Skip to Main Content

Wind Flyers

Illustrated by Loren Long

About The Book

Three-time Coretta Scott King Award–winning author Angela Johnson and New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long introduce readers to a band of under-celebrated World War II heroes—the Tuskegee Airmen.

All he ever wanted to do was fly.

With fleeting prose and transcendent imagery, this book reveals how a boy’s love of flight takes him on a journey from the dusty dirt roads of Alabama to the war-torn skies of Europe and into the hearts of those who are only now beginning to understand the part these brave souls played in the history of America.

About The Author

Photograph by Roz Pinkard

Angela Johnson has won three Coretta Scott King Awards, one each for her novels The First Part Last, Heaven, and Toning the Sweep. The First Part Last was also the recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award. She is also the author of the novels Looking for Red and A Certain October. Her books for younger readers include the Coretta Scott King Honor Book When I Am Old with You, illustrated by David Soman; Wind Flyers and I Dream of Trains, both illustrated by Loren Long; and Lottie Paris Lives Here and its sequel Lottie Paris and the Best Place, both illustrated by Scott M. Fischer. Additional picture books include A Sweet Smell of Roses, Just Like Josh Gibson, The Day Ray Got Away, and All Different Now. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Angela was named a 2003 MacArthur Fellow. She lives in Kent, Ohio. Visit her at AJohnsonAuthor.com.

About The Illustrator

Photograph © Helen Adams

Loren Long illustrated President Barack Obama’s Of Thee I Sing; the newest version of The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper; Madonna’s second picture book, Mr. Peabody’s Apples; Nightsong by Ari Berk; Frank McCourt’s Angela and the Baby Jesus; Love by Matt de la Peña; and If I Was the Sunshine by Julie Fogliano. He also wrote and illustrated the Otis series and was part of the Design Garage for Jon Scieszka’s Trucktown series. Loren’s work has appeared in Time, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic. He lives with his wife and two sons in Cincinnati, Ohio. Visit him at LorenLong.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (October 29, 2013)
  • Length: 32 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481409889
  • Ages: 5 - 9

Browse Related Books

Raves and Reviews

"This is beautiful! A perfect way to educate young people and make them aware of the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen. This book makes me even prouder that my dad was a member of this prestigious group." -- Robin Roberts, anchor, ABC News, Good Morning America

Awards and Honors

  • Bank Street Best Books of the Year
  • Emphasis On Reading Program Master List (AL)
  • Ohioana Book Award
  • Red Clover Book Award (VT)
  • Delaware Diamonds Award Program Master List

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Angela Johnson

More books from this illustrator: Loren Long