Jump into the Sky

by Shelley Pearsall

It's May 5, 1945. Carrying nothing but a suitcase and a bag of his aunt's good fried chicken, 13-year-old Levi Battle heads south to a U.S. Army post in search of his father—a lieutenant in an elite unit of all black paratroopers. The fact that his father doesn't even know he's coming turns out to be the least of his problems.

As Levi makes his way across the United States, he learns hard lessons about the way a black boy is treated in the Jim Crow South. And when he arrives at his destination, his struggles are far from over. The war may be ending, but his father's secret mission is just beginning—and it's more dangerous than anybody imagined. . . . 

Shelley Pearsall has created an unforgettable character in Levi and gives readers a remarkable tour of 1945 America through his eyes. Jump into the Sky is a tour de force of historical fiction from a writer at the very top of her game.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fiction, World War II, War, Cultural

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

I have written seven novels for youth (ages 10 - 14) which have reached a half-million readers around the world. I'm currently working on several new projects, and I live an ocean-hopping writing life, moving between Scotland and the US.

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where I used to write stories in a bedroom closet (aka my writer’s office). I tried to get my first story published when I was thirteen. However, it took about twenty years before I succeeded. My first novel, Trouble Don't Last, was published in 2002. It received the Scott O'Dell Medal for Historical Fiction, among other honors.

In my seven published books, I've explored a wide range of topics and themes: geometry, pyramids, Elvis impersonators, art, neurodiversity, World War II, the Underground Railroad, and more. I've always believed in the power of books to build bridges and start conversations.

Over the years, my books have received many honors and accolades including: ALA Notable selections, Best Books of the Year, Amazon Book of the Month pick, Scripps National Spelling Bee bookclub selection, National Council for the Social Studies selections, and many state reading award nominations. They have been translated into Japanese, Korean, and Turkish.

Currently, I divide my time between Ohio and Scotland -- where I live in a renovated barn surrounded by hills with lots of sheep! I offer virtual visits and writing workshops for schools in the US and internationally. If you want to know more, check out my website: www.shelleypearsall.com.

Reviews

[Kristina Cardoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUMMARY
Jump into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall was a great historical fiction book! It's 1945 in Chicago, and 13-year-old Levin Battle is being left--again! First his mother ran away, then his brave father was enlisted, so the government took him to serve in the U.S. army, then his new guardian, his grandmother, left (entirely), and he was stuck with his strict Aunt Odella, and now she wants him to leave and go to the place that his father was stationed--down South! When Levi gets there, he finds out that his father has been moved to Oregon! Now he's on a quest across the United States to find his father, and encounters many difficulties involving race along the way... What will Levi do, and can he survive the harsh treatment outside Chicago?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I was very surprised that the author, Shelley Pearsall, was not African American. Ms. Pearsall did an outstanding job of describing the past--from an African American boy's point of view! The author mostly writes historic fictions about people and their struggles. Other books written by Ms. Pearsall are Trouble Don't Last, All Shook Up, All of the Above, and Crooked River. For more information about the author, visit shelleypearsall.com.

MY OPINION
I really liked this book! It was a remarkable African American historical novel for ages 10 and up. It is a wonderful adventure story focusing on the life of a boy about my age. If you enjoy learning about the past as I do, you will truly enjoy this story. It's a great way for kids to see how African Americans were treated in the 40s. I couldn't have imagined living in the South in the 1940s. This book, through the eyes of Levi, showed me a glimpse of what my life might have been like in that era since I'm half black--it makes me appreciate the life that I have today even more. It's amazing how different it was when Levi traveled from the Northern to the Southern states. The end of the story filled me with pride and made me feel like I, too, can be that brave and stand up for what is right despite the dangers it might cause!

**I received a copy of this eBook for free from Random House Children's Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I received no other compensation.**

Jump Into the Sky book review on KC's Best Reviews and More

Kristina Cardoza

[Margo Tanenbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her new historical novel Jump into the Sky, award-winning historical fiction author Shelley Pearsall explores a little known footnote in World War II history--the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the first black paratrooper unit in the U.S. Army.

The story of the 555th unfolds through the eyes of thirteen-year old Levi, who's been living with his aunt in Chicago while his father serves in a secret Army mission. It's May, 1945, and the war is drawing to close. Levi's aunt decides to send him off by train to stay with his father at his dad's last known address, an army post in North Carolina. Not only does his father not know he's coming, Levi arrives in the Jim Crow South without a clue as to the behavior expected of a "colored boy" and almost gets himself killed for trying to buy a Coke at the wrong store. And to make things more difficult, his father's unit has been sent all the way to Oregon. Will Levi have to go back to his aunt, who doesn't want him any more, or will he be able to find his father in Oregon? And will his father survive the dangerous mission assigned to the 555?

