Sprouting Wings

November 16, 2020
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.

December 1, 2020
Black pilot James Herman Banning makes history with a cross-country flight in 1932. Banner wanted wings from the time he was a child. He read widely as a child and young man, and he attended college for one year--as one of only seven Black students accepted--but was forced to leave for financial reasons. As he opened a mechanic shop, he continued to dream of flying. But no flight schools would take on a Black student. One day, a pilot came into his shop with a motorcycle, and Banning asked him for lessons. This time, the answer was yes. Banning finally got his chance to learn to fly. He earned his pilot's license and continued teaching himself. He moved to California to teach at a new aviation school for Black men and women. Then he set out to pursue a new dream: to fly from Los Angeles to Long Island. With a partner, a cobbled-together airplane, and the support of many, both individuals and whole communities where they stopped on the way, Banning achieved this goal. Long paragraphs of text on each spread detail dates and locations of the duo's flight. The level of detail provided makes this book suitable for older readers, particularly those interested in flight. Cooper's softly painted artwork creates a lovely period feel to complement the story. Banning's determination in overcoming obstacles is impressive, and the realistic ways in which supporters and refusers influenced his path paint an accurate portrait of the United States. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16-inch double-page spreads viewed at 67.5% of actual size.) A story well worth sharing. (note, sources, further reading) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from March 1, 2021

K-Gr 2-This picture book biography recounts the story of James Herman Banning, from his first encounter with a real "birdman" in Thomas, OK, in 1911 to a lifelong love of flying. Despite his passion and hard work, Banning struggled to find someone willing to teach him to fly because he was a Black man. Ultimately, a white lieutenant named Raymond Fisher became his teacher and friend. After Fisher was killed in a plane crash in 1926, Banning had to build his own plane from scrap and spare parts to continue his career in aviation. In 1929 Banning took a position at William Powell's all-Black flight school, the Bessie Coleman Aero Club, in Los Angeles. Then in 1932 with airplane mechanic Thomas Cox Allen-the Flying Hobos, so named because of the help they received from the communities where they landed-he undertook a 21-day journey from Los Angeles to New York City in an Eaglerock plane. Back matter explains that Jaggar and researcher Pat Smith pieced together this account of the Flying Hobos based on articles from historical Black newspapers, interviews with Banning's descendants, and an unpublished manuscript written by Thomas Cox Allen that detailed their flight across the country. Cooper's expansive illustrations are rendered in muted earth tones, with an impressionistic, dreamlike quality. VERDICT A pathos-filled picture book that celebrates the life of a figure in American history who hasn't been featured often in children's books. Recommended for all nonfiction collections.-Kelly Topita, Anne Arundel County P.L., MD

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.