Author: Nikki Grimes
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Format: Hardcover
Published: Orchard Books, 2002

The story of the first African American aviator is told through a series of monologues from the perspectives of various people who knew her, including her family members, fellow field hand, teacher, classmate, flight instructor, fan, and more. After being refused entrance to flight schools in the U.S. because of her skin color, Bessie traveled to France where she earned an international pilot's license. Gentle watercolors perfectly capture the time and place.