The inspirational and true story of James Herman Banning, the first African American pilot to fly across the country, comes to life in this picture book biography perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and Little Leaders. Includes art from a Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator.
James Herman Banning always dreamed of touching the sky. But how could a farm boy from Oklahoma find a plane? And how would he learn to fly it? None of the other pilots looked like him. Despite the challenges and prejudices that stood in his way, James knew he belonged above the clouds.
In a journey that would span 3,300 miles, take twenty-one days, and inspire a nation, James Herman Banning proved that you can't put barriers on dreams. Louisa Jaggar incorporates over seven years of research, including Banning's own writings and an interview with the aviator's great-nephew. She teams up with cowriter Shari Becker and award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper to capture Banning's historic flight across the United States.
"A pathos-filled picture book that celebrates the life of a figure in American history who hasn't been featured often." -School Library Journal, Starred Review
NOMINEE
| 2023 Oklahoma Sequoyah Children's Book Award
NOMINEE
| 2022 Pennsylvania Keystone State Reading Association Book Award
SELECTION
| 2022 CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers
A Bank Street "Outstanding Merit" and Best Book of the Year Pick!
"A story well worth sharing." -Kirkus Reviews
"Its edifying, empowering narrative will enthrall aspiring aviators and young history buffs." —Publishers Weekly
"An entertaining, exquisitely illustrated biography of a Black aeronaut who should be as well known as the Wright Brothers." —The Horn Book
"An irresistibly inspiring story for all ages."—Kathryn Erskine, author of the National Book Award winner Mockingbird
"A richly illustrated account of the remarkable career of aviation pioneer James Herman Banning." —Von Hardesty, author of Black Wings: Courageous Stories of African Americans in Aviation and Space History
"A marvelous work that does its hero proud." —Allan Stratton, author of the Michael L. Printz Honor Book Chanda’s Secrets
"An exhilarating story about (African)-American achievement! Sure to captivate and inspire young people, to follow their dreams, begin their journey, push through adversity until they reach their goals." —Jeantique Oriol, actor and star of The Flying Hobos
"Sprouting Wings is the story of a dream, ingenuity, guts, bravery, and determination." —Gary Schmidt, two-time Newbury Honor winner and National Book Award finalist
"This story reminds me of a determined little girl who also took to the skies and became the first African American woman to fly and receive an international license, my great aunt Bessie Coleman!" —Dr. Jilda D. Motley
The inspirational and true story of James Herman Banning, the first African American pilot to fly across the country, comes to life in this picture book biography perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and Little Leaders. Includes art from a Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator.
James Herman Banning always dreamed of touching the sky. But how could a farm boy from Oklahoma find a plane? And how would he learn to fly it? None of the other pilots looked like him. Despite the challenges and prejudices that stood in his way, James knew he belonged above the clouds.
In a journey that would span 3,300 miles, take twenty-one days, and inspire a nation, James Herman Banning proved that you can't put barriers on dreams. Louisa Jaggar incorporates over seven years of research, including Banning's own writings and an interview with the aviator's great-nephew. She teams up with cowriter Shari Becker and award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper to capture Banning's historic flight across the United States.
"A pathos-filled picture book that celebrates the life of a figure in American history who hasn't been featured often." -School Library Journal, Starred Review
Awards
NOMINEE
| 2023 Oklahoma Sequoyah Children's Book Award
NOMINEE
| 2022 Pennsylvania Keystone State Reading Association Book Award
SELECTION
| 2022 CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers
Praise
A Bank Street "Outstanding Merit" and Best Book of the Year Pick!
"A story well worth sharing." -Kirkus Reviews
"Its edifying, empowering narrative will enthrall aspiring aviators and young history buffs." —Publishers Weekly
"An entertaining, exquisitely illustrated biography of a Black aeronaut who should be as well known as the Wright Brothers." —The Horn Book
"An irresistibly inspiring story for all ages."—Kathryn Erskine, author of the National Book Award winner Mockingbird
"A richly illustrated account of the remarkable career of aviation pioneer James Herman Banning." —Von Hardesty, author of Black Wings: Courageous Stories of African Americans in Aviation and Space History
"A marvelous work that does its hero proud." —Allan Stratton, author of the Michael L. Printz Honor Book Chanda’s Secrets
"An exhilarating story about (African)-American achievement! Sure to captivate and inspire young people, to follow their dreams, begin their journey, push through adversity until they reach their goals." —Jeantique Oriol, actor and star of The Flying Hobos
"Sprouting Wings is the story of a dream, ingenuity, guts, bravery, and determination." —Gary Schmidt, two-time Newbury Honor winner and National Book Award finalist
"This story reminds me of a determined little girl who also took to the skies and became the first African American woman to fly and receive an international license, my great aunt Bessie Coleman!" —Dr. Jilda D. Motley
