Female Aviators Archives - Barbara Lowell Children's Book Author

Books for Kids: Astronauts

31 May 2018January 19, 2022

Mae Among the Stars

By Roda Ahmed, Illustrated by Stasia Burrington

When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering. She wanted to be an astronaut. Her mom told her, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”

Matched with her mother’s encouraging words, Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination paved the way for her incredible success at NASA. Mae Jemison was the first African American woman to travel in space. 4-8 years

Mousetronaut

by Mark Kelly, Illustrated by C.F. Payne

Astronaut Mark Kelly flew with “mice-tronauts” on his first spaceflight aboard space shuttle Endeavour in 2001. Mousetronaut tells the story of a small mouse who wants nothing more than to travel to outer space. He works as hard as the bigger mice to show his readiness for the mission and he is chosen for the flight. While in space, the astronauts are busy with their mission when disaster strikes. Only the smallest member of the crew can save the day. 4-8 years

Good Night Astronauts

By Adam Gamble, Illustrated by Mark Jasper

Good Night Astronauts features space camp, spacesuits, an international space station, rocket ships, space food, gravity, the solar system, stars, the atmosphere, walking on the moon, sleeping in space, science, and more. Put your spacesuit on and prepare to blast off! This board book takes little astronauts on a journey through an unforgettable galactic adventure. Little space cadets will learn about life as an astronaut in outer space while being lulled to a dreamy, star-filled sleep. Look out for aliens! Baby-3 years

Astronaut Handbook

By Meghan McCarthy

Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut? Blast off in this nonfiction picture book that transports aspiring space travelers to astronaut school. Take a ride on the “Vomit Comet” and learn how it feels to be weightless. Try a bit of astronaut food like freeze-dried ice cream. Have your measurements taken for your very own space suit. Get ready for liftoff! 3-7 years

The Usborne Official Astronaut’s Handbook

By Louie Stowell, Illustrated by Roger Simo and more

This is a how-to-guide for budding astronauts. It provides a crash course on what it takes to travel into space. This book answers all the big questions, from: “How do rockets work?” and “What do astronauts do all day?” to “How do you use the toilet on a spaceship?” This book explores the technology that astronauts use, from space suits to Soyuz spacecraft, and the scientific experiments performed on the International Space Station. 9 years and up

Look to the Stars

By Buzz Aldrin, Illustrated by Wendell Minor

Buzz Aldrin is one of only a handful of astronauts to have walked on the moon. He has a unique perspective about space. This book is an introduction to everything space related. It includes the development of the first rockets, America’s space race with the Soviet Union, details of all the Apollo missions, and learning about the International Space Station. 6-8 years

Astronauts

By Sophie Dussausois, Illustrated by Marc-Etienne Peintre

Blast off with this interactive book: Pull a tab to launch a rocket, lift the flaps to see inside a space suit, or turn the page to land the capsule safely on the ground. Chock-full of age appropriate information, this book is an out-of-this world look at astronauts and what they do. 5-8 years

My Journey to the Stars

By Scott Kelly, Illustrated by Andre Ceolin

Astronaut Scott Kelly wasn’t sure what he wanted to be when he grew up. He struggled in school and often got into trouble with his twin brother, Mark. Then one day, Scott discovered a book about test pilots and astronauts. That book set him on a new path. He first became a pilot and then an astronaut along with his brother. They were the first twin astronauts in history. His greatest accomplishment was commanding the International Space Station and spending almost a year in space. This is the story of an ordinary boy who grew up to do extraordinary things. 5-8 years

Astronauts

By Christine Engel

Blast off on an adventure to the International Space Station! Join the astronauts on their long journey. Learn how they work, eat, and sleep in this zero-gravity atmosphere. With its interactive features, kids can make a rocket take off, go on a space walk, and watch the sun rise and set 16 times a day. Board book for 1-4 years

Astronaut: Living in Space

by Kate Hayden

This Level 2 reader explores the fascinating world of an astronaut and tells what it’s like to live in space. Young readers learn what it’s like to hold down a job in zero gravity. 6-9 years

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like: Astronomy for Kids: Teaching Space Science to Young Stargazers (Free Booklet.) https://www.telescopeguide.org/astronomy-for-kids/

