Sky Pioneers: A History of Women Who Shaped Aviation

They said flying was too dangerous for women. They said girls didn't belong in cockpits. And yet, from the first fragile airplanes to the roaring engines of the 1930s and 1940s, courageous women stepped forward, buckled themselves in, and proved the world wrong. This book introduces young readers to the daring pioneers of the sky—women who faced doubt, danger, and prejudice but refused to let anything keep them grounded. From balloonists and parachutists who risked their lives before airplanes were common, to trailblazers who earned pilot's licenses, broke records, and even ferried military aircraft during wartime, their stories shine with courage and persistence. Readers will meet women who shocked crowds by flying solo, who became the first in their communities to touch the sky, and who inspired generations of future aviators, astronauts, and airline captains. Along the way, kids will see how bravery can change history, and how ordinary people can reach extraordinary heights when they chase their dreams. More than a history of flight, this book is a celebration of courage, determination, and the power of daring to do what others say cannot be done. These forgotten stories remind us all—especially kids—that everyone has a "sky" waiting to be reached.