Purchase to Support Our Program

“The first Black pilot to solo circumnavigate the world tells his story. Irving, born in Jamaica, moves to Miami at age 6, and the “badgering” about his clothes and speech that he endures as an outsider just makes him resolve to aim high. That goal initially means football—until a stranger walks into his parents’ bookstore and asks if he’s ever thought about becoming a pilot.”

Kirkus Reviews

Let’s Fly!: Barrington Irving’s Record-Breaking Flight Around the World

Written by Barrington Irving and Chana Stiefel
Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Published by Dial Books

The true story of Barrington Irving, who broke records as the youngest person and first Black man to fly solo around the world.

As a kid, Barrington Irving moved from Jamaica to Miami and played football—his ticket to success, he thought. But then Captain Gary Robinson swooped into his life. Barrington had never seen a Black pilot before. Captain Robinson showed Barrington a jet, a cockpit, and what it was like to actually fly a plane—
WHOAAA!

After that, Barrington had big plans, and two words: Let’s Fly!

Barrington Irving worked hard to become a pilot, and even harder to inspire other people to think big too. How big? A flight around the WORLD big. Climb aboard for the true story of how Barrington Irving went from tinkering kid to towering pilot and flew solo around the world—breaking records as the youngest person and first Black man ever to do it. With maps, labels, lists, and cool backmatter, including news of what Barring Irving is doing today, this book soars.

Primary ISBN: 9780593532133
Publication Date: January 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , ,

Setting: Jamaica, United States (Miami FL)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.

Engagement Materials:

An inspiring interview with the TODAY Show’s Craig Melvin and Capt. Barrington Irving –

Source: TODAY