Books for Kids: Apollo 11, The First Trip to the Moon, https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-apollo-11-moon

Astronauts For Kids https://www.ouruniverseforkids.com/astronauts/

Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic

24 January 2018August 20, 2019

Amelia Earhart first became interested in airplanes during World War I when she was a volunteer nurse’s aide at a Canadian military hospital. In 1920, she watched her first airplane exhibition. It took place in Long Beach, California. Amelia’s father arranged a plane ride for her the next day. “By the time I got 200 to 300 feet off the ground, I knew I had to fly,” she said.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Amelia took flying lessons from a female pilot, Neta Snook. She then bought her first plane and named it “The Canary” because it was painted yellow. After taking stunt flying lessons, Amelia flew in air shows. She broke an altitude world record by flying 14,000 feet high. In 1923, she earned her pilot’s license.

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock

Charles Lindbergh became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. Soon, Amelia was asked to become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. She would be the captain of the flight and keep the flight log. But Amelia would not fly the plane.

Amelia Dressed For Her 1928 Flight

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

On June 17, 1928, Amelia, pilot Bill Stultz, and mechanic and co-pilot, Slim Gordon took off from Newfoundland headed for London, England. Their plane, named Friendship, could take off from and land in water.

They flew into fog at 3,000 feet and then into a snowstorm. Bill Stultz flew lower and finally found sunshine. But it didn’t last and again they flew into fog. Unable to see, they radioed ships below asking for their location. Then the radio broke.

When they had only one hour of fuel left, Stulz flew down through the clouds and found a ship. The fliers tried to make contact with the ship, but were unable to. They knew if they landed in the water, Amelia would not be credited with flying across the Atlantic. They continued flying and finally spotted land. It was Burry Port, Wales.

When Amelia returned to America, she was a celebrity. New York City treated her, Bill Stulz, and Slim Gordon to a ticker-tape parade. Amelia wrote a book about the flight titled, 20 Hrs., 40 min.: Our Flight in the Friendship.

Amelia was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. But she hadn’t flown the plane. Now Amelia wanted to be the first woman to pilot a plane solo across the Atlantic.

Lockheed Vega

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

In 1929, she bought a red Lockheed Vega airplane. She set new speed and altitude records in the Vega. She flew from the East coast to the West coast and back again. In 1932, Amelia was ready to attempt to duplicate the solo flight of Charles Lindbergh.

On May 20, 1932, exactly five years after Lindbergh’s historic flight, Amelia took off in her Vega airplane from Newfoundland. She hoped to reach Paris as Lindbergh had. At first the sky was clear, but then Amelia flew into rain and then ice. She flew lower to melt the ice, but her altimeter had broken. She could no longer tell how high up she was. Amelia had to be very careful not to fly close to the ocean.

Amelia in Northern Island

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock

When her reserve fuel tank leaked, Amelia abandoned her plans to land in Paris. She looked for land and spotted a pasture. After safely landing, a farmer told her she was in Northern Ireland. The trip took 14 hours and 56 minutes over 2,026 miles. Amelia Earhart was now the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and making a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like:

Books For Kids Amelia Earhart: https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-amelia-earhart/

Harriet Quimby America’s First Female Licensed Pilot https://barbaralowell.com/harriet-quimby-pilot

Barnstorming Bessie Coleman https://barbaralowell.com/barnstorming-bessie-coleman

Elinor Smith Teenage Flying Flapper https://barbaralowell.com/elinor-smith-flying-flapper

Books For Kids — Amelia Earhart

6 June 2017January 31, 2023

Who Was Amelia Earhart?

By Kate Boehm Jerome, Illustrated by David Cain

Amelia Earhart was a woman of many firsts. In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1935, she became the first woman to fly across the Pacific. From her early years to her mysterious 1937 disappearance while attempting a flight around the world, readers will find her life a fascinating story. 8-12 years

Daring Amelia

By Barbara Lowell, Illustrated by Jez Tuya

Even as a kid, Amelia Earhart was always looking for adventures. She had mud ball fights, explored caves, and even built a roller coaster in her backyard. The adventures continued as she grew up.

