Debra L. Winegarten

Only the fourth American woman to earn a pilot’s license, Katherine Stinson was the first woman in the United States officially authorized to make airmail flights and the first woman in the world to perform a loop-the-loop. The young pilot dazzled spectators with her stunt flying; she planned to use the money she’d earn to pay for music lessons. But she discovered that she loved flying, so she put the piano lessons on hold and became one of the more daring stunt pilots. Dubbed “The Flying Schoolgirl” by the press, the diminutive woman went on to set many flight records and, during the First World War, flew a specially-designed and built Curtiss Stinson-Special to raise funds for the Red Cross.

This juvenile [grades four through seven; ages nine and up] book covers several years in the life of aviatrix Katherine Stinson. Illustrated with black-and-white archival photographs, it introduces readers to the flight pioneer as it recounts some of the highlights of her seven-year-long aviation career. It is certain to appeal to readers interested in early aviation and / or the accomplishments of women.

Only the fourth American woman to earn a pilot’s license, Katherine Stinson was the first woman in the United States officially authorized to make airmail flights and the first woman in the world to perform a loop-the-loop. The young pilot dazzled spectators with her stunt flying; she planned to use the money she’d earn to pay for music lessons. But she discovered that she loved flying, so she put the piano lessons on hold and became one of the more daring stunt pilots. Dubbed “The Flying Schoolgirl” by the press, the diminutive woman went on to set many flight records and, during the First World War, flew a specially-designed and built Curtiss Stinson-Special to raise funds for the Red Cross.

This juvenile [grades four through seven; ages nine and up] biography of aviatrix Katherine Stinson, illustrated with black-and-white archival photographs introduces readers to the flight pioneer as it recounts some of the highlights of her seven-year-long aviation career. It is certain to appeal to readers interested in early aviation and / or the accomplishments of women.

A glossary, selected bibliography, and suggested reading and internet sites list follows the narrative.

Highly recommended.… (mer)