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Our Aviation Book of the Month May 2021
Looking for a new book to read this month? Each month we select one of our favorite aviation books to be our book of the month.
Here you will find an in depth look at our selection along with what makes it such a great read. Learn the backstory and read reviews and how the story is included in our museum. These are the books that inspire us and help us learn more about the wonderful world of Aviation.
The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee
by Julie Leung, Julie Kwon (Illustrator)
Overview
Reading Age 4-8 Years Old 48 Pages
Discover an inspiring picture book biography about Hazel Ying Lee, the first Chinese American woman to fly for the US military.
Hazel Ying Lee was born fearless—she was not afraid of anything, and the moment she took her first airplane ride, she knew where she belonged. When people scoffed at her dreams of becoming a pilot, Hazel wouldn't take no for an answer. She joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. It was a dangerous job, but Hazel flew with joy and boldness.
This moving, true story about a groundbreaking figure will inspire young readers to challenge barriers and reach for the sky.
Hazel Ying Lee Bio
Hazel Ying Lee was born fearless—she was not afraid of anything, and the moment she took her first airplane ride, she knew where she belonged. When people scoffed at her dreams of becoming a pilot, Hazel wouldn't take no for an answer. She joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. It was a dangerous job, but Hazel flew with joy and boldness.
Experienced women pilots like Lee were eager to join the WASP and responded to interview requests by Cochran. Members of the WASP reported to Avenger Field, in Sweetwater, Texas for an arduous six-month training program. Lee was accepted into the 4th class, 43 W 4. She was the first Chinese-American woman to fly for the United States military and quickly emerged as a leader among the WASPs. A fellow pilot summed up Lee's attitude in her own words: "I'll take and deliver anything." Lee was described by her fellow pilots as "calm and fearless" even during forced landings, and was a favorite with her fellow pilots, known for her sense of humor and being mischievous. Lee often used her lipstick to inscribe Chinese characters on the tail of her plane and the planes of her fellow pilots.
On November 10, 1944, Lee received orders to go to the Bell Aircraft factory at Niagara Falls, New York, where she was to fly a P-63 Kingcobra aircraft to Great Falls, Montana. Bad weather delayed the mission at Fargo, North Dakota and on the morning of November 23, the weather cleared, allowing Lee to leave Fargo. Shortly after 2 p.m., Lee was cleared to land in Great Falls with a large number of P-63's approaching the airport at the same time. There was confusion on the part of the control tower, resulting in Lee's plane and another P-63 colliding. The aircraft were engulfed in flames and Lee was pulled from the burning wreckage of her airplane with her flight jacket still smoldering. Two days later, on November 25, 1944, Lee died from the severe burns she received in the accident. This book does cover Lee's death in an appropriate manner for young children.
Connection To The Museum of Flight
Untold Stories: World War II at 75
Utilizing artifacts and records from the Museum of Flight’s collection, Untold Stories commemorates the 75th anniversary of WWII by highlighting some of the lesser-known and diverse people who lived and died during the war years. Hazel Ying Lee is one of the individuals selected for Untold Stories. Hazel was not just a WASP pilot, she was one of the select group qualified to fly fighter aircraft and also the only Chinese American WASP.
About the Author
Julie Leung was raised in the sleepy suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, though it may be more accurate to say she grew up in Oz and came of age in Middle-earth. She graduated with an English and journalism degree from University of Georgia. By day, she is a marketing director at Random House, specializing in sci-fi/fantasy books. You can catch her at pop culture conventions on behalf of Del Rey Books. By night, she is a children’s book author. Her debut series, Mice of the Round Table was praised as a “winning new adventure,” by Kirkus Reviews. She is also the author of Paper Son: The Story of Tyrus Wong, and Who Did It First? 50 Scientists, Artists, and Mathematicians Who Revolutionized The World.
Reviews
4.47 Stars on Goodreads 5 Stars on Amazon
- "Through clear and concise text aimed at younger fluent readers, author Leung conveys Lee’s verve and passion for both flying and life while also conveying the full import of Lee’s accomplishments to both America and Americans of color.... The crisp lines and bright colors of Kwon’s illustrations simply and gracefully depict a bygone era.... Another welcome biography of an Asian American contributor to U.S. history."—Kirkus Reviews
- "[An] unsung hero from Chinese American history.... A moving tribute to this groundbreaking aviation pioneer."—Booklist
- "A little-known Chinese American pilot is brought to life in this picture book biography.... Illustrations vibrantly complement the text.... A must-have."—School Library Connection
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