Born to Fly

The First Women's Air Race Across America

By: Steve Sheinkin

Narrated by: Kim Mai Guest

Born to Fly is the gripping story of the fearless women pilots who aimed for the skies - and beyond.

Just nine years after American women finally got the right to vote, a group of trailblazers soared to new heights in the 1929 Air Derby, the first women's air race across the U.S. Follow the incredible lives of legend Amelia Earhart, who has captivated generations; Marvel Crosson, who built a plane before she even learned how to fly; Louise Thaden, who shattered jaw-dropping altitude records; and Elinor Smith, who at age 17 made headlines when she flew under the Brooklyn Bridge.

These awe-inspiring stories culminate in a suspenseful, nail-biting rate across the country that brings to life the glory and grit of the dangerous and thrilling early days of flying, expertly told by the master of nonfiction history for young listeners and readers, National Book Award finalist Steve Sheinkin.

©2019 Steve Sheinkin (P)2019 Listening Library

Amazing

This book was spectacular! I loved it. It has history and a really good story.

Very insightful and powerful story

Some of the story could gave been from "It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world", while other parts are so powerful you have stop to think then cry. These women pilots should on the tios of every American's lips.

Absolutely recommend!

This book was such an amazing literature! The story was compelling and educational, and the drama and action was so captivating. You could taste the suspense.

Do Yourself a Favor and Read This Book.

5 stars
Yes, this story started a wee bit on the slow side. But once these amazing pilots (who just happened to be women) start competitive flying, you are soaring through the skies with them.

This story centers around the first national competitive cross-country race with all female pilots. Men were adamant that this couldn’t be done. And the stories told in this book about “accidents” that occurred during this multi-day event were shocking to me.

Living in America after men tried to control our bodies in the 2020’s, it was frustrating to see how men of yesteryear fought to keep women at home and “barefoot and pregnant” as the saying used to go. No, this isn’t a commentary on Roe v. Wade. But it is astounding to hear that much of what men said back in the 1920’s to keep women on the ground sounds disturbingly similar to the reason men felt it was their duty to control our bodies. But no matter what the 1920’s men tried to do, they weren’t any more successful than the men of 2023!

But the most charming part of this story was getting to know all the pilots and what made them tick. Where did their determination come from to fight for their turn in the sky? How did they cope with the danger in the sky and the pressure on the ground to act like “real ladies”.

Yes, Amelia Earhart is in this story. She is mentioned throughout the race, but she wasn’t the best pilot and doesn’t dominate the story. Rather, we meet her as a woman who cares about others and works hard to help women earn their right to fly with no restrictions. My respect for her grew as I read this book. I didn’t expect that to happen. We also get to learn about each woman who participated in this contest and what happened in their lives after the stock market crashed and Hitler terrorized Europe. What incredible lives they led.

I highly recommend this small piece of history to you. These women were heroes and definitely made our lives today so much better.