The Hallelujah Flight

In 1932, James Banning was the first African American to complete a transcontinental flight. The story of their journey is told from the viewpoint of his copilot and mechanic, Thomas Allen. Together, they flew a small plane from Los Angeles to New York in 21 days. The illustrations not only reveal the sweeping landscapes underneath them as they flew, but also the situations they encountered on the ground when they stopped for food and fuel; some folks were welcoming and some were decidedly not. There is a happy ending, however, as they received a huge welcome in Harlem. The author includes extra informational material for adults. I’m not exceptionally enamored of John Holyfield’s style, and find his pictures a little too cartoonish show more and not bright enough, but that’s a personal preference. It’s a good story,and there is a map of the U.S. showing their route. show less

What an endearing story! Two black men, James Banning and Thomas Allen, decided to inspire people with flight during the Great Depression. Their journey began in Los Angeles and ended in New York after three weeks of leaky pumps, prejudice, hunger, storms, and other struggles, After each struggle or small victory, they exclaimed, "Hallelujah!" In order to encourage people to donate gas and food, they let them sign their names on the wings of the plane. After landing in NY, people cheered for "The Flying Hoboes," and treated them like royalty. When asked to name their adventurous, tough flight, they decided to call it "The Hallelujah Flight." The setting is trans-America and in 1932, which reflects peoples' fears and hopes. Banning and show more Allen, full of hope, decided to bring some to those in fear barely surviving the difficult times. show less

I liked this book for many different reasons. This book pushed readers to think about many tough issues. For example, Thomas Allen and James Banning set across the country to fly in their own airplane. However, when the two men reached a town they faced many issues because of the color of their skin. Allen and Banning were trying to find some food. However, the whites stated, “We don’t serve your kind around here.” This showed children the type of prejudice that many black men faced at the time. The language of this story was very descriptive. The author wrote about the men’s journey by saying, “We jostled by Johnstown, hiccupped past Harrisburg and dipped over the Delaware before finally landing at Mercer Airport in West show more Trenton, New Jersey.” This can give students the opportunity to learn descriptive vocabulary and enhance the text. This Biography book had a meaningful theme because it showed how two black men overcame many obstacles and accomplished their dreams. The characters also acted and spoke in authentic ways for the time period. The big idea/ message of this story is no matter your race, age, gender, or culture you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Allen and Banning were both told they were never going to be able to fly. However, they proved everyone wrong and they did fly across the country. This showed readers to set high goals for themselves and if they believe they will be able to achieve. show less

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 show more “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. show less

"The Hallelujah Flight" shows readers to follow your dreams regardless of the odds. The men created the plane from scratch and it was a lot of hard work, but they made the plane. Also the men showed the importance of ignoring those who go against you. Their peers mocked them and even called them the flying hobos. The 2 men were able to fly the plane across the country, despite others' disbeliefs. This book illustrates the time period of the book. The people were broke and barely had food because it was the Great Depression. The 2 men received prejudice due to the lack of rights African Americans had during that time. Regardless of all of the conflict, the men made the trip and were considered heroes.

This was a great book! The flying hoboes traveled thr country inspiring people during the great depression. Just because the country was going through a tough time, doesnt mean people had to give up on their dreams. This book also illuminates some of the prejudice that existed at this time and still exists to this day. African Americans and whites are all people and they all have dreams.

“The Hallelujah Flight,” by Phil Bildner was an incredible story about two African Americans who decided to fly across the whole United States. At the start of the story, people were making fun of them and called them the flying hoboes. For the most part, they had people help them throughout their whole journey. After they left from visiting their family they ran into some people who didn't agree with what they were doing. The main character in the story even says in one part “However, as we headed on east, we encountered something far more dangerous than hot weather and night fall: Prejudice.” At this point in the story, we can see that the story is taking place in the time when blacks and whites weren't even. The author also show more emphasized this by making the word prejudice stand by itself and capitalize it. This book is about way more than just two men trying to fly across the United States, it is trying to show and explain to young children what discrimination is. At one point in the story we can get the feel for discrimination when the airport supervisor told them that they need to go back to where they came from. At the end of the book, the two men finally make it to New York and this shows the lesson of never giving up. The two men never once listened to anyone telling them that they can't do it. They tried their hardest every day and they finally made it to where they wanted to be! show less