
Pallotta, Jerry. US Air Force Alphabet Book. Vickie Fraser, Illus. Addl. Creators Sammie Garnett. Charlesbridge, 09/2023. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5709-1952-7. GRADES 2–5. LOW ADDITIONAL.
It’s not clear who the intended audience is for this book. It is set up as an alphabet book, but the facts and text are definitely not aimed at early readers. There is detailed information, more appropriate for older readers, about fighter jets, missiles, helicopters, and other air force equipment such as the differences between the F-15, F-35, F-22, and F-18 planes. An older audience would be turned off by the alphabet format, and the detailed text would not be accessible for a younger audience. The artwork is a combination of current photos, historical photos, and illustrations, and the photos show primarily white men.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District