Sky High: Jean Batten's Incredible Flying Adventures

by David Hill, Phoebe Morris (illustrator)

Brave, trail-blazing and glamorous, this stunning picture book tells the true story of how Jean Batten became an international superstar for her solo flights across the world.
The little plane has been flying across the sea for eight hours.
Huge black clouds surround it. Rain pours in. Wind slams. The aircraft is tossed around like a leaf.
The pilot stares into the darkness. How much fuel is left? Is she flying in the right direction? How long till she reaches land?

In 1934, Jean Batten set a world record for the fastest flight from England to Australia. Just two years later, she made the first-ever solo flight from England to New Zealand. Jean's fearless determination and flying skills helped her survive storms and crashes, as she crossed great oceans and lonely deserts in her tiny plane.
This gripping true story with its dazzling illustrations is the third from the award-winning creators of the picture books First to the Top and Speed King.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

David Hill (born 1942) is a New Zealand author, especially well known for his young adult fiction. His young fiction books See Ya, Simon (1992) and Right Where It Hurts (2001) have been shortlisted for numerous awards. He is also a prolific journalist, writing many articles for The New Zealand Herald.

He cites Maurice Gee as his favourite author, and Joy Cowley and Margaret Mahy as his favourite children's authors.

Hill attended Victoria University in Wellington, graduating MA Hons in 1964. Hill currently lives in New Plymouth.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book to read about Jean Batten who set flying world records in the 1930's.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

#PYP #perseverance #biography #women
Can I say I just love this book? It is the most fantastic read-aloud introduction to biographies for Grade 2. They were on the edge of their seats, each time she failed and tried again. Everytime I closed the book and said "and then she gave up" they all shouted NO SHE DIDN'T
Great illustrations, told at just the right level and highlighting someone succeeding against the odds. What more can a teacher-librarian ask for

[libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

again, feminist picture book! saw it. read it. loved it. was happy that young girls and boys now get to see the potential of women in traditionally male dominated areas. not much else to be said really!

[Miss Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just thought that had Jean Batten been born earlier or later, the world wars would've meant her dream may not have been accomplished. It's easy to admire her for stepping into a "man's world", as prepared as she was.

[Ericafh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book snuck in at work, this was such a lovely story! I'd never hear of Jean Batten before, and this brief overview of her life as a pioneering female pilot was wonderful and now I'd love to read more about her :)