Parents' Guide to

Fly, Bessie, Fly

By Jennifer Gennari, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Inspiring story; kids will root for the heroine.

Book Lynn Joseph Biography 1998
Fly, Bessie, Fly Poster Image

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What's the Story?

Flying is the theme in more ways than one in this true story of Bessie Coleman: Bessie flies away from repressive society and soars into the skies as the first black and first female pilot. Bright, colorful illustrations add charm and interesting detail.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This is an important introduction to the inspiring life of Bessie Coleman. Watercolors by Yvonne Buchanan are light and breezy, with a sense of Coleman flying on many of the pages. Yet, at other times, the people look almost cartoonlike.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Bessie's decision to become a pilot. What inspired her to learn to fly an airplane? Do you think you'd like being a pilot?

Book Details

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