Angus Scully tells the story of thirty-two airmen during the First World War. In writing these biographies, the author describes early Canadian aviation and aviation technology and provides a social history of the war years. Additionally, the book supports English Language Arts concepts such as stories that help us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world. Aerial combat was highly dangerous, and the author attributes military success equally to the pilot’s mettle, the talent of their instructors, and their skillful mechanics. Each biography gives insight into the cultural values of early 20th century Canada and Europe during the war years. Some of these men transitioned to civil aviation, and Scully profiles the men who pioneered aeronautics in Canada. The black-and-white photographs and documents enhance the narrative and serve as primary source material about the wartime experience.

Other End Matter: Endnotes
Images: b&w photographs
Bibliography: Yes
Index: Yes

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Angus Scully is a writer, editor, historian, and educator. He is the author or co-author of fifteen Canadian history textbooks for elementary and high school, including Canada Today, now in its fourth edition with more than 100,000 copies sold. He is the current editor of the newsletter of the Vancouver Island Military Museum and also sits on the board of directors.

Angus Scully's profile page

“From a picture of twenty-nine young men standing in front of a biplane, Scully aptly describes each one. Also featured are Osborne Orr, Earl Godfrey, and George Trim, three pilots who helped build Canada’s aviation industry in the 1920s and 1930s. This, plus the black and white photos of the pilots and their planes make In Our Youth a fascinating read.”
—Roger Gunn, author of Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight and Masters of the Air: The Great War Pilots McLeod, McKeever and MacLaren

“Angus Scully has created a picture of early Canadian aviation. Using a group photo of pilot trainees, he weaves together their tales of heroism or tragedy with Canada’s early aviation history and First World War aviators. Scully has created a history of this period that young readers will easily understand.”
—Mathias Joost, retired from the Directorate of History, Department of National Defence

“From a single photo of twenty-nine young men in front of an aircraft in 1916, Scully teases out their respective stories: how they learned to fly, fought—and sometimes died—over French battlefields, then returned to play pioneering roles in Canadian aviation. Accessible, well researched, and fascinatingly personal.”
—Keith C. Ogilvie, editor of Failed to Return: Canada’s Bomber Command Sacrifice in the Second World War