Higher, Steeper, Faster

February 13, 2017
In prose as riveting as the developments it investigates, Goldstone (Drive!) covers the history of early aviation up to 1915 in his first book for young readers. After grabbing attention with the crowd-thrilling stunts of Lincoln Beachey, “the greatest aviator America has ever seen,” Goldstone provides background on ballooning, parachutes, and gas-powered airships before launching into the main tale: the daredevils of flight’s first decade. As he chronicles limit-testing feats that astounded audiences, he points out that airplanes were not tested before they were flown in exhibitions and how radically airplanes changed in those early years: “By 1915, not one single feature of the original Wright Flyer remained in use.” Goldstone deftly combines captivating descriptions of the personalities—male and female—with discussion of the many improvements and ever-present hazards of early flying. Though questions about who actually built and repaired these fragile machines and how pilots were licensed aren’t addressed, Goldstone’s book enthralls. Archival photos, a timeline, and other appended materials are included. Ages 8–12. Agent: Charlie Olsen and Michael Carlisle, Inkwell Management.

America's first test pilots were the aerial daredevils who strove to go higher and faster and to do rolls, dives, and other stunts, often in the name of entertainment. But they also helped early plane builders construct increasingly safer and stronger aircraft. That's the focus of this book, written as a series of profiles that make it eminently suited to audio. Robertson Dean offers an engaging narration, altering his voice slightly to match the tone of the text. He's excited when appropriate and even gravely serious when needed. Because the author includes inserted background notes--for example, a brief explanation of who Queen Victoria was--the production's continuity is occasionally broken. This is a title for young listeners, but adults will find it engaging and informative. R.C.G. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine