Good-Bye, Charles Lindbergh: Based on a True Story

by Louise Borden, Thomas B. Allen

Complemented by lovely, technically accurate paintings, a historical novel is based on the true story of a farm boy who meets his hero, Charles Lindbergh, when the famous pilot sets down his biplane in a field in Mississippi.

Genres: Picture Books, History, American History

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1998

About the author

There were already two Louises in my family when I was born: my mother and my grandmother, Nana, who lived with us when I was growing up. So early on, I was given the name Leezie. This is a name that my family still calls me. Years later, my niece was born and also named Louise. Then there were four of us with the same name! Louise is a fine name to have except that people often spell it incorrectly. Sometimes my mail is addressed to Louisa, or Louisie, or Lewis, or Lois. Leezie is also tough for people to spell. Names and their pronunciations have always interested me, so writing about a teacher named Mrs. Kempczinski was a natural thing for me to do.

I grew up in a house at the top of a steep street in Cincinnati, Ohio, the kind of street that is a big challenge when you are pedaling uphill on your bicycle. My two sisters and I used to ride our bikes down, down our street, and then to the local dimestore to buy candy bars or meet up with our friends. But coming home, we had to pedal up our long hill. (This was before mountain bikes!) Pedaling slowly up my street may be where I learned perseverance, something all writers need when they are working alone at their desks.

Writing picture books came much later—after studying history in college, getting married, and raising three children. Even though I didn't grow up to be a composer, I like to think that my picture books are almost songs because the sound of words and the poetry of my style are so important in the texts that I write. I work very hard at my desk, revising and revising and revising, trying to find just the right words that will be beautiful or fun to read.

Reviews

[Justin Dolezal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best book I've read. Not to enticing of a story and doesn't really hold the reader. Will add it to my classroom in case any of my students are interested in aviation.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite a picture book biography, but based on a true story that gives us insights into the time and man of Charles Lindbergh. Very cool to see the small stories of a famous person's life.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the spring of 1929, Charles Lindbergh, famous throughout the world for his 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic, set down his small biplane in a field near Canton, Mississippi. He frequently landed for the night in out-of-the way places to avoid admiring crowds.

[Mickayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade Range: 1-4
Genre: Historical Fiction
A wonderful true story about Charles Lindbergh, this story could very well compliment a lesson on aviation or even a history lesson! There are so many possibilities with this story!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Colonel Lindbergh landing in a field in Mississippi one summer afternoon, much to the delight of little Gil. He rides his horse, Princess, to the sight where the plane landed and he was in awe of Lindbergh. Sweet story of a little boy and the hero who happened to land at a farm one day.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this book a 3 out of 5 only because I personally didnt find the story had enough information about the true story it was about. For a picture book it was very wordy so I would not read this to 1st graders. I would recommend this book for 3rd grade and even up through high school when learning about the history of airplanes.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy's encounter with Charles Lindbergh in a field near the boy's home. Conveys the public's fascination and adulation of the young pilot who flew over the Atlantic. Good use of five senses in the writing.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

based on true story of charles lindbergn stopping to rest in rural farm land and little boy helping him take off again. cute story, good "airy" illustrations that remind me of clouds. like how it depicts lindbergh's star status

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based a true story: a boy remembers the day when Charles Lindbergh spent the night at his family's farm. Told in free verse with colored pencil illustrations.

[Lauren Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be great for teaching setting and sensory details.