"The Hallelujah Flight" by Phil Bildner, Illustrated by John Holyfield

Image Courtesy of: http://philbildner.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/HallelujahFlight.jpg

Bibliographic Citation

Title: The Hallelujah Flight

Author: Phil Bildner

Illustrator: John Holyfield

Year of Publication: 2010

Publisher City: New York

Publisher: G. P. Putnam’s Sons

ISBN: 9780399247897

Author Website: http://philbildner.com/

Illustrator Website: http://holyfieldstudio.com/catalog/index.php

Media Used for Artwork: Acrylic Paint

Copyright 2010/2011

Awards

·         School Library Journal Starred Review

·         Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee, 2011-2012

Annotation

This is a fictionalized account of the Flying Hoboes, James Banning and Thomas Allen, as they journey across the United States in 1932 in a broken down airplane.  Throughout their journey they encounter harsh weather, prejudice, and about all fame.

Personal Reaction

                This picture book brings to readers’ attention two men who became famous during the Great Depression because of their endurance and ability to persevere over many hardships.  The Flying Hoboes are not commonly known, but this book keeps them apparent in history.  By older readers reading these types of books they will be able to learn about a variety of figures in history and not just those who are written about in textbooks.

                The text gives a great overview of the Flying Hoboes journey, telling about the many challenges they endured.  The addition of the prejudice they had to deal with is brought to a reader’s attention while not overwhelming it with the overall journey they endure.

                The texture of the acrylic paint and canvas adds an aged quality and makes a reader feel as if they are looking at an art gallery of images related to their journey.  Each illustration works with the text, providing a brief snapshot for every adventure the Flying Hoboes go through.