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Young Adult Nonfiction Military & Wars

Day of the Flying Fox

The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox

by (author) Steve Pitt

Publisher
Dundurn Press
Initial publish date
Jun 2008
Category
Military & Wars, Aviation, Canada
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781459721043
    Publish Date
    Jun 2008
    List Price
    $8.99
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781550028089
    Publish Date
    Jun 2008
    List Price
    $19.99

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Where to buy it

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 12 to 15
  • Grade: 3 to 4
  • Reading age: 12 to 15

Description

Commended for the 2009 Best Books for Kids & Teens
Canadian World War II pilot Charley Fox, now in his late eighties, has had a thrilling life, especially on the day in July 1944 in France when he spotted a black staff car, the kind usually employed to drive high-ranking Third Reich dignitaries. Already noted for his skill in dive-bombing and strafing the enemy, Fox went in to attack the automobile. As it turned out, the car contained famed German General Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox, and Charley succeeded in wounding him.
Rommel, who at the time was the Germans’ supreme military commander in France orchestrating the Nazis’ resistance to the D-day invasion, was never the same after that. Author Steve Pitt focuses on this seminal event in Charley Fox’s life and in the war, but he also provides fascinating aspects of the period, including profiles of noted ace pilots Buzz Beurling and Billy Bishop, Jr., and Great Escape architect Walter Floody, as well as sidebars about Hurricanes, Spitfires, and Messerschmitts.

About the author

STEVE PITT has been a freelance writer for nearly 30 years, specializing in parenting issues and children`s book reviewing. A recipient of a national award for humour, he is the author of Guyness: Deal with it body and soul, Teasing: Deal with it before the joke`s on you and Rain Tonight: A Tale of Hurricane Hazel. He lives with his family in Toronto.

Steve Pitt's profile page

Awards

  • Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens

Editorial Reviews

"... a discursive biography that provides considerably more than a straight trajectory of a notable life."

Globe & Mail, The

One reason I think someone should buy this book is because the author has included neat facts, pictures and amazing wordplay in the margins to captivate the readers attention throughout the book. Also the author has written an interesting story about a non-fictional historical topic. And finally, the author has given more publicity to a well-known war hero and historical event.

Steve Pitt is an amazing writer inspired by many different things including previous books hes read, cartoons and comics.

KidsWWwrite: Sarah's Stars

" ... brings that exciting war era alive for boys who have always dreamed of flying war planes. Charley ... offered anecdotes and insight which enrich the book ... Like all of Pitt's books, this one is full of additional information in boxes, which makes it accessible to young readers."

Barbara Florio Graham, True North Perspective

"Most suitable for teachers or senior students interested in wartime history and how the allied air force contributed to the defeat of the German regime." - Diana Mumford, Canadian Teacher Magazine Fall 2008

Librarian Reviews

Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox

Charley Fox is a Canadian World War II pilot now in his late eighties. This book recounts his thrilling life, provides fascinating facts of the period and profiles of noted ace pilots, including Buzz Beurling and Billy Bishop Jr. Includes photos, list for further reading and list of related websites.

Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Best Books for Kids & Teens. 2009.

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