Amelia took flying lessons and was soon performing stunts in the sky. She became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. Still, Amelia wanted to achieve more. She set out to fly around the world. Tragedy struck when Amelia was unable to find the small island in the Pacific Ocean she needed to land on. Amelia Earhart is remembered today as a daring explorer who loved to fly. 6-8 years. Teacher Guide available at: https://barbaralowell.com/teacher-guide-2/

Trailblazers: Amelia Earhart, The First Woman Over the Atlantic

By Sally J. Morgan, Illustrated by David Shepard

On June 19, 1928, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to cross the Atlantic in an airplane. From building her own roller coaster as a child, to climbing to the roof of her boarding school, Amelia was a born daredevil. Find out how the girl who loved watching air shows blazed a trail in aviation! 8-12 years

Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of the Sky!

By James Buckley, Jr., Illustrated by Kelly Tindall

When Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. She immediately became an American icon and a subject of endless fascination for generations to come. This book is the story of the bold and daring aviator’s life presented in graphic novel format, with full-color illustrations and historically accurate details. From her hardscrabble childhood to her final flight—and mysterious disappearance—Earhart’s journey will entertain, captivate, and inspire readers of all ages. 8-12 years

It’s Her Story — Amelia Earhart, A Graphic Novel

By Kim Moldofsky, Illustrated by Alan Brown

Amelia Earhart was the first women to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She piloted many record-breaking flights, became an author, advised engineers, taught college students, and defended women’s rights. And then somewhere in the South Pacific, she disappeared on an attempted flight around the world. This is her story. 7-10 years

Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride

By Pam Munoz Ryan, Illustrated by Brian Selznick

Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt were birds of a feather. Not only were they two of the most admired and respected women of all time, they were also good friends.

On a brisk and cloudless evening in April 1933, Amelia and Eleanor did the unprecedented: They stole away from a White House dinner, commandeered an Eastern Air Transport jet, and took off on a glorious adventure, while still dressed in their glamorous evening gowns. 7-10 years

Amelia Earhart: The Legend of the Lost Aviator

By Shelley Tanaka, Illustrated by David Craig

Ever since Amelia Earhart and her plane disappeared on July 2, 1937, people have wanted to know more about this remarkable woman. This book follows the charismatic aviator from her first sight of an airplane at the age of ten to the last radio transmission she made before she vanished. 8-12 years

Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic

By Robert Burleigh, Illustrated by Wendell Minor

Robert Burleigh has captured Amelia Earhart’s first solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932. She was the first woman and only the second person to do this. 4-8 years

When Amelia Earhart Build a Roller Coaster

By Mark Weakland, Illustrated by Oksana Griviana

Amelia Earhart was one of America’s most famous aviators. But do you know what she was like as a child? From running on the river bluffs and playing football to building a roller coaster, Amelia was an active and confident child. Her childhood story will help young readers connect to this historic figure and inspire them. 6-12 years

I am Unstoppable: A Little Book About Amelia Earhart

By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

This friendly, fun biography focuses on the traits that made Amelia Earhart great—the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. In this new board book format, the very youngest readers can learn about one of America’s icons a lively, conversational way. The short text focuses on drawing inspiration from the famous pilot and includes an interactive element and factual tidbits that young kids will be able to connect with. 2-5 years

Amelia Lost

By Candace Fleming

In alternating chapters, Candace Fleming deftly moves readers back and forth between Amelia’s life, from childhood to her last flight, and the exhaustive search for Amelia and her missing plane. With photos, maps, and handwritten notes from Amelia, this book tackles everything from the history of flight to what Amelia liked to eat while flying. 8 and up

Amelia Earhart: A Photographic Story of a Life

By Tanya Lee Stone

With more than 100 full-color photographs, illustrations, and detailed sidebars, this book celebrates an aviation pioneer who changed how the world is viewed: aviatrix Amelia Earhart. 10 years and up

The descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you liked this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic https://barbaralowell.com/amelia-earhart-crosses-atlantic

Harriet Quimby, America’s First Female Licensed Pilot

29 August 2016August 19, 2019

In October 1910, Harriet Quimby watched an air show where top aviators competed. It was The International Aviation Tournament held in Belmont Park, New York. The highlight was an aerial race from the park to the Statue of Liberty. Harriet, known for her love of driving fast cars, decided to learn to fly.

