Fly High!: The Story of Bessie Coleman

Besse Coleman was born in rural Texas in 1892. She loved school, especially learning about numbers, and she was a good reader, too. Yet when it was time to pick cotton she had to work in the fields instead of going to school. Nevertheless, she was determined to be somebody when she grew up.
In her early twenties, Bessie moved to Chicago. Perhaps there she could find a bigger life. In the city, Bessie heard many tales of World War I from returned veterans. She also heard there were woman airplane pilots in France. From then on, she was determined to become a pilot. But she soon found out that no one would teach a woman -- especially a woman with dark skin -- how to fly. To study in France was her only chance, and by working hard and saving her money, she managed at last to get there. Bessie Coleman became the first African-American to earn a pilot's license. She was somebody.
The inspiring story of her difficult early years, her success as a stunt pilot putting on daring air shows in many states, and her dedication to telling young African-Americans wherever she went, You can be somebody. You can fly high just like me, is as moving and important today as it was then. Simply told with evocative full-color illustrations, this is a special book for today's young people.

Author: Louise Borden, Mary Kay Kroeger
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Published: 01/01/2001
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 10.25h x 8.22w x 0.38d
ISBN: 9780689824579
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.5
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 46137 / Fly High! the Story of Bessie Coleman


Award: Bluebonnet Awards - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 12/04/2000 pg. 73
Kirkus Review - Children 01/01/2001 pg. 50
School Library Journal 01/01/2001 pg. 114
Booklist 02/15/2001 pg. 1152
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2001 pg. 410 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2001 pg. 410 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw
School Library Journal 11/01/2002

About the Author
Louise Borden graduated from Denison University with a degree in history. She taught first graders and preschoolers and later was a part-owner of a bookstore in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to writing children's books, she also speaks regularly to young students about the writing process. Her books include Good Luck, Mrs. K!, which won the Christopher Medal, and The A+ Custodian. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and you can visit her at LouiseBorden.com.

Teresa Flavin is a children's book illustrator and fine artist whose mission it is to delight and inspire people of all ages through her artwork, stories, and teaching.