Overview
Fighter pilots take to the skies to engage enemy aircraft. They fly over enemy territory to protect their ground troops. They fly at twice the speed of sound while operating complex weapons systems. In this book, we meet the men and women who fly at the leading edge of military aviation.
Synopsis
Fighter pilots take to the skies to engage enemy aircraft. They fly over enemy territory to protect their ground troops. They fly at twice the speed of sound while operating complex weapons systems. In this book, we meet the men and women who fly at the leading edge of military aviation.
Children's Literature
Teachers and librarians may be surprised to find this "World's Most Dangerous Jobs" series coming from Crabtree, a publisher known for its high-quality books (many about world cultures) for young readers. Author Loveless, a journalist and photographer specializing in defense-related subjects, is fascinated by the culture of violence and military hardware. A majority of the images come from the Department of Defense; recommended Internet sites turn out to be mostly military recruiting websites. This book offers information about the training, techniques, and combat missions of American and British pilots, including the most deadly fighter planes now flying. Much of the information is related through quotations from RAF and USAF pilots who describe their experiences in the detached manner of someone just doing a job. A Harrier pilot over Afghanistan explains that his Paveway II bomb can be fired by "painting the target" with a laser, switching it on, and sending the 1000-pound bomb on its way. This particular bomb leaves "a massive crater, and not much else," so Royal Marines can clear the village "without any casualties." The pilot comments, "It's my job and it's very satisfying when things go right." Apparently aimed at nine- to twelve-year-olds, the content seems inappropriate for this age group—or even for older students. Adults need to check this series carefully to decide if the values, expressed and implied, are compatible with their community's and whether they choose to spend limited resources on furthering military recruiting. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft