Monday, March 2, 2009

Underpraised Heroes

picture from amazon.com
Windflyers
by Angela Johnson
illustrated by Loren Long
published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, NY, 2007

Summary: The Tuskegee Airmen are introduced through the stories of a boy's great-great-uncle who loved to fly.

Strengths: This book has beautiful illustrations, especially of the sky and clouds, which is where the main focus of the book is. The story is fun and is not too straightforward, while sharing an important part of history. Children can relate to the story because it is told by a child. The uncle's passion for flying and his sacrifice for our country is clearly depicted.

Concerns: The story had some sad moments, such as when the reader discovers that not all of the Airmen made it home. However, it is written in such a way that this may not affect young readers. Readers may also be slightly confused that the narrator introduces the main character as his great-great-uncle, but later he just calls him just "Uncle".

Classroom Use/Other Comments: This story could be an introduction to war and to African Americans in the war effort. In addition, this book would be a fun way to introduce a writing prompt in which students can share a story from their own family. Children aged 5 and up would enjoy this book.


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