Fly, Bessie, Fly
What’s inside...
More than anything, Bessie Coleman wants to fly. As a small child working in a Waxahachie, Texas, cotton field, she likes to imagine she's a bird, getting ready to spread her wings and fly away. Then, when Bessie learns about the black fighter pilots of World War I, she gets the idea that maybe she really can fly. But no one in the United States will teach her how to fly a plane because she's black and a woman. So Bessie goes to France, where she becomes the first black woman in the world to earn a pilot's license -- and where she finally has the chance to soar with the birds. In lyrical prose, Lynn Joseph tells the inspirational true story of aviator Bessie Coleman. Yvonne Buchanan's buoyant watercolor paintings remind us that sometimes even seemingly unattainable dreams are within our reach.
Age
5-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bessie Coleman
Discussion points
What do you think made Bessie want to fly?
How do you think Bessie felt when she faced challenges? What would you do in her place?
What are some qualities that Bessie has that you admire or would like to have?
Why is it important to follow our dreams, like Bessie did?
How can we support our friends in achieving their dreams just like Bessie's friends did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences where they had to overcome a challenge, linking it back to Bessie's journey.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how it helped Bessie achieve her goals, drawing parallels to situations in your child’s life.
Praise your child for qualities they share with Bessie, such as bravery or determination, to foster a personal connection with the story.
Explore the historical context of the story, explaining how Bessie's achievements were groundbreaking and what obstacles she had to face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story highlights Bessie Coleman's relentless pursuit to become a pilot despite facing racial and gender discrimination. Her determination is evident as she moves to France to achieve her dreams.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles and reaching their goals, teaching them to remain focused and determined despite challenges.
Example Lesson: Equality
Explanation: Bessie’s story emphasizes her fight against racial and gender prejudices, showcasing her belief in equal opportunities for all.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and respect diversity, and advocate for equality in their interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Bessie's decision to go to flight school in a different country illustrates her incredible courage in chasing her dreams, regardless of the risks involved.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and take risks in pursuing their passions, which is a vital skill in personal growth and development.
Example Lesson: Education as empowerment
Explanation: Bessie's ability to break barriers was significantly aided by her pursuit of education and skills in France, highlighting education as a key to unlocking opportunities.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to value and pursue education, understanding its role in expanding possibilities and achieving dreams.