Now Let Me Fly

Starred review from January 2, 2023
The winding life of Eugene Bullard (1895–1961), one of the first Black American fighter pilots, is streamlined by Wimberly (Prince of Cats) into a deservedly ripping folk hero origin tale. Born in Jim Crow–era Georgia, young Bullard stares down terror when a lynch mob invades his home seeking to kill his father. He runs away “to go someplace where people don’t want to kill us” and later stows on a boat headed toward Europe, which drops him off near Aberdeen. Prizefighting takes him to Paris; along the way he meets other Black expats, such as heavyweight Jack Johnson. In France he joins up with a patchwork infantry during WWI. Blazing trench warfare kills fellow soldiers and his own injuries earn a Croix de Guerre. Bullard’s valiant reputation secures him a spot on a flying corps of American mercenaries despite his lack of piloting skills. A quick study, he’s soon dogfighting Germans with a pet monkey riding along. Wimberly’s script navigates haunting scenes of racism and ultimate optimism and triumph. Revel (Guerillas) draws emotive faces and propulsive action, as fluidly rendering a boxing ring as a battlefield. Yellow and white coloring with deep inks reinforce the period landscape while lettered sound effects resonate. It carries off the lift of a pulp adventure, while memorializing Bullard’s warrior spirit.

Starred review from May 1, 2023

This narrative nonfiction account of the first Black American military pilot to fly in combat opens with a businessman working in Rockefeller Center being trapped in an elevator with operator Eugene Bullard. He talks with Bullard and is amazed and skeptical to learn Bullard was a fighter pilot in France. Once Bullard shows his medal, the man wants to hear his story. Bullard's life begins in Georgia, and readers witness the moment of his father fleeing men who want to lynch him, then follow as Bullard leaves home in search of a place free of prejudice. Hearing life might be better for him in Europe, he stows away on a freighter. In England, Bullard performs vaudeville and boxes for a living, but still experiences discrimination. A trip to Paris gives Bullard the world he is seeking-a place of equality and respect-and he settles there as WWI breaks out. He joins the French Foreign Legion, is wounded at the Front, and honored for his courage. Despite his injury, Bullard applies to be a gunner on a plane, but is recruited to train as a pilot instead. Bullard continues his military career in the air and survives intense air battles. The narrative and visuals do not shy away from the violence of war or the racism Bullard experienced. The black, white, and sepia-toned illustrations create the feel of faded, old photos. A bibliography and photo of Bullard are included. VERDICT Bullard's life was full of danger, adventure, and opportunities he created, and this fascinating story has very broad appeal. A great first purchase for all libraries.-Tamara Saarinen

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.