Brave Bessie: Flying Free [Hardcover]

Lillian M. Fisher (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-7. This biography traces the life of Bessie Coleman, the first black aviatrix in America. Growing up poor in rural Texas, Bessie longed to rise above the cotton fields and to fly an airplane. She worked hard in her pursuit of her goals, eventually learning French and moving to France. No American flying school would accept her as a student because, in her words, "I was Indian, I was Negro, I was female. And I wanted to fly." She received her license two years before Amelia Earhart and became a popular feature at air shows back in the U.S., until her death in a 1926 plane crash. Illustrated with photos from the period, this biography offers an intriguing look at the period and the woman. Carolyn Phelan

Review

Written for elementary grade levels but holding the ability to reach into middle school with its unusual subject is this biography of Bessie Coleman, the first black aviatrix who earned her pilot's license two years before Amelia Earhart. This provides the basics of her life and achievement, following her stunts, air shows, and startling exploits in a time when few women flew. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Hardcover: 87 pages
• Publisher: Hendrick Long Pub Co (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 093746094X
• ISBN-13: 978-0937460948
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,798,070 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a well written book about an amazing woman., February 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Brave Bessie: Flying Free (Hardcover)

This inspiring story is not to be missed! Bessie Coleman was an exceptional woman. The author, Lillian Fisher has done her justice in this lovely little biography. The information is very thoroughly researched and presented in a clean, engaging manner. Especially helpful for students is the glossary and fine index. The period photographs and other illustrations interspersed throughout the text enhance the story. What a fine way to become acquainted with Brave Bessie!

Pat Szelenyi, Former Library Branch Manager

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A vivid account of a remarkable woman., March 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Brave Bessie: Flying Free (Hardcover)

Bessie Coleman's determined spirit and love of flying comes across vividly in this biography of a young black woman living in a time when surmounting obstacles were a way of life. From the moment young Bessie looks up from the cotton fields to see a plane soaring overhead, she knows she wants to fly. She accomplishes her goal and not only becomes the first black aviatrix, but a popular areobatic pilot as well. Lillian Fisher writes a well researched, refreshing story that reveals the courage and stamina of a remarkable woman. A must read for children and adults alike.