For the child curious about history, this book reveals the true, often challenging, stories of diverse airmen who bravely served, defying racial barriers.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is ready to understand that history is complex and that being a hero involves overcoming more than just the enemy. This nonfiction work contrasts the stories of celebrated white aviators Alcock and Brown, the first to fly nonstop across the Atlantic, with Eugene Bullard, the first Black American military pilot, who had to fly for France in WWI because his own country barred him. The book unflinchingly explores themes of resilience, bravery, and the profound injustice of systemic racism. Ideal for readers ages 9 to 14, it offers a crucial, nuanced perspective on history, celebrating incredible achievements while exposing the painful realities of a racially segregated world.
Deals with themes of injustice, struggle, and a lack of recognition for a deserving hero.
Sensitive Topics
The book's primary sensitive topic is racism, which is handled directly, historically, and without apology. It details systemic discrimination, segregation, and personal prejudice Bullard faced in both the United States and, to a lesser extent, abroad. The approach is secular and fact-based. The resolution for Bullard is realistic: his life was one of constant struggle, and his incredible accomplishments were not formally recognized by the U.S. until decades after his death. There are also non-graphic descriptions of the dangers of early flight and aerial combat in WWI.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 10-14 year old who is interested in history, aviation, or military stories and is ready for a narrative that challenges simplistic notions of heroism. This book is perfect for a child who is beginning to ask questions about fairness, equality, and why historical accounts often leave certain people out.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the harsh realities of Jim Crow America and the overt racism of the early 20th century. The book does not shy away from this. Previewing the chapters about Bullard's attempts to find work and respect after the war would be helpful. The book benefits from a conversation about how much (and how little) has changed regarding racial equality. A parent might pick this up after seeing their child read a standard WWII or aviation hero story. The trigger is the desire to provide a more complete and diverse picture of history, especially after a child asks, "Were there any Black pilots back then?" or expresses curiosity about the Civil Rights movement's historical roots.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely focus on the adventure of flying and the clear injustice of one hero being celebrated while another is ignored. An older reader (11-14) will better grasp the systemic nature of the racism, the international political context, and the tragic irony of Bullard fighting for freedoms abroad that he was denied at home. They will take away a more sophisticated understanding of historical complexity.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many biographies that focus on a single subject, this book's unique power comes from its comparative structure. By placing the story of the celebrated white airmen directly alongside Bullard's, it makes the impact of racism undeniable and stark. It's not just telling you racism existed; it's showing you its direct consequences on recognition, fame, and fortune.
Read plot summary
This book presents a dual narrative, contrasting the lives and careers of two sets of early 20th-century aviators. It follows John Alcock and Arthur Brown, the white British pilots who became international celebrities for making the first nonstop transatlantic flight. In parallel, it tells the story of Eugene Bullard, an African American man from Georgia who, facing intense racism at home, moved to France and became the first Black military pilot, flying for his adopted country in World War I. The book highlights the stark differences in their reception and recognition, using their stories to explore the pervasive racism of the era.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The author tells the stories of Eugene Bullard and the team of Alcock and Brown at the same time. Why do you think he chose to structure the book this way instead of writing two separate stories?
2
Eugene Bullard had to leave the United States and fly for France to become a military pilot. What does his story tell us about the meaning of patriotism and fighting for a country?
3
After the war, Alcock and Brown were celebrated with parades and prizes, while Bullard struggled to find work as a pilot. What does this difference in reception show about society's values at the time?
4
The book is called 'Black and White Airmen'. Besides the race of the main subjects, what other things in the book are presented as 'black and white' or as clear examples of right and wrong?
