Grade 5-8-Airplane enthusiasts and children who recognize the term "Air Force One" will enjoy this title, and the attractive cover will quickly grab readers' attention. Beginning with FDR's secret first flight, to Casablanca in 1943, Santella presents short histories and descriptions of the various planes that have been specifically designed for use by the president. It was during the Kennedy years that the Air Force coined the phrase "Air Force One" to designate any plane on which the commander in chief is a passenger. The text is current, mentioning the plane's role on 9/11. The format is attractive, with wide margins, appropriate vocabulary, stylized topic headings, and vintage and color photography. Captions and additional information at the bottom of some pages add to the text.
