CROMWELL DIXON’S SKY-CYCLE by John Abbott Nez

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Young Readers Group)
Date published: May 2009
ISBN: 978-0-39925041-5
Historical Fiction (Young Adult)
Provided by Publisher
Reviewed by Gina


Cromwell Dixon wasn’t content to merely sit in his classes, do his homework and ride his bicycle up and down the street. No, his mind was always at work and he was always on the look out for something new and different to do. When he first learned about aeroships, those early flying machines, his imagination was captured and led him on the adventure of a lifetime. With support and a little leg work from his mom, in the early 1900’s Cromwell created and soared in his Sky-cycle. Taking his bicycle and erecting a flying machine he achieved his dream of flying.

While John Abbot Nez’ book CROMWELL DIXON’S SKY-CYCLE is billed as young adult reading, it is a tale that young, old and in between will enjoy. The read itself is short, sweet and to the point. Told in a voice meant for story-telling Mr. Nez relates Cromwell’s journey in a tale you can read in 15-20 minutes. What you savor, however, is the wonderful artwork he has created to go with the tale. The pictures are graced with explicit detail, the finest points showing the weave of the early 1900’s. No aspect is missed be it in the dress, buildings or the creation of Cromwell’s Sky-Cycle.

If you are a parent, this is a marvelous gift for your child, the kind you can sit and read together over and over. I spent over an hour looking at each of the drawings, seeing something different each time I looked at a picture again and again. For singles, it’s a fun book to put on your coffee table for guests to pick up and enjoy. An easy, fun read, a great gift.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW.