Going Solo facts for kids

Going Solo is a thrilling non-fiction book written by the famous author Roald Dahl. Non-fiction means it's a true story, not made up! This book is the second part of his autobiography, which is a story of his own life. It was published in 1986.

Going Solo tells about Dahl's exciting adventures after he left school. You'll read about his first job in Africa and how he became a brave RAF pilot during World War II. It's a real-life tale of courage and discovery!

What is 'Going Solo'?

Going Solo is the follow-up to Roald Dahl's first autobiography, Boy: Tales of Childhood. While Boy covered his early years and school days, Going Solo dives into his life as a young adult. It shares his true experiences as he ventured out into the world.

This book is packed with amazing stories from his time in faraway lands. It shows how a young man faced new challenges and found his path. You'll learn about his adventures before he became a world-famous writer.

Roald Dahl's Adventures Begin

After finishing school, Roald Dahl didn't go straight into writing. Instead, he took a job with the Shell Oil Company. In 1938, he was sent to Tanganyika (now called Tanzania), a country in East Africa.

His job involved traveling to remote areas to sell oil. This meant he met many different people and saw incredible wildlife. He lived an exciting life, often dealing with wild animals like snakes and lions. He even had to deal with a scary mamba snake in his house!

When World War II began in 1939, things changed quickly for Dahl in Africa. He was far from home, but he knew he wanted to help.

Flying High: Becoming an RAF Pilot

When the war started, Roald Dahl decided to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). He wanted to become a pilot and fight for his country. He began his pilot training in Nairobi, Kenya.

Learning to fly was tough, but Dahl was determined. He trained on different types of planes. Eventually, he became a fighter pilot, flying planes like the Gloster Gladiator. These were powerful planes used for air combat.

World War II Experiences

Roald Dahl's time as an RAF pilot was full of danger and bravery. In 1940, he was flying his Gloster Gladiator over the Libyan Desert. He was trying to reach an airfield but ran out of fuel. His plane crashed in the desert.

Dahl was badly injured in the crash. He suffered serious head injuries and was temporarily blind. After recovering, he returned to flying. He flew missions in Greece and the Middle East. He faced enemy planes and difficult conditions. His experiences as a pilot were very intense and shaped his life.

Why Read 'Going Solo'?

Going Solo is a fantastic book for anyone who loves adventure and true stories. It gives you a glimpse into a very different time. You learn about what life was like for a young man during World War II.

Roald Dahl's writing makes his real-life experiences feel like an exciting novel. You'll be amazed by his bravery and the challenges he overcame. It's a story that shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things. It also helps you understand a bit more about history and the world.

See also

In Spanish: Volando solo para niños