This novel is a powerful story of racism and courage in the not-too-distant days of the Jim Crow South and a segregated American military. Although the main characters of Levi and his father are fictitious, the novel is carefully researched and many of the incidents described really happened, including the scene at the country store with the Coca Cola. Moreover, the novel is peppered with colorful real soldiers from the 555th, including "Tiger Ted" Lowry, who once fought Joe Louis in an exhibition match. An author's note describes how she first learned of this battalion, which was part of a secret operation to protect the U.S. from Japanese balloon bombs. This balloon bombing strategy of the Japanese is certainly a "truth is stranger than fiction" story. Pearsall was fortunate to interview a veteran of the unit, Walter Morris. Further details on the 555th can be found at the unit's website, triplenickle.com.

I would highly recommend this book to middle schoolers looking for a good adventure story that brings a little known part of World War II history to life.

[Christina Getrost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from author Shelley Pearsall. It's 1945, and 13 year old Levi, after living three years in Chicago with his aunt, is suddenly sent away by her to live with his father on an Army base in South Carolina. Levi hasn't seen his father in three years, only has the occasional cryptic letter sent from a myriad of Army bases. But Levi is hopeful, despite being very nervous to travel alone for the first time on a train through the segregated South, that his dad will be glad to see him and their relationship will take up right where it left off. Unfortunately, when Levi arrives, his father is gone! Shipped out! The only person still on Base is Cal, a buddy of his dad's whose injury prevented him from shipping with his crewmates. So Levi has to figure out if he can stay here or how he'll find his dad, and is it true what Cal is saying, that Levi's father jumps out of airplanes? Really? An all-African-American paratrooper squadron? Levi's never heard of such a thing!

Based on the true-life stories of the 555th "Triple Nickle" squadron, and full of great period detail, memorable characters, action and humor, told by a warm and funny teen character you'll love to meet. At times this book reminded me of "Bud Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis, in its tone and the sweet funny nature of Levi.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's 1945 and WWII seems to be winding down. The aunt with whom he has been living in Chicago decides that it's time for the father of thirteen-year-old Levi Battle to do his part. It might seem cruel for her to send Levi out on his own in that way, but the author makes it clear that Aunt Odella has spent so much of her life taking care of others that she has little time for herself. Levi takes a train from Chicago to Washington, D.C., and then on North Carolina where his father is stationed. He learns first hand about segregation, prejudice, and hatred along the way where even the simple act of buying a soft drink in Fayetteville can have disatrous consequences. After Levi realizes that his father's squadron has relocated to Pendleton, Oregon, he is befriended by a kind-hearted couple, Cal and Peaches. Not only do they provide him a home, but they bring him along when Cal is sent to Pendleton too to join the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the nation's first African-American paratroopers. The relationship between father and son may have been a bit bumpy as might be expected, but the author creates several likeable characters and tells the story of a ground-breaking military unit while also capturing perfectly the flavor of those times and the different forms in which prejudice existed. It's hard not to root for Levi and wish for him to have a happily ever after.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been years since I've read a Shelley Pearsall novel, but I remember really loving those that I've read in the past. I really liked Jump Into the Sky. I'm not sure that I absolutely loved it. But it was a really good read. I just LOVED the main character, Levi Battle. I really loved his narrative voice, and I enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes. I enjoyed many of the characters, I especially liked Cal, Peaches, and baby Victory. (I loved hearing their love story!) I was so happy that this couple was able to open their hearts and home to Levi when he really needed someone--anyone--to care. And I was pleased that Levi had the opportunity--at last--to get to know his father.

The book was set during the last months of World War II, and it was an interesting read. I enjoyed learning about this historical period. I didn't know about the balloon bombs OR the African American paratroopers. So that was good.

I enjoyed the characters, the writing, the details great and small.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like a little-known historical fiction story as much as the next person, but it was like I kept waiting for the story to get exciting and it kept ALMOST getting exciting, but then meandering away to something else. Levi's voice wasn't strong enough for me to enjoy the book on his character alone and the plot meandered too much to be compelling. Part of my disappointment might be with the cover and title, both of which seem to promise a lot of wartime action, which is not necessarily the fault of the author, but I don't feel like the insides matched. So... it was okay? I think teens who enjoy a more leisurely-paced historical fiction would probably like it, or anyone with a special interest in the lives of African Americans on the WWII homefront.

Readalikes:

BUD NOT BUDDY by Christopher Paul Curtis for the historical (1930s) adventures of a young black boy traveling on his own.

