Harriet Quimby never shied away from a daring experience. In 1911 she became the first U.S. woman to receive a pilot’s license and later gained international attention as the first woman to fly across the English Channel. She also performed in air shows across the country. Shown in pencil and watercolor illustrations wearing her trademark purple flight suit, Harriet moves confidently through her world, whether at the controls of her small propeller plane or before a crowd of fans. But her time in the limelight was short-lived: Only one year after becoming a licensed pilot, Harriet lost control of her plane over the Boston Harbor, resulting in her death and that of a passenger. Her determination and spirit of adventure helped pave the way for other women to enjoy success as pilots, as chronicled in a “Women in Aviation Time Line” that tracks significant aviation milestones. An author’s note with additional information about Harriet Quimby’s life and a list of related websites and a bibliography are also included. (Ages 7–10)

In 1912, airplanes looked like bicycles with wings. Only men flew these scary new machines. When a spirited young woman named Harriet Qimby decided to learn to fly, everyone said it would be too dangerous. But Harriet tried it anyway! She was the first woman in the United States to earn her pilot's license. Soon the whole country was just wild about her! Harriet loved the attention and designed a purple flight suit to stand out even more. Before long she was the first woman to fly across the English Channel. What daring adventure would Harriet try next?