Above the Trenches

Reach for this book when your child is obsessed with how things work or is looking for a way to process history through a lens of grit and ingenuity. This installment of the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series follows the true story of the Lafayette Escadrille, the American volunteer pilots who flew for France during World War I. It is a masterclass in blending technical mechanical detail with the high-stakes bravery of early aviation. While it tackles the realities of the Great War, it does so with a focus on resilience and the collaborative spirit of the pilots and their support crews. The graphic novel format makes complex historical timelines and engineering concepts accessible and exciting for middle-grade readers. Parents will appreciate how it honors historical figures through humor and facts, making it an excellent choice for kids who prefer true stories to fiction.