Queen of the Skies: The Inspiring Story of Bessie Coleman

by Beth Powell, Gigi Coleman (contributor), Stephen Walton (contributor)

Before our beloved aviators, like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh soared into our hearts, there was also Bessie Coleman. Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman to receive her pilot’s license.

Queen of the Skies is an intimate portrait of Bessie Coleman, told in collaboration with the family from their perspective. From her humble upbringing picking cotton in Waxahachie, Texas at the turn of the century, Bessie never gave up on her aviation dreams, despite all the odds against her. She made her way to Chicago and learned French, and then moved overseas to France to learn how to fly as she faced many obstacles in the US.

Her story is an inspiring tale of hope, inspiration and determination of a woman whose very existence in aviation defied the injustice and racism of the time. Bessie continues to inspire aviators today. Here is the story of her deepest desires, the people she loved, the determination behind each milestone, and how she succeeded in changing aviation forever with her indomitable spirit.

194 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2025

Reviews

[Tanvi Prakash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased this book at WAI 2025. It almost reads like a movie script, with well written scenes and dialogue. Highly recommended as a light read

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about Bessie and accomplishments, but craved more details and sources. Loved all the photos!

[Saren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bessie Coleman is my idol and I wish she would be the one we teach kids about in school instead of Amelia Earhart. What a badass. Her accomplishments should be recognized far more than they are. This was a great account of her life and story. It is a super quick read, and while it felt like it was written for a younger audience, I still loved it.