I Wanted to Be a Pilot : The Making of a Tuskegee Airman

One of the original Tuskegee Airmen tells his remarkable story of childhood struggle, relentless perseverance and living his dream in this YA memoir. As a black child growing up in 1920s Colorado, Frank Macon was often told that he would never amount to anything. His severe dyslexia didn't help, nor did his tendency for mischief. But in spite of all that, Frank rose to heights beyond anyone's imagining. Ever since childhood—when he jumped off a roof wearing homemade wings—he wanted to be a pilot. In this inspiring memoir, Frank tells his story of achieving that dream. As one of the few surviving Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, Frank's story offers a personal look at an important episode in American history. It is also an incredible story of resilience and determination that encourages kids to recognize history, believe in themselves, and never give up on their dreams. Publisher Annotation: Sometimes history is made by a dyslexic, mischievous boy who hates school, is a descendant of one of Frederick Douglass? half-sisters, and whose Pops was a Buffalo Soldier. In I Wanted to be a Pilot, one of the less than 100 living Documented Original Tuskegee Airman, Franklin J. Macon, tells the lively stories of how he overcame life?s obstacles to become a Tuskegee Airman. Soar through history with Franklin as he conquers dyslexia, finds mischief, and grows up to change the course of America. Readers laugh at Frank?s childhood antics, while being reminded that disabilities like Frank?s dyslexia, repeating a grade in school, and other hardships can be overcome. I Wanted to be a Pilot encourages kids to recognize history, reach for their dreams, and even make their own toys as they are reminded of the great strength and determination of the men and women who came before them