A review by nothingforpomegranted
American Wings: Chicago's Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky by Elizabeth Wein, Sherri L. Smith

adventurous informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

Apparently this was written for young adults, but I think it’s just a publisher’s gimmick. This was engaging, well-written, clear nonfiction about a group of devoted, patriotic Black aviators, determined to fly the skies and to serve their country. Wein and Smith review the history of Black military pilots with a particular focus on the four founders of the Challenger air program. Though I found it a bit challenging to follow along with each person’s arc, the overall story was clear and moving. I learned a lot about true pioneers, and I suspect that I will remember the names of Bessie Colman (the first black woman pilot) and Cornelius Coffey (one of the founders and a skilled auto mechanic). Though Johnny Robinson (who served in Ethiopia), Willa Brown (a dedicated teacher), and Janet Harmon (a nurse) may escape my memory, I enjoyed reading about them and especially appreciated the strong sense of patriotism demonstrated by these figures. Despite the challenges, difficulties, and discrimination that these pioneers faced, they still loved their country and wanted to serve their country. I hope that kind of patriotism can return to the spirit of American youth.