Book Review: BESSIE COLEMAN; DARING TO FLY by Sally M. Walker illustrations by Janice Lee Porter

TWU course

Book review: Bessie Coleman; Daring to Fly
                        by Sally M. Walker
                        illustrations by Janice Lee Porter


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Walker, Sally M. 2003. BESSIE COLEMAN; DARING TO FLY. Illus. by Janice Lee Porter. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books Inc. ISBN 0-87614-103-3.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
"Daring to Fly," describes the life and accomplishments of Bessie Coleman, who stopped at nothing to accomplish her dream of earning her pilot's license.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sally M. Walker, tells the story of Bessie Coleman and her desire to study and become the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license. Walker starts out by giving background information about Bessie Coleman and her family. She illustrates how hard her family worked because they were poor. Bessie Coleman is described as a young lady who studied and dreamed of doing something important with her life. She fulfilled some of her goals by earning her pilot's license and putting on airshows. The book uses soft illustrations of Bessie Coleman's life and it is appealing for children to read. I know readers will enjoy this informational picture book of Bessie Coleman.       

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
THE HORN BOOK GUIDE: "Newly independent readers will be inspired by Bessie Coleman's determination to learn to fly at a time when neither women nor people of color were allowed to do so in the United States"

5. CONNECTIONS
*Invite children to research how many airshows Bessie Coleman performed and the names of the co-pilot.  

*Other books about Bessie Coleman:
Lindbergh, Reeve. NOBODY OWNS THE SKY: THE STORY OF "BRAVE BESSIE" COLEMAN.
ISBN-10: 0763603619