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Fly High!

The Story of Bessie Coleman

Illustrated by Teresa Flavin

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About The Book

When Bessie Coleman was a child, she wanted to be in school -- not in the cotton fields of Texas, helping her family earn money. She wanted to be somebody significant in the world. So Bessie did everything she could to learn under the most challenging of circumstances. At the end of every day in the fields she checked the foreman's numbers -- made sure his math was correct. And this was just the beginning of a life of hard work and dedication that really paid off: Bessie became the first African-American to earn a pilot's license. She was somebody.

About The Authors

Photograph by Robert Flischel
Louise Borden

Louise Borden graduated from Denison University with a degree in history. She taught first graders and preschoolers and later was a part-owner of a bookstore in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to writing children’s books, she also speaks regularly to young students about the writing process. Her books include Good Luck, Mrs. K!, which won the Christopher Medal, and The A+ Custodian. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and you can visit her at LouiseBorden.com.

Mary Kay Kroeger

About The Illustrator

Teresa Flavin

Teresa Flavin is a children’s book illustrator and fine artist whose mission it is to delight and inspire people of all ages through her artwork, stories, and teaching.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Aladdin (January 1, 2004)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780689864629
  • Ages: 9 - 12

Raves and Reviews

Miami Herald Inspiring.

School Library Journal starred review A first-rate follow-up to Borden's Good-Bye, Charles Lindbergh.

Publishers Weekly starred review A flight well worth taking.

Awards and Honors

  • ILA/CBC Children's Choices
  • CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

Resources and Downloads

Common Core Suggestion

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Louise Borden

More books from this illustrator: Teresa Flavin