Memoir:
The Hallelujah Flight
Bibliography:
Bildner, P., & Holyfield, J. (2010). The hallelujah flight. G.P. Putnam's Sons.
Plot Summary:
This book tells the story of Thomas Allen and James Banning flying across the United States, through hard work, prejudice, and kindness. The story starts when Banning states that his dream is to fly a plane from coast to coast, he has the plane but he needs it to be fixed. Allen and Banning begin working with the support of people and receive the name "flying hobos", but alas, on September 19, 1932, the OSS6 Eagle Rock sets off in Los Angeles. The plane rises then dives, not making it out of California, but at least the two know it can fly. They make a plan to allow people to sign their names on the wing if they can help the two piolets with food, clothes, tools, parts, supplies, and even a place to stay. They set off again, and start receiving prejudice, they weren't allowed to use the restroom or buy food, but in Oklahoma, they received support and more people sign their wings. They continue on and on October 9, 1932, they land in Harlem, welcomed by crowds of people cheering on the flying hobos on what they called "The Hallelujah Flight".
Personal Connection:
I'm not able to connect my own experiences to this story in too many ways as I have never received prejudice based on my skin color, but I have received some doubt on my dreams. It's defiantly discouraging, to hear someone tell you that what you want, what you dream and desire cannot happen, and I cannot begin to imagine that people say this because of the way someone looks. But just like Allen and Banning, we have to carry on and follow our dreams, be ambitious and live life however we want, without other people's criticisms. This is a very valuable lesson to teach to kids, because the world is mean, hateful, and discouraging, it's so easy to lose hope and to just fall into the cycle of the world. But this doesn't have to be, yes, following a dream or a goal is scary, but if you want it, it can happen, with hard work, determination, and perseverance. This is an excellent book to teach kids, especially those students who are of color, as skin color does not define your worth and ability, you do.
Classroom Connection:
This book could be a great resource on a lesson on race and racial prejudice now and throughout history. Literature can provide excellent examples of this prejudice, and it's important to teach history and current events of this topic as soon as possible and to continue teaching throughout the student's school career. One assignment I would do with students involving this book could be a book report, where students discuss the characters, plot, main events, and ending. Students can make a shadow box, poster, trifold, or just a graphic organizer to discuss these points and aspects of the box as well as create a visual aid. Another aspect of this project I would include is a personal connection, how the students feel knowing this information of racial prejudice, so they can start to develop their opinions. Teaching these difficult young should be necessary, and allowing the students to express their feelings and thoughts can help them to take it seriously and remember the information.
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