In 1942, when comic strip heroes were characters such as Terry (of Terry and the Pirates) and a pilot named Smilin’ Jack, Wings Over The World would have been welcome by younger readers
High Point: At a time when WW2 wasn’t going well for the Allies, these upbeat stories could have provided a little optimism for younger readers.
Low Point: Some stories depict technology that was clearly not feasible even to readers in 1942.
Editor: Leo Margulies
Publication Date: 1942
Genre: Fiction – Young Adult
On the fly leaf of my copy of Wings Over The World, an inscription reads:
“To Robert
from
Daddy & Mother
Christmas 1942”
This book, an anthology of aviation war stories for younger readers, would have made a marvelous Christmas present in 1942. The world, of course, was at war. America was united, but had encountered mostly discouraging news during the year. It’s not difficult to imagine parents gifting their children a book full of tales of American heroes fighting against the odds, and coming out on top every time.
The stories don’t make the trip to the 21st century gracefully. But in 1942, when comic strip heroes were characters such as Terry (of Terry and the Pirates) and a pilot named Smilin’ Jack, this book would have been welcome by younger readers.
I’m sure Robert enjoyed Wings Over The World.
Sources For This Book
Free eBook (Project Gutenberg): Not available
Free Audiobook (LibriVox): Not available
Available to Purchase: AbeBooks, Biblio, Thriftbooks
