSIONS

It is hard to not fall in love with this book storyline, illustrations, and characters. The two men have determination, yet the reader sees a little humor in the dialog too. It is refreshing to see such a strong story have such a light hearted approach.

PROFESSIONAL REVIEW
[Review of the book Hallelujah Flight written by Phil Bildner]. Kirkus Review retrieved on 11/05/14 from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/phil-bildner/the-hallelujah-flight/.

Pioneering aviator James Banning dreamed of becoming the first African-American to fly across the country, though his biplane was old and worn. Co-pilot Thomas Allen relates how that dream came true in 1932 thanks to the help of people across the country, who contributed encouragement and practical support and wrote their names on the airplane’s wings to be part of the adventure. Based on both fictional and nonfiction sources, the story is briskly told in Allen’s voice, with plenty of imagined dialogue. Holyfield’s gorgeous oil paintings are done on textured backgrounds in a palette of blues and browns. Occasional double-page spreads emphasize the breadth of Banning’s vision, while the majority of scenes show events along the way: their tiny biplane above the Grand Canyon; angry white townspeople refusing to serve them food; a ferocious storm in Pennsylvania. Naysayers called them the “Flying Hoboes” but they called it “The Hallelujah Flight.” Hallelujah, indeed, to Bildner for finding and telling this story. Pair with Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, by Pam Muñoz Ryan and illustrated by Brian Selznick (1999), to illustrate the excitement of early flight. (Picture book. 5-8)

LIBRARY USES

This book would be good to be used during Black History Month and to also promote student's goals and dreams. These two men were determined and no matter what others thought, they always stayed true to their dreams and ambitions.