Women Who Fly

Tells the stories of pioneering women who defied convention and made contributions to the field of aviation by becoming pilots and astronauts.

In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made history by successfully flying a plane of their own design. Though many men were inspired by their example, less is made of the many women who dreamed of taking to the skies. In the early days of flight, people did not want women to become pilots. It was thought that they were not strong enough, that they were too emotional to cope with the inevitable emergencies, and that flying was just plain too dangerous to risk women who were wives and mothers. Against the odds, women sought out pilots who would give them flying lessons. Many, like Harriet Quimby, Matilde Moisant, Amelia Earhart, Emily Warner, Sally Ride, and others, demonstrated that women have the skills, courage, and determination to fly.

Sally J. K. Davies - Children's Literature

Colonel Eileen M. Collins, the first woman space shuttle pilot and the first woman to serve as shuttle commander writes an inspiring introduction to this book. Unfortunately, the rest of the books is an accurate but fairly dry account of women's role in aviation history. Young readers who are already fascinated by the world of aviators and dream of flying will probably enjoy this book. A few black and white illustrations break up the text but they are technically weak drawings. The authors have not included an index and this book could have used one. 2004, Pelican, Ages 12 up.

Authors Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Reilly bring extensive experience in historical research, writing, and creative design to their work. They have written thirteen books together, including Black Knights: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen and The Tuskegee Airmen Story, both available from Pelican Publishing. Their work has been featured in such publications as the North Carolina Historical Review and in exhibits in several museums.