Barnstormers and Daredevils

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9 A well-written account of some of the young barnstormers and daredevils who helped to bring aviation to the common people of this country. The first chapter describes what it might have been like for a young pilot as he soared over the countryside in his JN4 and ran out of gas, gliding to a safe landing, finding a source for fuel, and enticing a observers to pay for a short ride. The list of flyers is by no means exhaustive, but it does include such names as Wiley Post, Charles Lindbergh, Gladys Ingle, and the 13 Black Cats. The text is quite readable, with a minimum of aeronautical terms. It is generously illustrated with black-and-white photos, the quality of which is quite good considering the state of photographic art during the time period. There is an excellent diagram of the Jenny and several others showing how some of the daredevil stunts were done. The excitement of the era comes through in this title. Students of early aviation will be attracted to this one. Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, Kans.