First Flight Around the World

February 16, 2015
The first round-the-world airplane flights are relived in this polished, well-researched account from Grove, a program developer at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Eight U.S. Army pilots and mechanics began their five-month journey in four biplanes (Boston, New Orleans, Chicago and Seattle); two of the original planes and six servicemen finished what was a race among nations to be the first to circumnavigate the Earth via air. While no one died, there were several close calls, including the crash landing that destroyed the Seattle. Travelling mostly westward in 1924, the fliers risked their lives many times over because of dangerous weather, remote and rugged landing sites, and unreliable planes. The chronological organization, sky-blue pages, archival photos, and period maps almost give the sense that readers are viewing an exhibit about this historic feat, which propelled the U.S. to prominence in the air. Accessible narration brings the airmen’s courageous trip into full focus, including their adventures in places like the Aleutian Islands or the pre-WWII Middle East. A solid choice for young aviation history buffs. Ages 10–14.

February 15, 2015
An epic feat from an era in which radio was still newfangled and many people "had never seen an airplane, except in pictures."In fact, the U.S. Army aviators chosen for this 1924 expedition left radios behind-along with life preservers and parachutes-to lighten the load on their planes (they did take a pair of stuffed toy monkeys). Fortunately, as Grove, a Smithsonian educator, makes clear in a meticulous account based on journals and other documentary evidence, not only were diplomatic and other preparations made for each planned stop on the carefully mapped course, but the Navy provided near-continual monitoring. Not that the flight went smoothly: One of the four planes crashed into an Alaska mountain, and another sank in the North Atlantic. Along with awful weather ("The Aleutians have but two kinds of weather it seems, bad and worse," wrote one pilot) and multiple forced landings, so rickety were the aircraft in general that wear and tear required multiple full engine replacements along the way. The flight took 150 days, and the aviators lost a bet with the Prince of Wales that he could beat them across the Atlantic by boat. Of six nations competing to be first to circle the globe, only the U.S. team was able to finish. It's a grand tale, set handsomely here amid sheaves of maps, short journal passages and contemporary photos. A high spot in aviation history, particularly noteworthy for the rugged perseverance of those who achieved it. (endnotes, summary charts, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10-13)

March 1, 2015

Gr 5-8-This gripping, well-designed title details the United States' 1924 successful attempt to become the first nation to circumnavigate the globe by flight. The U.S. Army sent four planes; other nations, eager to make their marks, took up the challenge as well. The journey began on April 6, 1924 in Seattle and concluded on September 9, 1924, when the Chicago, the only one of the four American planes that made the entire trip, landed back in Seattle. This volume recounts the story of the Americans' adventures, detailing hardships, such as harsh weather and mechanical breakdowns. Despite the obstacles they faced, the crew of the Chicago achieved the goal, learning about different cultures and becoming goodwill ambassadors along the way. The writing is accessible, while the composition and page layout are extremely attractive, featuring tons of maps and historical photographs, and are sure to captivate readers through the stunning use of color. The back matter is thorough and includes an itinerary based on the official report of the flight. VERDICT Offering a look at a lesser-known historical event, this beautiful, well-written book is an essential addition for all collections.-Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colls., Mt. Carmel

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2015
Grades 5-8 In April 1924, four open-cockpit planes, each with a pilot and a mechanic and all the supplies they could carry, took off from Seattle and headed westward to embark on a groundbreaking circumnavigating flight, which ended up taking 150 days to complete. The four pilots, without the aid of radios or radar, faced damaging weather and dangerous flight conditions as they made the 26,345-mile trek, beating out other countries attempting the same record. Based in large part on the flight journal of one of the mechanics, the narrative engagingly describes their grueling trip, which was marked by crashes, engine failure, injury, and navigational woes, but also warm welcomes from foreign governments and goodwill diplomacy on the part of the flight crews. The plethora of historical photos, maps, primary documents, and accounts from the flight crew about their experiences, laid out on eye-catching pages, help enliven the story of this incredible feat. Though the tone is occasionally dry, especially considering the thrilling topic, kids interested in all things aviation related will likely be enthralled.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)