Up & Down: The Adventures of John Jeffries, First American to Fly

by Don Brown

Don Brown chronicles the true ballooning misadventures of John Jeffries, scientist and aviation pioneer.

Swept up by the European ballooning craze of the 1780s, Dr. John Jeffries longed to become the first person to fly across the English Channel. But first he had to outwit a rascally copilot, keep the balloon from bursting, and avoid crashing into the sea. The good doctor's quick-thinking solutions will surprise young readers--and keep them giggling.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Biography, Childrens, 18th Century, Aviation

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 12, 2018

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Don Brown is the award-winning author and illustrator of many picture book biographies. He has been widely praised for his resonant storytelling and his delicate watercolor paintings that evoke the excitement, humor, pain, and joy of lives lived with passion. School Library Journal has called him "a current pacesetter who has put the finishing touches on the standards for storyographies." He lives in New York with his family.

Reviews

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Highly inessential history. The claim "first American to fly" is almost inaccurate since Jeffries, although born in Boston, was a Tory who had been named in the Massachusetts Banishment Act of 1778 and was living in England at the time.

Illustrations are nothing special.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

First it seems like a picture book biography on Jeffries seems weirdly unexciting though the underlying message of curiosity certainly rings true. Yet to call it a biography of him when it was really two men who took the biggest bounds to balloon across the channel cut out the other guy. And that he was American is also a bit of a misnomer since he chose to ally with the British during the Revolution.

It seems like a generally awkward picture book that could have focused more on the beauty and magnificence of a hot air balloon.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up & Down: The Adventures of John Jeffries, First American to Fly by Don Brown. PICTURE BOOK/ NON-FICTION. Charlesbridge, 2018. $17. 9781580898126

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A true account of Dr. John Jeffries and Jean-Pierre Blanchard’s historical trip in a hot air balloon across the English Channel from England to France. Dr. Jeffries was interested in studying the weather, especially from greater heights. These two will have to be creative as their balloon starts to sink before they reach France.

Such a well-researched book and the author even noted at the end quotes he took from the actual men on the trip, which was impressive. I liked the story and suspense the author created as there were many close calls in their journey. This may be harder for younger readers to be engaged, but a good historical story.

SLM
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good picture book biography by the author. Though really it is more a little bit of history of early ballooning, in particular the first crossing of the English Channel. And it is a fun one. I'd expect the goofiness would make it a good read aloud - although the pee-ing over the side to lighten the load might be to much for some. With good enough art. This one courtesy of an Interlibrary Loan from the Beaverton City Library, Beaverton Oregon.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pair with Voyage In the Clouds: A Mostly True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon in 1785 by Matthew Olshan & Sophie Blackall.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun non-fiction book on first balloon ride over the English channel. Contains a few humorous surprises that young readers will enjoy.

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable historic adventure.

[Alison]

Read for my literature response class!

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining but see the negative reviews regarding the flaws.

[Karrie Chajkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun picture book biography about a momentous moment in history- the first American to fly! Following Dr. John Jeffries, a doctor in London (by way of Boston) and his daily weather watching, Jeffries saw early hot air balloons as a way to further explore the atmosphere and weather. It also led to him being apart of the first manned balloon to cross the English Channel! Contains an endnote, glossary, and bibliography. Book contains several direct quotes from Jeffries. Recommended for purchase.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Brenda Kahn]

Entertaining picture book biography.

[Erin]

An interesting look at an early episode of flight.