Powder Puff Derby of 1929: The True Story of the First Women's Cross-Country Air Race

by Gene Nora Jessen

The unforgettable true story of the 1929 air race that legitimized female pilots.
In 1929, nineteen women set out from Santa Monica, California, in flimsy, propeller driven planes, with a mission―to be the first to cover the 2,759 mile course to Cleveland, Ohio. Dubbed "The Powder Puff Derby" by humorist Will Rogers, who covered the race, the competition was aggressive and dangerous.
A thrilling narrative, The Powder Puff Derby of 1929 tells the story of the first major female airplane race, whose contestants included Amelia Earhart, the most famous female pilot of her time. Many of the women flew in open cockpits, with no air controllers to help them and often only primitive airports to land on. Yet by facing the hazards with skill and determination, the racers thrilled the nation and pioneered a new future and respect for female aviators.
The Powder Puff Derby of 1929 tells the stories of these first female pilots, gutsy and colorful adventurers who flew in air circuses, set altitude and speed records and fought for the right to become part of the male-dominated world of aviation. The book also includes various artifacts of the groundbreaking race, including priceless, never-before-published black and white photos, as well as Air Force maps of the terrain over which the women flew.
An inspiring story of confidence and persistence, The Powder Puff Derby of 1929 captures a defining moment in the history of aviation and women's rights.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Aviation

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[Sarah Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am researching women who were pilots before WWII for an adult continuing education class I am presenting in 2020. This book is an excellent accounting of the first Powderpuff Derby and all of the participants. The book also puts the story in the context of the times, juxtaposing other world events, expecially those that are aviation related, that were happening in the same time period. Highly recommended.

[George Kasnic · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent history of not only this incredible event, but an in depth look at the pioneers of women’s aviation. Focusing on the US, but including international change makers, the race is the subject of most of the book. An extensive epilogue covers the lives of the racers before and after the 1929 Derby, while an equally informative afterword further expands upon the contributions and barriers to women in aviation. An incredibly worthwhile read.

[Darci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I attended an event for the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, KS where I first learned about the Ninety-Nines and met several. I was unaware of the Powder Puff Derby and it's role in history. This book was a good look into the history.

[Diane H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful brave women.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was just ok.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Before I read this, I already had a couple favorite pilots from the Powderpuff Derby, along with appreciation for all of them, but this book goes so in depth about every pilot and provided information that's hard to find on the Internet. I definitely recommend it for everyone, and I'm so happy there are books like this one really showing the amazing bravery, tenacity, awesome sportsmanship and appreciation for these women.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this down! "Powder Puff Derby" is an unfortunately cutesy name (that's 1929 for you) for the race undertaken by these aviation pioneers. There is adventure in these pages as well as danger, remarkable courage, triumph and tragedy. And it's all true! One of the most entertaining books I've ever read.

[Terry Cornell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great account of the first Powder Puff Derby. Written from the perspective of a fellow pilot, and flight instructor.