The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh
Charles Lindbergh was widely celebrated for his accomplishments as an aviator, having made the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris when he was just 25. He was promoted in the press as a quiet, courageous American hero, a romantic, and, later, a family man who suffered an unspeakable tragedy when his young son was kidnapped and killed. But Fleming is not one to wallow in Lindbergh’s glory or tragedy. Through meticulous research, she uncovers details about the man that sharply contrast with his popular image; in truth, he was a controlling, racist, Nazi sympathizer who became a star speaker at “America First” rallies. Fleming is skilled at presenting both sides of this complex man, warts and all, by building his life story through a series of scenes and judiciously chosen quotations. Written with grace and fluidity, it’s a hard-to-put down work even without the parallels to contemporary events that will resonate with many young readers, whether or not they know—or think they know—about this popular “hero” of the 20th century. ©2021 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 12 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
20th Century
Biography
Flight/Aviation
Perspective/Point of View
Racism
Truth and Lies
Xenophobia
Publisher:
Schwartz & Wade
Publish Year: 2020
Pages: 372
ISBN: 9780525646549
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 629 Fleming