Flight (Insiders) by Von Hardesty Ages 8-12 64 pages Simon and Schuster November 2011 Hardcover     This nicely designed book features 3-D illustrations charting the development of flight from early balloons, gliders and prop aircraft to jets, space vehicles and supersonic test planes. Young readers will learn the basics of why planes stay aloft, how the space shuttle overcomes gravity, and how different seaplanes operate on water. A “Flight Facts” section delves into control surfaces such as the elevators, flaps and ailerons. It also shows top views of various aircraft from the Boeing to the Wright Flyer. A helpful glossary defines various aeronautical terms and words associated with flight. After a quick look at the early days of aviation, the author focuses on specific aircraft from warplanes like the SPAD XIII and Lancaster bomber to the Airbus A320, Eurocoper EC 145, and SpaceShipOne. Don’t expect a lot of detail, but if you are looking for an excellent overview of the subject with interesting sidebars of information, Flight (Insiders) is an excellent resource. After reading this book, middle-grade students can then decide what they may wish to focus on in greater depth, be it helicopters, space flight, commercial aviation or historic aircraft.     web reviews   Bob Walch/2011 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)