Military Aircraft of WWI Book

Used mainly for reconnaissance, the first wartime pilots merely waved in greeting at passing enemy pilots. By the end of WWI, airplanes had evolved into deadly fighting ...

Susan Hepler, Ph.D. - Children's Literature

"The Story of Flight" series celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight and presents the history of aviation. Full-color illustrations and photographs show aviation's greatest moments, famous pilots, and numerous aircraft. This entry deals with airplanes of WWI and the evolution of the plane from a mere reconnaissance machine to a fighting machine. Two-page entries on such subjects as European flying aces and the American Eddie Rickenbacker, a short entry on the famous Red Baron, and the development of aircraft carriers bring readers into the action. Numerous small pictures with accompanying text break up the pages and encourage browsing and scanning. Each volume ends with a spotters' guide showing a series of relevant planes and listing their specs, such as country of origin, description, length, wingspan, and speed that invites readers to compare planes and their usage. An index and glossary, but no Web sites, are included. This series is bound to appeal to boy readers and its format encourages less able readers to dip in, as well. 2003, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 9 to 14.