Harriet Quimby

Harriet and her friend Matilde Mosiant took flying lessons in 1911. They were two of the first five students at Matilde’s brother’s school. The famous aviator, Louis Bleriot, trained Harriet’s instructor. Bleriot was the first person to fly solo across the English Channel.

Harriet wrote about her experience flying in Leslie’s Illustrated Weekly, the magazine she worked for. She encouraged women to fly. And to “abandon skirts and don a knickerbocker uniform.” Harriet designed her own flight suit. It was made of purple wool, backed with satin, and included a hood. There were large buttons on the skirt. When buttoned, they became pantaloons.

Harriet In Her Flight Suit

On August 1, 1911, Harriet became the first American woman to earn a pilot’s license. She flew in aerial exhibitions. On September 4, 1911, she became the first woman to fly at night. She flew over a crowd on Staten Island, New York. She was part of the Moisant Aviation Exhibition Team.

Harriet and Matilde, along with the Moisant team, celebrated the inauguration of the new Mexican president. They were hired to perform in an airshow. According to one of Harriet’s biographers, Matilde dropped roses when she flew over the president’s palace. Harriet and Matilde became the first women to fly over Mexico City.

Matilde Moisant

Harriet decided to follow in Louis Bleriot’s footsteps and become the first woman to cross the English Channel. She kept her plan a secret not wanting to invite competition. Harriet sailed to England on March 7, 1912. In France, she met Bleriot. She borrowed one of his monoplanes and had it shipped to England.

On April 16, Harriet took off from Dover, England. She attempted to cross the channel and land in Calais, France. With a compass on her lap, she flew into fog. But she was able to cross the channel successfully. She landed on a beach 25 miles from Calais. The excited beachgoers carried Harriet on their shoulders.

As the first woman to pilot a plane across the English Channel, Harriet’s name would have been the top headline in newspapers. But two days before her flight, the “unsinkable” Titanic hit an iceberg and sank. Stories about the Titanic ran for weeks.

Harriet continued flying exhibitions in America. Unfortunately, she, like so many early aviators, died while flying. On July 1, 1912, she flew at the Third Annual Boston Aviation Meet in Squantum, Massachusetts. Harriet and a passenger, William Willard, flew in Harriet’s new Bleriot two-seater. Something went wrong with the plane and Harriet lost control. Both she and Willard died. Harriet was only 37 years old.

Harriet will always be remembered as one of early aviation’s stars. She was the first American woman to receive a pilot’s license and the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

To Learn More, Visit the International Women’s Air & Space Museum at: http://www.iwasm.org

You may also like: Amelia Earhart Crosses The Atlantic https://barbaralowell.com/amelia-earhart-crosses-atlantic

Barnstorming Bessie Coleman https://barbaralowell.com/barnstorming-bessie-coleman

Elinor Smith Teenage Flying Flapper https://barbaralowell.com/elinor-smith-flying-flapper

Books For Kids:

Brave Harriet

by Marissa Moss, Illustrated by C.F. Payne

Daring Miss Quimby

by Suzanne George Whitaker, Illustrated by Catherine Stock

Barnstorming Bessie Coleman

11 May 2016August 21, 2019

Bessie Coleman, born to Texas sharecroppers in 1892, wanted more out of life than picking cotton. She wanted to “amount to something.” One of thirteen children, Bessie left Texas for Chicago in 1915, to live with her brothers Walter and John.

Bessie attended a beauty school and became a manicurist. She worked at the White Sox Barber Shop during World War I. Bessie listened to the daring stories told by pilots returning from Europe. Her brother, John, who had served in WWI teased her that French women were superior because they could fly planes. Bessie decided she would fly too. But no U.S. aviation schools would accept her. She was an African American woman.

Bessie Coleman

Bessie enjoyed reading the African American newspaper the Chicago Defender. The publisher, Robert S. Abbott, learned about Bessie’s dream to fly. He suggested that she learn French and apply for training at a French flight school. Bessie quickly learned the language and was accepted by a leading aviation school in France.

Bessie Coleman

Learning to fly the Nieuport Type 82 biplane required skill and daring. Although Bessie witnessed the death of a fellow student, she continued to fly determined to succeed. She trained for seven months. On June 15, 1921, Bessie received her pilot’s license. She was the first African American woman to do so. And the first African American to receive an International pilot’s license.

