The Hallelujah Flight (udgave 2010)

This book is about African American empowerment, the book is about the first African American to fly across the country in 1932. Two African Americans flew from Los Angeles to the Statue of Liberty. The title is essential because as James Banning is circling the Statue of Liberty he yells, "Hallelujah!" This shows the positivity his flight described. ( )

It is 1932. James Banning and Thomas Allen, two African Americans, not only taught themselves how to build an airplane engine, but also how to fly and airplane. Even though their plane was raggedy, "The Flying Hoboes, as people called them, were so determined to fly that they became a part of American history. They flew from Los Angeles, CA all the way to the Statue of Liberty in New York, saluting her as they circled around. "Hallelujah!" and "Hallelujah right back at you!" became the special banter between them anytime they faced adversity and found their way out of it! ( )

I really loved this book! This book fits perfect for the setting prompt for this weeks readings. The setting plays a huge role in this book, two African American men took flight from the West coat to the East coast by plane. The novel mentioned every setting on each page by saying it and also depicting it through the illustrations, when the boys landed in a certain area it was depicted on the page. One thing that really caught my attention was when the setting changed to the southern states, the people were very cruel and racist. It was during a time when racism was still very prominent. The people up north were very kind and welcoming to the men. The setting just goes to show that it has more meaning behind it rather than just being a place in the story. The plot could not have been explained if the setting was not mentioned in this particular novel because the novel was all about where they flew to and without location the reader would be confused. ( )

This book is about James Banning, the first African American to fly across the country in 1932. I have never heard about this before. With his copilot Thomas Allen, he fixed up a dilapidated OXX6 Eagle Rock while some were laughing at them, thought the idea was crazy and called them "flying hoboes". During the journey, the two men came across storms, kind supportive gifts, and prejudice. Since it is based on true events, it breaks my heart to know that there were people that refused them shelter or bathroom because of the skin color. But the pair proves all the haters wrong, and makes it to New York (they started in Los Angeles) against all odds. They call the flight “Hallelujah Flight” because Banning kept exclaiming “Hallelujah!” always looking at the positive throughout their adventure. Wonderful illustrations by John Holyfield help to get in the warm, feel-so-good mood, when immersed in this beautiful part of history. ( )

James Banning and Mr. Allen want to do anything they can to fix the airplane and fly over sea. Banning and Mr. Allen are hard working men who are trying everything in their power and putting in endless amount of work to be able to get their plane up and running to achieve the voyage they are trying to achieve. My point of view from this book is that even if it seems difficult or like you cannot achieve a goal you are trying to achieve, don't give up if you do not achieve it the first time. Banning and Mr. Allen did not achieve their goal all at once or even on the first try, however they did not give up and they eventually achieved their goal. They were so proud. ( )