Talkin' about Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman - Hardcover

by Nikki Grimes (Author), E. B. Lewis (Illustrator)

Soar along with Bessie Coleman in this inspirational tale of a woman whose determination reached new heights.

Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman was always being told what she could & couldn't do. In an era when Jim Crow laws and segregation were a way of life, it was not easy to survive. Bessie didn't let that stop her. Although she was only 11 when the Wright brothers took their historic flight, she vowed to become the first African -American female pilot. Her sturdy faith and determination helped her overcome obstacles of poverty, racism, and gender discrimination. Innovatively told through a series of monologues.

Author Biography

E. B. Lewis Won a Caldecott Honor for COMING ON HOME SOON by Jacqueline Woodson. He has also won the Coretta Scott King Award and Coretta Scott King Honor three times. He graduated from Temple University's Tyler School of Art and now teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Mr Lewis lives in Folsom, New Jersey. Visit www.eblewis.com to learn more.
Nikki Grimes won a 2014 Coretta Scott King Honor for WORDS WITH WINGS, and she is the author of BRONX MASQUERADE, which won the Coretta Scott King Award. Nikki is also the author of four other Coretta Scott King Honor books: TALKIN' ABOUT BESSIE, JAZMIN'S NOTEBOOK, THE ROAD TO PARIS, and DARK SONS. She won the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Nikki lives in Corona, California. Visit her online at www.nikkigrimes.com.