Katherine Stinson Otero, High Flyer (ISBN 158980368X)

DREAMS DO COME TRUE:
The year was 1912 and young Katherine Stinson was about to make her dream come true. She had long yearned to fly but no one would teach her; they all said she was too young and too small. At last, she met Max Lillie, a pilot from Sweden, who agreed to teach her. And, teach her he did. She was an excellent student and finally heard the words that were music to her ears "You're ready to solo!" At nearly 21 years of age she" became only the fourth American woman licensed to fly." From that moment on the sky was the limit, literally. She flew in many exhibitions, and was dubbed "the flying Schoolgirl" although she had graduated from high school four years earlier. She flew the first loop-the-loop at a California air show, and was invited to fly in Japan and China where many thousands came to watch her. She set a new distance record of 610 miles, and raised over 2 million dollars for the American Red Cross during wartime. Today, an airfield, airplanes and monuments are named for her. She remains an example for all young people who have a dream. Daggi Wallace is a self-taught artist and illustrator whose sun-washed paintings aptly reflect the happiness and commitment of young Katherine Stinson Otero. - Gail Cooke

An entertaining picturebook biography of the life and adventures of Katherine Stinson Otero:
Katherine Stinson Otero High Flyer by Neila Skinner Petrick (with exceptional pastel artwork illustrations by Daggi Wallace) is an entertaining picturebook biography of the life and adventures of Katherine Stinson Otero who was the fourth American woman to be certified as an airplane pilot in the earliest days of aviation. Guiding young readers through the inspiring accomplishments of this remarkable young woman, Katherine Stinson Otero High Flyer is very highly recommended reading for all young readers, as well as an excellent picturebook resource for librarians, teachers, and parents wishing to provide young girls with inspiring role models.