Sprouting Wings: The True Story of James Herman Banning, the First African American Pilot to Fly Across the United States

Dive into the skies with "Sprouting Wings: The True Story of James Herman Banning, the First African American Pilot to Fly Across the United States." This beautifully illustrated picture book captures the daring and determination of James Herman Banning, an Oklahoma farm boy whose dreams soared far beyond the dusty fields of his youth. Despite facing racial barriers and overwhelming odds, Banning's unwavering ambition led him to make a historic 3,300-mile flight across America, a journey that took twenty-one days and forever marked the pages of aviation history. Published on January 5, 2021, and enriched with art from Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper, this book not only narrates an inspiring tale but also serves as a crucial lesson in racial justice and educational equity. Ideal for elementary school readers, "Sprouting Wings" invites young minds to explore the limitless sky of opportunities and encourages them to think about how perseverance and courage can help overcome the challenges set by society. This story is a testament to dreaming big and flying high, no matter the obstacles.