Book
Talkin' about Bessie : the story of aviator Elizabeth Coleman
Record details
- ISBN: 0439352436 :
-
Physical Description:
1 v. (unpaged) : col. ill. ; 31 cm.
print - Edition: 1st ed.
- Publisher: New York : Orchard Books, 2002.
Content descriptions
| General Note: | Received Coretta Scott King Award for illustrator; Coretta Scott King honor book for author. |
| Bibliography, etc. Note: | Includes bibliographical references. |
| Awards Note: | Coretta Scott King Award, 2003. |
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | Women Biography African Americans Biography Air pilots United States Coleman, Bessie 1896-1926 |
Available copies
- 1 of 1 copy available at Kenton County.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covington Branch | J B C692g (Text) | 33126009798822 | JBiography | Available | - |
- School Library Journal Reviews : SLJ Reviews 2002 October
Gr 3-8-This fresh contribution to the spate of relatively recent titles about Coleman has a decidedly unique tone. Talkin' is a well-conceived, well-executed, handsomely illustrated, fictionalized account of the life of the first black female licensed pilot in the world (CIP places the book in the 600s). An introductory note puts the aviatrix in historical context, but neglects to explain some references (e.g., Jim Crow laws). The text consists of 21 poetic vignettes of Coleman delivered by "speakers" at a funeral parlor, all of whom have come to mourn the pilot who died at age 34 in a plane accident. Their reminiscences on stark white pages are illustrated with miniature portraits bordered in sepia, each one facing a full-page watercolor capturing a moment in the woman's life. Skillfully drawn and occasionally photographic in their realism, the pictures perfectly match each speaker's recollections. A concluding note states rather definitively in regard to her death: "The cause of the crash remains a mystery" despite some evidence to the contrary. No sources are listed. While fictional, this is a fine piece to use to set a tone or inspire more research into Coleman's life. It could also serve as an exceptional writing model for students. The concept, much like Marilyn Nelson's Carver: A Life in Poems (Front Street, 2001), is noteworthy.-Harriett Fargnoli, Great Neck Library, NY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information. - School Library Journal Reviews : SLJ Reviews 2004 October
Born in poverty, Bessie Coleman overcame many obstacles to become a pilot, and only her untimely death kept her from opening the first flight school for African Americans. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.