About This Book:
The true story of Barrington Irving, who broke records as the youngest person and first Black man to fly solo around the world—co-authored by Barrington and award-winning author Chana Stiefel, with art by New York Times bestselling illustrator Shamar Knight-Justice
As a kid, Barrington Irving moved from Jamaica to Miami and played football—his ticket to success, he thought. But then Captain Gary Robinson swooped into his life. Barrington had never seen a Black pilot before. Captain Robinson showed Barrington a jet, a cockpit, and what it was like to actually fly a plane—
WHOAAA!
After that, Barrington had big plans, and two words:
Let’s Fly!
Barrington Irving worked hard to become a pilot, and even harder to inspire other people to think big too. How big? A flight around the WORLD big. Climb aboard for the true story of how Barrington Irving went from tinkering kid to towering pilot and flew solo around the world—breaking records as the youngest person and first Black man ever to do it. With maps, labels, lists, and cool backmatter, including news of what Barring Irving is doing today, this book soars.
Buckle up! Sky-high dreams ahead.
*Review Contributed By Sara Perrera, Staff Reviewer*
Inspiring Picture Book
Barrington Irving teamed up with author Chana Stiefel to tell the story of his life and his amazing accomplishment of being the youngest person and the first Black man to fly solo around the world.
Barrington Irving was born in Jamaica but grew up in Miami, Florida. It was there that he met Captain Robinson, who introduced him to the idea of becoming a pilot. And right then, the course of his life changed forever. Barrington not only became a pilot, but he also had a goal to fly around the world. He met some roadblocks along the way, but he never gave up on his dream.
What I Liked: I enjoyed learning about a person who had such a huge impact on history. I had never heard of Barrington Irving before reading this book, and I am impressed with how determined he was to achieve his dreams. The illustrations in the book are bright and engaging and help connect readers to the story.
What Left Me Wanting More: Picture book biographies are an excellent way to introduce history and famous people to young readers. This book is geared toward three- to seven-year-olds, and it does a great job of writing for that audience. I found myself wanting to know a bit more about Barrington Irving and felt like some longer text could have helped me learn more about the famous aviator.
Let’s Fly: Barrington Irving’s Record-Breaking Flight Around the World is an engaging picture book that will inspire young readers to follow their dreams.
