First Flight Around the World: The Adventures of the American Fliers Who Won the Race - Hardcover

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, maintains the largest collection of historic air- and spacecraft in the world, including the plane Chicago and a copy of First Lieutenant Leslie Arnold’s journal.
Tim Grove is Chief of Museum Learning at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. He has written a number of exhibition and website components for young people, including Web activities. His children’s newspaper insert about the Lewis and Clark expedition for Newspapers in Education was distributed nationally. Grove lives in Falls Church, Virginia.

Gr 5–8—This gripping, well-designed title details the United States' 1924 successful attempt to become the first nation to circumnavigate the globe by flight. The U.S. Army sent four planes; other nations, eager to make their marks, took up the challenge as well. The journey began on April 6, 1924 in Seattle and concluded on September 9, 1924, when the Chicago, the only one of the four American planes that made the entire trip, landed back in Seattle. This volume recounts the story of the Americans' adventures, detailing hardships, such as harsh weather and mechanical breakdowns. Despite the obstacles they faced, the crew of the Chicago achieved the goal, learning about different cultures and becoming goodwill ambassadors along the way. The writing is accessible, while the composition and page layout are extremely attractive, featuring tons of maps and historical photographs, and are sure to captivate readers through the stunning use of color. The back matter is thorough and includes an itinerary based on the official report of the flight. VERDICT Offering a look at a lesser-known historical event, this beautiful, well-written book is an essential addition for all collections.—Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colls., Mt. Carmel