Joe-Joe's First Flight

At first glance, one would think that this book was written for young African-American readers, but that assumption would be wrong. This book illustrates to all children the importance of dreaming and reaching beyond the confines that society puts on them. What was a dream one day, becomes reality the next. On another level, this book educates people of all ages and races about a time in history. About how Black Americans not only dreamed of the future, but have achieved the future. This is a message that all Americans can take to heart. Natasha Tapley's writting and Earl Lewis's amazing pictures combine perfectly once again.

This book tells the story of an African American boy who dreams of flying an airplane during the age of segregation in the 1920s, when blacks were not allowed to fly. Not only does the story provide useful historical information (including an author's note about other black aviators), it also teaches kids the importance of believing in themselves and never giving up on their dreams, no matter what obstacles are put in their way. The lovely watercolor illustrations are the perfect complement to the beautiful lyrical language of the story. A must read.

E.B. Lewis provides realistic and warm watercolors to accompany this story by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley of segregation in the 1920s. Young Joe-Joe has always wanted to fly an airplane, but his first lesson never seems to happen despite his father's work at the local airport. His determination to fly makes for a warm story for kids with good picturebook reading skills.