Fly West facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Ivan Southall |
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| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Autobiography |
| Publisher | Angus and Robertson |
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Publication date
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1974 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 175 pp |
| ISBN | 0207130027 |
Fly West (1974) is an autobiography written for young readers by Australian author Ivan Southall. This book shares his real-life experiences. It won the prestigious Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers in 1976.
Contents
About the Book: Fly West
Fly West tells the exciting story of Ivan Southall's time during World War II. He served as a captain of a special aircraft. This aircraft was called a Sunderland flying boat. The book shares his adventures and challenges in the sky. It gives readers a look into what it was like to fly during wartime.
Who Was Ivan Southall?
Ivan Southall (1921–2008) was a famous Australian writer. He wrote many books for children and young adults. Before becoming a full-time author, he was a pilot. He flew for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II. His experiences in the war deeply influenced his writing. He often wrote about courage, survival, and growing up.
What is a Sunderland Flying Boat?
A Short Sunderland was a large, powerful aircraft. It was also a "flying boat." This means it could land on and take off from water. These planes were used a lot during World War II. They helped with long-range patrols over the ocean. They looked for enemy ships and submarines. They also rescued people from the sea. The Sunderland was known for its strong build. It was a very important aircraft for the Allies.
Flying During World War II
World War II (1939-1945) was a huge global conflict. Many countries were involved. Airplanes played a very big role in the war. Pilots like Ivan Southall faced many dangers. They flew long missions in difficult weather. They also had to watch out for enemy attacks. Their job was vital for protecting supply routes. They also gathered important information.
Life as a Pilot
Being a pilot in World War II was a tough job. Ivan Southall was a captain. This meant he was in charge of his crew. They worked together as a team. They had to be very skilled and brave. Each mission brought new challenges. They spent many hours flying over vast oceans. They relied on their training and each other.
Challenges in the Sky
Pilots faced many challenges. Bad weather could make flying very dangerous. Long flights were tiring for the crew. They also had to deal with mechanical issues. And, of course, there was always the threat of enemy forces. The book describes these tense moments. It shows how Ivan and his crew handled pressure. They had to make quick decisions to stay safe.
Why Read This Book?
Fly West is more than just a war story. It's about a young person's journey. It shows how someone grows and learns. It teaches about responsibility and teamwork. The book gives a real look into history. It helps readers understand the lives of those who served. It's an exciting and inspiring read. It shows the bravery of ordinary people.
Awards
Fly West was recognized for its quality. It won the Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers in 1976. This award is given to excellent books for young people. It shows that the book is well-written. It also means it has an important story to tell.
Images for kids
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First edition cover of Fly West
