A Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People From the very first days of aviation, women were there. Katherine Wright, though not a pilot, helped her brothers Orville and Wilbur so much that some called her the “Third Wright Brother.” Pioneers such as Baroness Raymonde de Laroche of France ignored those who ignorantly claimed that only men possessed the physical strength or the mental capacity to pilot an airplane, and in 1910 became the first woman awarded a license to fly. A year later, Harriet Quimby was the first woman to earn a pilot’s license in the United States and in 1912 flew across the English Channel—another first.
Author Karen Bush Gibson profiles 26 women aviators who sought out and met challenges both in the sky and on the ground, where some still questioned their abilities. Read about barnstormers like Bessie Coleman and racers like Louise Thaden, who bested Amelia Earhart and Pancho Barnes to win the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, sometimes called the Powder Puff Derby. Learn about Jacqueline Cochran who, during World War II, organized and trained the Women Airforce Service Pilots—the WASPs—to serve their country by ferrying airplanes from factories to the front lines and pulling target planes during anti-aircraft artillery training. And see how female pilots today continue to achieve and serve while celebrating their love of flight.
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From the Author:
I "discovered" Bessie Coleman in a museum many years ago and wondered how could I have not heard of this phenomenal woman? From her, I went on to hear the amazing stories of Jerrie Cobb. And once I was granted the opportunity to write about the many firsts of women in flight, I became wrapped up in their lives and stories. Harriet Quimby, Elinor Smith, Willa Brown, Patty Wagstaff, Fay Gillis Wells, and more. You inspire me with your courage and passion.
From the Inside Flap:
Women Aviators profiles 26 remarkable female pilots who sought out and met challenges both in the sky and on the ground. Read about barnstormers like Bessie Coleman and racers like Louise Thaden, who best Amelia Earhart and Pancho Barnes to win the 1929 Women's Air Derby. Learn about Jacqueline Cochran who, during World War II, organized and trained the Women Airforce Service Pilots--the WASPs--the serve their country by ferrying airplanes from factories to the front lines and pulling target planes during anti-aircraft artillery training. And see how female pilots today continue to achieve and serve while celebrating their love of flight.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherChicago Review Press
- Publication date2013
- ISBN 10 1613745400
- ISBN 13 9781613745403
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages240
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