LitPick Review
Jumping into the Sky is a great novel. The author tells a story about a 13 year old African-American boy named Levi who is searching for his father at the end of WWII. In 1945, Levi travels from his home in Chicago,Illinois to Pendleton,Oregon by way of Fayetteville, NC in search of his father. The boy encounters horrible racism in North Carolina. During his journey, Levi experiences happiness and despair. One of the happy moments is when Levi meets new friends Cal and Peaches, his pregnant wife.The couple welcomes Levi into their North Carolina home, Cal gives Levi fatherly support through numerous difficulties, and he makes it possible for Levi to continue his search . The author's purpose is to make people aware of the 555th Parachute infantry battalion (Triple Nickles) that was formed in early 1944 and was active through October 1945. The story praised perseverance in the face of adversity .
Opinion:
I have a keen interest in American History, and this book taught me something completely new about World War II. Levi and I are close in age, and I can relate to his independence and will to find his Dad. It is difficult for me to understand the racism Levi met because I am living 67 years later from when Levi made his trip. Even so, I enjoyed this book and think any young reader would too.
