A Pair of Wings by Carole Hopson

 A Pair of Wings tells the life story of pioneer aviatrix Bessie Coleman.

In 1915, Bessie leaves oppressive Texas for Chicago where two of her brothers already relocated, and where she also reconnects with her college friend Norma. The two are opposites. Norma avoids risks, Bessie rushes toward adventure. All of them are part of the Great Migration that left agricultural South for opportunity in the North.

Bessie works at barbershop where she meets a man who supports her dream of flying. But the problem is no one wants to accept a Negro female student. He helps her to apply to different schools, and he finds one that accepts her. It happens to be in France. That doesn’t deter her from following her dream. She learns the language and travels to France.

In France, she learns much more. She converts wargame maneuvers into graceful performances which earn her the nickname of Daredevil in the US.

It is a fascinating story of a remarkable woman and set against interesting historical background of the Great Migration. Richly imagined and heartfelt. 

Published in August 2024 by Henry Holt & Co

Source: Henry Holt & Co