Do you know who invented the hot-air balloon, or mastered flight in the dirigible? Who was the first pilot to fly across America, or cross the Atlantic from east to west? To find the answers to these questions, you need to meet the aviators, those dreamers, daredevils, and inventors who were always looking to find that "momentary escape from the eternal custody of earth. As author, Bo Zaunders, tells us in his informative and intriging introduction..."Throughout history, people have gone to extraordinary lengths pursuing the dream of human flight." They strapped on wings, built elaborate contraptions, and risked life and limb, all to defy gravity, rise above the ground and fly like birds. Mr Zaunders leaves the very well known and famous, like the Wright brothers, Charles Lindbergh, and Amelia Earhart in his introduction, and goes on to profile seven lesser known, though no less fascinating aviators, The Montfolfier brothers, Alberto Santos-Dumont, Cal Rodgers, Bessie Coleman, Jimmy Doolittle, Beryl Markham, and "Wrong Way" Corrigan. Each easy to read and engaging chapter is full of fun facts, history, drama, and humor, and complemented by Roxie Munro's bold, bright and colorful artwork, which enhances each biographical portrait, and adds to all the fun. Perfect for youngsters 9-12, Feathers, Flaps, & Flops is an entertaining and inspiring read that's sure to whet the appetites of all young aviation enthusiasts.

This fascinating history of early flight is a hoot. Dramatic stories of real people and their adventures are presented with rich language and humor. Detailed illustrations match the text. A bibliography is included.

Biography blends with geography and vivid illustrations as the adventures of eight people are shared. In easy to read text, readers are treated to the successes and failures which make up the fabric the lives of those featured.