FLYGIRL by Sherri Smith for another story about African Americans on the homefront during WWII.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine read this to me on the road. It is a very well written story of a young African American boy trying to link up with his father serving with the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (Triple Nickle) during WWII. The injustice of racism is clearly demonstrated, while the sacrifice made by those who served is highlighted. A GREAT read, very easy flowing book but one that will make you think and be very grateful for those who served ahead of us. The Paratrooper humor is well done!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great historical novel. I really love the endnote in which the author tells how the book was researched with interviews and which details were taken from real life. The book is based on a little known fact about WWII. A positive male African American character.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction about a boy being sent to live with his father who is a member of the first African American paratroopers, the 555th Triple Nickles. Very true to the time period and the events of the 555th.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

really liked it

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary (Amazon.com)
Levi Battle has been left behind all his life. His mother could sing like a bird and she flew away like one, too. His father left him with his grandmother so he could work as a traveling salesman—until Levi's grandmother left this world entirely. Now Levi's staying with his Aunt Odella while his father is serving in the U.S. Army. But it's 1945, the war is nearly over, and Aunt Odella decides it's time for Levi to do some leaving of his own. Before he can blink, Levi finds himself on a train from Chicago to Fayettville, North Carolina, where his father is currently stationed—last they knew. After a hair- raising and eye opening trip into the Jim Crow South, Levi finds that he has arrived too late. His father has been reassigned and shipped out the day before to Camp Pendleton Oregon with the rest of his troop. The 555 Paratroopers, an all black unit, have been sent on a not too secret mission to fight forest fires as they “guard” the West Coast against rumored attacks by Japanese bomb-carrying balloons, an idea so preposterous that even the soldiers believe it’s just a ruse to keep them sidetracked for the duration of the war. Levi and another trooper left behind in North Carolina to recuperate from a jumping accident, set by train to rejoin the others in Oregon.


My Comments
As a historic fiction book, I think Jump into the Sky does a great job of capturing the mood and feel of America during World War II and also the lives of blacks living and serving in a segregated country and military. Pearsall takes some little known facts of history, the “Triple Nickel” 555th Paratrooper Infantry Battalion composed entirely of black men, and Japanese hot air balloon bombs, and makes them into an interesting backdrop for the story. I did not know about either of these two things before reading Jump into the Sky. Since then I have come across an interesting nonfiction book, Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickels America’s First Black Paratroopers by Tanya Lee Stone, which explains the story of these black paratroopers in greater detail. Pearsall also does a great job of capturing the authentic feel of the times with her descriptions and references to people and events, (Lena Horne, Joe Lewis, and Uncle Otis’ Chevrolet sedan pulling into a parking space “like an Allied warship docking.”)
Dealing with segregation is a major theme in this book, but the author is very careful to leave out the “n” word or anything else that might be overly offensive to blacks. However, the terms “Jap” and “Japs” are used extensively. As a resident of Chicago, I loved the local setting and references to Union Station and Wrigley gum among others. Jump into the Sky, despite its title doesn’t have much action, and is slow paced, but it does have interesting and well developed characters, including Levi, his Aunt Odella and great Uncle Otis. This book would appeal to boys, history lovers and people of color – best for grades 5 and up.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jump into the sky by Shelley Pearsall was a great historical fiction book. It take place during 1945 a kid named Levi Battle lives with his Aunt in Chicago. When he was younger his mom Queen B. Walker left him and his father alone together. His father soon joined the army to fight against the Japaneses and to protect his country he was also part of the African American Paratroops. When Levi is at the age of 13 his aunt had had enough raising Levi and sent him off to North Carolina to find his father. During his journey he runs into some difficult parts of the country where segregation is still happening. Levi has never witnessed segregation before. He see signs all over the place marked Colored and White. Meanwhile he also runs into some of his fathers friends. A man named Cow was also part of the army but had a bad leg so he was taking a break and his wife named Peaches who was pregnant. Cow promises they will help him find his father. I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read historical fiction books.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text to Self- It was amazing to me read about the triple nickels and their impact on our country. I had never heard about the troop and actually looked up information to make sure it was real. It was sad to hear the treatment of the troops were not equal as troops that were white.
1. Why did Levi have to leave Chicago?
2. Explain why Levi had to sit in a separate section of the train once he entered the South?
3. What questions would you ask the general store owner who attacked Levi?
4. Why do you think Cal and Peaches allowed Levi travel across country with them?
5. What is your opinion with the author having one of the members of the triple nickels get killed during their last mission?
6. How do you predict Levi’s life will turn out now that he is rejoined with his father Charles?

