Lady Daredevils: American Women and Early Aviation

by Barbara Ganson

300 pages, Paperback

Published July 29, 2026

Reviews

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent history of women’s contribution to early aviation as test pilots, airport managers and mechanics.

This is a fascinating book detailing the women who helped promote early aviation in this country - and who should not be forgotten in this age of DEI where so many are attempting to rewrite history. The women who flew pushed records in speed, altitude, distance and endurance. Perhaps most interesting were the fashions for “airwomen” reflecting the changing attitudes about traditional female roles. Blending interviews and archival materials, the author goes on the show women contributed to building American aviation.

I loved the stories of these women and such wonderful pictures. There’s one of women sewing fabric wings for planes - wow! Mind blowing! From aerial performers to the first woman licensed sea pilot to the first black woman pilot, the reader is offered a panoply of daring women. And no book with this topic would be complete without Amelia Earhart who figures prominently in the book. Enjoyed learning about the transcontinental races and the women who did the first air refueling. The book in the later chapters focuses on women who weren’t pilots but who supported aviation like stewardesses and mechanics.

This book is an important contribution to ensuring the efforts of women and their contributions are not forgotten. It’s a paean to air exploration and the daring pioneering women who gave us the our wonderful system of air flight.

My thanks to NetGalley and the University of Illinois Press for granting me access to this marvelous ARC.

[Crystal Wilt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book because I was curious about the first women pilots. We all have heard of Amelia Earhart, and although she definitely was a pioneer in the field, there were so many other incredible women who were honestly…lady daredevils. This book really does a good job at highlighting these women’s lives, achievements and grit-wait…moxie-during a time where women weren’t given the same opportunities as men. If you like historical non fiction and bad ass women-this definitely should be in your TBR.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book.*

[Saren · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a woman in aviation myself (both on the pilot and maintenance side) I was immediately intrigued by this title, and I'm glad I picked it up. This is an excellent account of women's accomplishments and contributions to the industry, from the beginning. While I was already familiar with some names (the Stinson sisters, Bessie Coleman, and of course Amelia Earhart) there are others that were new to me. Overall a great read, and I'll be picking up a finished copy to add to my aviation library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early review copy!

[Sharon Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about women and early aviation! I learned so much! They had to fight so hard to be able to pursue their dreams! This book covers early flight as well as present day. It is a very comprehensive look at all the women involved in aviation. I also loved the pictures. It is interesting to see photographs of these brave women. I recommend this book to all readers that are interested in women and flying.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars (rounded up) - review to follow.