Returning home, Bessie was unable to find employment as an aviator. She traveled again to Europe for advanced training and to learn aerial stunt flying. Bessie was considered by experienced European pilots to be an exceptional flyer.

Returning again to the U.S., Bessie had a new dream. She would open a flight school to train African American women. Bessie needed money to finance this. With her skill and training, she became a barnstormer. In the early days of flying, pilots toured the country performing stunts at exhibitions to earn a living. They were called barnstormers.

Bessie Coleman In Her Uniform

Bessie first appeared at an air show in Garden City, Long Island. She dressed in a military style uniform. She performed loops and spirals over the crowd. The show billed Bessie as “the world’s greatest woman flier.”

Bessie appeared in more air shows. In 1923, she was able to purchase a Curtiss JM4 military surplus biplane known as a Jenny. Bessie flew in her Jenny before a Los Angeles crowd in June that year. Her plane stalled and crashed. Bessie survived the accident, but was left with a broken leg and three broken ribs.

On June 19, 1925, Bessie returned to the air in Texas to celebrate Juneteenth. Texas slaves were effectively freed from slavery by U.S. troops on June 19, 1865. Beginning that day, Bessie refused to perform in the south if African Americans were banned from attendance.

To help raise funds for her flight school, Bessie spoke to audiences about flying. She encouraged African Americans to consider flying too.

Bessie never realized her dream of opening a flight school. She purchased another Jenny biplane in 1926. Many people including her family considered it to be in poor condition. On April 30, 1926, Bessie flew as a passenger in the plane scouting a landing site for a parachute jump. The pilot, William Wills, lost control. Bessie and Wills like many early aviators lost their lives flying.

Bessie Coleman, called “Brave Bess” inspired women to live their dreams as she had lived hers. In 2006, she was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may also like: Amelia Earhart Crosses The Atlantic https://www.amelia-earhart-crosses-atlantic

Harriet Quimby America’s First Female Licensed Pilot https://barbaralowell.com/harriet-quimby-pilot

Elinor Smith Teenage Flying Flapper https://barbaralowell.com/elinor-smith-flying-flapper

Books For Kids:

Fly High!

By Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger

Illustrated by Teresa Flavin

Talkin’ About Bessie The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman

By Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Elinor Smith, Teenage Flying Flapper

13 April 2016August 21, 2019

Six-year-old Elinor Smith persuaded her father to let her fly in a Farman pusher biplane near her home on Long Island, New York. “By the time the pilot touched the wheels gently to the earth, I knew my future in airplanes and flying was as inevitable as the freckles on my nose.”

Farman pusher biplane

Elinor took flying lessons at age 10. Sitting on a pillow with her feet resting on blocks tied to the controls, Elinor learned to fly and by age 12, “I could do everything but take off and land.” She soloed a plane at age 15 and became the youngest licensed pilot at 16. Her license was signed by Orville Wright.

Elinor received worldwide attention when she was challenged to fly under one of New York’s East River bridges. Elinor not only met the challenge in 1928 at age 17, she flew the Waco 10 plane under four bridges: the Queensboro, the Manhattan, the Williamsburg and the Brooklyn Bridge. Charles Lindbergh wished her good luck and said, “…keep your nose down in the turns.” Her stunt has never been repeated.

Elinor Smith

Voted “Best Female Pilot” in 1930 by her peers, Elinor set many speed, altitude and endurance records. In 1934, she became the first woman on a Wheaties cereal box. Nicknamed the “Flying Flapper,” Elinor retired from flying for awhile to marry and raise her children, but returned in 1956, flying jets. Her last flight was in 2001, at age 89 when she flew an experimental plane at Langley Air Force Base. Elinor Smith died on March 19, 2010 at age 98.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

A Book For Kids:

Soar, Elinor! By Tami Lewis Brown Illustrated by Francois Roca

You may also like: Amelia Earhart Crosses The Atlantic https://barbaralowell.com/amelia-earhart-crosses-atlantic

Harriet Quimby America’s First Female Licensed Pilot https://barbaralowell.com/harriet-quimby-pilot

Barnstorming Bessie Coleman https://barbaralowell.com/barnstorming-bessie-coleman

Photo by San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives