FICTION

Lighter Than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot

by Matthew Clark SMITH
illus. by Matt Tavares. 32p. bibliog. Candlewick. Mar. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780763677329.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1–4—Ever since her youth, Sophie Blanchard (1778–1819) dreamed of flying. After she met and married her husband, the famous balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard, she was able to fulfill this dream. Her daring knew no bounds. Blanchard flew solo over the Alps and became a legend at Napoleon's court. The work ends with her gazing from her balloon at a beach from her childhood and reflecting on her cultural impact: "Now, she realized, she had lifted the spirits of thousands along with her." This amazing tale of the first female pilot is illustrated in ink and watercolor, with the changing sky becoming a character itself.
VERDICT A story that needs to be shared. Pair this with Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger's Fly High!: The Story of Bessie Coleman to demonstrate that girls can reach their dreams.
Reviewed by Paula Huddy, The Blake School-Highcroft Campus, Wayzata, MN , Jan 01, 2017

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

A Web of Christmas Love
by Morris, Steppie
BOOKS

The End of Always
by Phillips, Rebecca
BOOKS

La verdad sobre el sofá
by Rubin, Adam
BOOKS

Every Time You Hear That Song
by Voris, Jenna
BOOKS

La maleta de tesoros
by Sylvester, Natalia
BOOKS

This Night Is Ours
by Davis, Ronni
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?