(2012, September 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...

[Sha'Niece · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS STORY JUMP INTO THE SKY WAS AN OKAY BOOK. WHAT I MEAN BY THAT IS IT HAD SOME GOOD/FUNNY PARTS IN IT. BUT IT ALSO HAD SOME BORING PARTS IN IT TOO. THE BOOK WAS ABOUT A BOY NAMED LEVI AND HIS LIFE HIS MOM QVEEN BEE WALKER LEFT HIS AT A CLUB AND TOOK OFF. SO LEVI LIVED WITH HIS AUNT ODELLA BECAUSE HIS DAD CHARLES WAS A PARATROOPER. BUT ONE DAY HIS AUNT TOLD LEVI HE HAD TO MOVE OUT AND GO LIVE WITH HIS DAD.SO THAT SAME DAY LEVI GETS ON THE TRAIN. HE WENT THROUGH A LOT BEFORE HE FINALLY REACHED HIS FARTHER.BUT WHEN HE GOT THERE SOMEBODY TOLD HIM THAT HIS DAD GOT SHIPPED TO A DIFFERENT PLACE. SO CAL AND PEACHES WERE GOOD FRIENDS WITH HIS DAD SO THEY LET LEVI STAY WITH THEM.MONTHS WENT PASS AND LEVI FINALLY GETS TO MEET HIS DAD AFTER SO MANY YEARS.AFTER THEY MEET LEVI'S WHOLE LIFE CHANGES.


THE BOOK JUMP INTO THE SKY HAD SOME REALLY GOOD PARTS AND SOME BORING PARTS.THE PEOPLE THAT I WOULD SAY WILL LIKE THIS BOOK ARE KIDS THAT HAVE PARENTS IN THE ARMY.

[Gayle Dill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle School - Historical Fiction
Levi Battle has lived with his aunt in Chicago for 3 yrs. when she decides to send him off unannounced to his father's base, Ft. Mackall, in NC. Levi experiences the Jim Crow south as he travels by train only to find his father's battalion has just shipped out to Pendleton, OR. Cal and Peaches take Levi under their wing, taking him along to OR when Cal gets orders to join his battalion. Levi become reacquainted with his father in OR and when the war ends, decides to make a life with his dad at the base in NC. Historical note: the 55th Parachute Infantry Battalion was an all black group of paratroopers who never saw war action (racism), but fought forest fires in the NW while watching for Japanese balloon bombs.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heard of the Tuskegee Airmen? Most have, but few stories have been told of the segregated paratroop group, the "triple nickels", or 555th group who never made it off the continent into the war, despite training and excellence. The central character, Levi, is a thirteen year old Chicago kid who has been left behind all his life. He is launched into many rude awakenings as WWII nears its end and he finds himself leaving the familiar turf of his neighborhood, learning to deal with Jim Crow racism, his absent father, sorting out truths from assumptions and stories, and finding out if he is even capable of trusting or believing anyone who matters.

[Darrien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loves when Jester/Levi found his dad for the first time in a long time.I think it was an OK book.I don't like this book because,it was so sad.People where dying and one of the solders named Micky. This story is mainly about a boy named Levi got left by his mother Queen Bee Walker.His aunt bring him in and she raised him.He rod to Pendiltan from Chicago. He found his dad and it was a good moment. His Dad fount out about the japes made balloon bombs. And you haft to read the rest for the book

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was the story about the 555th in WWII. It was about black/white relations in different parts of the country. As a teacher, it would be a book that I would read/discuss with middle school students. I was very impressed with Pearsall's historical narrative.

[Kenneth Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that jump into the sky is a good book I recommend this book to audiences. Even if you don't like historical fiction . in the beginning Levi/Chester is living with His aunt O Della His life was good until one day...

[Msjodi777 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story, made even better by the perfect narrator.

[Philip Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read books with my special needs son as part of our time together. We recently completed reading "Jump Into the Sky" and loved it. It is a very special book which tracks the life journey of one young thirteen year old African American boy during the last year of World War II. From his home in Chicago, he travels about the country to reunite with this army father - first to the Jim Crow South where he experiences for the first time the hatred and bigotry that is, sadly, still found in the hearts of many today. His travels continue to the western part of the country, as do his life-changing experiences.

It is a book about growing up, bonding with a missing parent, the heartaches of abandonment, bigotry in its truest and ugliest forms in the old South, and the ironies of serving your country and still being faced with the hatred of your fellow citizens. . . The book masterfully blends these themes -- but not in a heavy-handed way -- but with much humor and sage thinking by a boy who is wise in the ways of the world well beyond his years. . . . My son and I laughed and cried with the many wonderful characters who are encountered in this book.

