Book Review: Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman

Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman by Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger is an inspiring biography about Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license. I read this book with my children and then took them to Charlotte's Aviation Museum. Sadly, they didn't have anything about Bessie Coleman or the Tuskegee Airmen at the time. I hope they have improved since then. Born in 1892 in Texas, Bessie grew up in poverty but had dreams of achieving something extraordinary. She was determined to break barriers despite the racial and gender discrimination she faced in early 20th-century America. She moved to France, where she could pursue aviation training without the limitations she faced in the U.S. She became a skilled stunt pilot, earning the admiration of many. Coleman’s bravery and achievements paved the way for future generations, showing the importance of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. The book highlights her journey, struggles, and the legacy she left for future aviators, especially for women and people of color. This book is available in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

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