Download high-resolution image
Listen to a clip from the audiobook
audio pause button
0:00
0:00
The true story of Barrington Irving, who broke records as the youngest person and first Black man to fly solo around the world—co-authored by Barrington and award-winning author Chana Stiefel

As a kid, Barrington Irving moved from Jamaica to Miami and played football—his ticket to success, he thought. But then Captain Gary Robinson swooped into his life. Barrington had never seen a Black pilot before. Captain Robinson showed Barrington a jet, a cockpit, and what it was like to actually fly a plane
WHOAAA!

After that, Barrington had big plans, and two words:
Let's Fly!

Barrington Irving worked hard to become a pilot, and even harder to inspire other people to think big too. How big? A flight around the WORLD big. Climb aboard for the true story of how Barrington Irving went from tinkering kid to towering pilot and flew solo around the world—breaking records as the youngest person and first Black man ever to do it.

Buckle up! Sky-high dreams ahead.

“Rich and inspiring . . . Will have young flying enthusiasts riveted.”SLJ
“High-octane [and] heroic.Booklist.
“Uplifting . . . Will put the wind under readers’ wings.”Kirkus
CHANA STIEFEL is a children's book author and freelance writer. She has written more than 20 nonfiction books and dozens of articles for kids. Her writing offers a fresh, new perspective on topics including wildlife, weather, volcanoes, earthquakes, skyscrapers, forensics, and many other science and history-related subjects. View titles by Chana Stiefel
*A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year*
*A Children's Book Council Notable Social Studies Trade Book Selection*

*A Fuse #8 Unique Biographies Selection*

“Energetic illustrations effectively convey the narrator’s personal drive, ambitions, achievements, the wonders of flight, and diagrams. . . . This rich and inspiring true story will have young flying enthusiasts riveted.” —School Library Journal

“Uplifting [and] attractive . . . Will put the wind under readers’ wings.” —Kirkus

“High-octane [and] heroic . . . An afterword and time line supply more detail about [Captain Barrington Irving’s] flight and his subsequent work with young people. —Booklist.

About

The true story of Barrington Irving, who broke records as the youngest person and first Black man to fly solo around the world—co-authored by Barrington and award-winning author Chana Stiefel

As a kid, Barrington Irving moved from Jamaica to Miami and played football—his ticket to success, he thought. But then Captain Gary Robinson swooped into his life. Barrington had never seen a Black pilot before. Captain Robinson showed Barrington a jet, a cockpit, and what it was like to actually fly a plane
WHOAAA!

After that, Barrington had big plans, and two words:
Let's Fly!

Barrington Irving worked hard to become a pilot, and even harder to inspire other people to think big too. How big? A flight around the WORLD big. Climb aboard for the true story of how Barrington Irving went from tinkering kid to towering pilot and flew solo around the world—breaking records as the youngest person and first Black man ever to do it.

Buckle up! Sky-high dreams ahead.

“Rich and inspiring . . . Will have young flying enthusiasts riveted.”SLJ
“High-octane [and] heroic.Booklist.
“Uplifting . . . Will put the wind under readers’ wings.”Kirkus

Author

CHANA STIEFEL is a children's book author and freelance writer. She has written more than 20 nonfiction books and dozens of articles for kids. Her writing offers a fresh, new perspective on topics including wildlife, weather, volcanoes, earthquakes, skyscrapers, forensics, and many other science and history-related subjects. View titles by Chana Stiefel

Praise

*A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year*
*A Children's Book Council Notable Social Studies Trade Book Selection*

*A Fuse #8 Unique Biographies Selection*

“Energetic illustrations effectively convey the narrator’s personal drive, ambitions, achievements, the wonders of flight, and diagrams. . . . This rich and inspiring true story will have young flying enthusiasts riveted.” —School Library Journal

“Uplifting [and] attractive . . . Will put the wind under readers’ wings.” —Kirkus

“High-octane [and] heroic . . . An afterword and time line supply more detail about [Captain Barrington Irving’s] flight and his subsequent work with young people. —Booklist.

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

Read more

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

Read more

Books for Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month this February and beyond, we are highlighting essential fiction and nonfiction for students, teachers, and parents to share and discuss. Join Penguin Random House Education in celebrating the contributions of Black authors and illustrators by exploring the titles here: Black History – Elementary School Titles Explore additional books by

Read more