The book is listed for a "YA" reader, but I believe that it blends historical fiction, life-lessons, and humor and is so well-written that it should be considered splendid reading material for people of all ages, not simply young adults. . . . The book is especially relevant in today's times where hatred, bigotry, and the like are back in the news (not that these themes have ever left us!) following the riots and death in Charlottsville, VA and the responses of all people on all sides of the political spectrum. . . Pick up this book! You will learn much, not only about the 555 African-American Paratroop Division during World War II, but about family, and living together in harmony, as well.

[Erika Reynolds · Rating 1 out of 5]

The history behind this story (as mentioned in the author’s note at the end) is fascinating, and the plot has the potential to be intriguing, but there’s just no action. I can get past the lack of war action, because that isn’t really what the story is about anyway, but the author missed a lot of opportunities to show the reader how tough and heartbreaking life was for people of color in the Jim Crow south. Levi is a sweet enough character, but he doesn’t speak like any 13 year old I’ve ever heard—and I should know, considering I teach the 8th grade. It made him feel out of touch. His character isn’t particularly well developed, and I found myself not really caring one way or the other where he ended up. My takeaway: this book has an extremely engaging and misleading description. If you’re reading based on that, you aren’t going to get what you’re looking for.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book "Jump Into the Sky" by Shelley Pearsall is a historic fiction story taking place in the time of World War II. The main character is Levi, an African American boy living with his aunt in Chicago. Some other main characters include Levi's father, Charles, his aunt, Aunt Odella, and his father's friend from the war and his wife. The story revolves around young Levi's life growing up without seeing his father much. One day, his aunt sends him away to where his father was stationed. When Levi arrived, his father was moved to another base. A friend of his fathers', Cal, and his wife, Peaches, agree to take him in and help him find his father. They travel across the country after Cal is stationed in Oregon, where Levi's father is supposedly stationed. Will he find his father? I give this book three stars because the book was a little slow, but the theme and scenes were interesting.

[Ms. Heres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Levi is accustomed to being left...by his mom when he was a baby and by his dad and he took on odd jobs and left him with his aunt. However, he isn't prepared to be told by his aunt that he will be boarding a train and going to stay with his dad in North Carolina where he is stationed in the army. He hasn't seen his dad in three years...and his dad hasn't been told he's coming. Levi leaves Chicago, the only thing that has been consistent in his life, and heads south where things are very different for people with his skin color and where he doesn't know the "rules".

[Johnny Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was interesting to learn about another all-black military unit, the 555 ("Triple Nickels"). The history and experiences of a young boy growing up quickly were breath-taking. I can't wait to share this novel with my students as a book study.

"Watching those little bitty pieces fly away got me thinking about how nice it would be if your color was something you could take off whenever you felt like it. What if you could crack open your skin like a peanut shell and toss it away whenever you needed to be free of it?"

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

A fictional and dramatic work which stirs up old racial tensions that have long passed, should well be forgotten, and are now illegal. The prose is lost in the racist overtones.

How are we to overcome racism if we (our children, especially) continually are made to focus on (outdated) racial views and stereotypes by being forced to read such works?

It is well past time to be truly color blind. Removing this book from the public education system is a small positive step in the direction of true racial equality.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levi has been living with an aunt in Chicago since his mother left him and his father is in the army during in WWII. When his aunt is tired of having him, she sends him off to where his father is stationed. She abruptly puts him on a train and sends him there. Levi is used to losing important people in his life. His jazz singer mother abandoned him at a few months old. Then his beloved grandmother died. Now his Aunt doesn't want him.

Levi is anxious about the changes ahead. Levi hasn't seen his father for a while which he is excited about. Unaware Levi's father isn't there when he arrives, so an injured soldier, Cal, and his pregnant wife take him in. Soon they hand to Oregon and Levi is reunited with his father.

I personally think that this is a very well written book. I liked it and would recommenced it to anyone.

[J. S. Seebauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pearsall has a mastery of language -- using words to help the reader best understand the character. Her word choice allows the reader to better understand the character. The story paints a vivid, vivid picture of not only the plight of African American's in WWII (stateside), growing up in a 'leaving' family, and what family really means.

[Lavin Bendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. It was a good book to inform the readers on what was going on during this time frame. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about historical fiction.

[Hugh Woodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous story! Giving the story from point of view of Levi Battle as he journeyed to find his father from Chicago to North Carolina to Oregon then back to N.C.

Story have bit of interesting history sort of African Americans history.

Great book with vividly detail, you know what I mean?