Kershaw, Alex. The few; the American "knights of the air" who risked everything to fight in the Battle of Britain.

KERSHAW, Alex. The few; the American "knights of the air" who risked every, thing to fight in the Battle of Britain. Read by Scott Brick. 8 cds. 8 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2006. 1-4233-1591-x. $92.25. Vinyl; content, author notes. JSA *

In the dark days of WW II before the US entered the conflict, a few adventuresome American fliers went to Europe to fight for the Allies. This conglomeration included an Olympic gold medalist, a Midwestern farmer, a White Russian refugee, a stunt flier from Warner Brothers, and others whose backgrounds were just as interesting. They all wanted to fly the best, the fastest, the most maneuverable airplanes available and test their skill against Hermann Goering's vaunted Luftwaffe. The author covers their activity during the Battle of Britain and the London Blitz. He also includes quotes from Churchill's inspiring speeches, the formation of the Eagle Squadron, and the views of German fighter pilots.

Brick's reading is outstanding. His American, British, Scottish and German accents give personalities to the fliers on both sides. He adds an air of excitement to the dogfights and knows how to tweak emotions in other situations. For fans of the real-life action/adventure genre, particularly the air war in WW II. Prof. John E. Boyd, Jenkintown, PA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.