Upside Down Dreams

by Michelle "MACE" Curran

A story written for girls with big dreams looking for a real-world heroine.

Lilly Padilly, an adventurous 8-year-old, finds herself drawn to the thrill of flight after seeing six fighter jets streak over her school. Facing skepticism from her peers and her own self-doubt, a heartwarming bond with her grandpa brings her to a pivotal moment in her life. Lilly’s uncertainty is banished after an inspirational encounter with one special pilot solidifies her dream.

Inspired by the firsthand interactions Michelle “MACE” Curran had with many girls during her time as a Thunderbird Pilot.

Genres: Picture Books

Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2023

Reviews

[LiteraryAviatrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilly Padilly’s Grandpa encourages her to fly when she sees the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds practicing their high-performance fighter jet demonstration team maneuvers outside her classroom window, but not everyone agrees that girls can fly jets. Lilly starts to have doubts until she meets a female Thunderbird pilot and decides she’s going to fly upside-down, too.

I love the creative approach MACE took with this book. Rather than making it a story about her experiences as a fighter pilot and member of the USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron, it is told from the perspective of an 8-year-old girl with her own agency, which will resonate with young readers. The story emphasizes how impactful it is for girls to see someone who looks like them succeeding at something to believe they can do it, particularly when the world around them tells them they can’t, and it gives them a pathway to achieve their own dreams through hard work and focus. With this book, MACE will extend the tremendous impact she had as a role model on the team well beyond her service and the air show circuit to girls who may never have the chance to see the Thunderbirds perform. It’s perfect for bedtime with the little ones, appropriate for readers ages 5-8, and inspiring for everyone.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upside Down Dreams by Michelle Curran is about Lilly, who wants to be a fighter pilot when she grows up. A boy in her class tells her only boys fly planes, but Lilly's grandpa takes her to an air show and she meets one of the pilots - a woman! - and the pilot gives Lilly a flag that flew upside down with her and encourages Lilly to follow her dreams. This book is a great inspirational tale, based on the author's own experiences as a female Thunderbird pilot. Recommended for little ones who dream of flying someday..

Thank you to the publisher, End Game Press, for the PDF of this book.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mace reminds us all why airshows are so magical

I greatly appreciate Major Mace taking on the task of reminding us all what air shows are all about - giving hope to all, creating a more inclusive community and giving ladies hope they too can be where they belong: IN THE AIR.

I’m very male and very grateful for Major Mace so I stand behind this message. Pleas give your kids this book. 😍❤️👏🇺🇸

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet children’s book written by the former lead soloist of the USAF Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team. I’ve been a fan of that team since I was a child and have been lucky to see them a few times these past few years. I even got to see the author fly. I grew up on Air Force Bases, and that’s where my love of planes stems from. It’s fitting that I’d find and read this book. Can’t wait for her memoir coming out later this year!

[Bruce Shapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting the author at an event in NJ last year I knew that I had to buy this book for my soon to be born baby niece, now 3 months old. I can say her Uncle thoroughly enjoyed the book and looks forward to reading it to her many times so she knows that she can do anything she wants to in this world!

[Christopher MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super inspirational to my Daughter Skylar!!! Very excited to keep this in her library and read it to her atleast 1000 times and tearing up 99% of the time as she becomes a pilot some day!!! -Chris MacDonald

[Brooklyn Swenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exceeded my expectations! It’s well written, well illustrated, and is so inspirational!

[Josie Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book! Inspirational and exciting, especially little girls who dream of doing big things.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspires kids to dream big, connect with their grandparents, and move past bullying. The illustrations bring the characters and jets to life. The story left me feeling hopeful and inspired!