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Me and the Sky: Captain Beverley Bass, Pioneering Pilot
The groundbreaking female pilot featured in the hit Broadway musical Come from Away tells her story in this high-flying and inspiring picture-book autobiography!
When Beverley Bass was a young girl in the late 1950s, she told her parents she wanted to fly planes--and they told her that girls couldn't be pilots. Still, they encouraged her, and brought her to a nearby airport to watch the planes take off and land.
After decades of refusing to take no for an answer, in 1986 Beverley became the first female pilot promoted to captain by American Airlines and led the first all-female crewed flight shortly thereafter. Her revolutionary career became even more newsworthy when she was forced to land in the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, due to US airspace closures. After several days there, she flew her crew and passengers safely home.
When Beverley Bass was a young girl in the late 1950s, she told her parents she wanted to fly planes--and they told her that girls couldn't be pilots. Still, they encouraged her, and brought her to a nearby airport to watch the planes take off and land.
After decades of refusing to take no for an answer, in 1986 Beverley became the first female pilot promoted to captain by American Airlines and led the first all-female crewed flight shortly thereafter. Her revolutionary career became even more newsworthy when she was forced to land in the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, due to US airspace closures. After several days there, she flew her crew and passengers safely home.
40 pages, Library Binding
First published September 10, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 13, 2019
I'm a huge fan of the musical Come From Away, so I was very excited to come across this book in the library from the real person upon whom one of the musical's characters is based. It's intended for children, so we get a nice, simple message of how determination and hard work is needed to achieve one's dreams, especially when you are a woman breaking into a profession dominated by men. It was an odd choice though to tell this autobiographical story in the third person.
October 22, 2019
I liked the illustrations, but the writing fell a little flat. I do like that it ties into the musical a little, both in a few moments in the text and in the back matter.
March 28, 2020
I didn't realize that this was a children's book when I ordered it but I loved reading about Beverley Bass, the pilot in the Broadway Musical "Come From Away".
September 24, 2019
I'm not an expert on reading levels, but it seems like the text was written at a lower reading level (maybe third grade?) which is a bit unusual for pic book biographies. It was nice. As I've said before, more more more stories of women and people of color who have accomplished great things!!
(The only thing I wondered was whether or not she'd experienced any adversity along the way. Stories like this always have a little of that. Great if she didn't, but it would have been nice to include a bit about any barriers she might have encountered.)
(The only thing I wondered was whether or not she'd experienced any adversity along the way. Stories like this always have a little of that. Great if she didn't, but it would have been nice to include a bit about any barriers she might have encountered.)
February 9, 2020
I loved this book! Me and the Sky is a great book that is inspirational and full of nicely illustrated pictures. This autobiography guides you through the life of Beverley Bass, a young girl who is eager to one day fly planes. However, throughout her whole life she is told that she wouldn't be able to fly a plane because that's a "mans job", but she is determined to prove those who told her that wrong. We soon learn that after hard work and dedication, Beverley becomes the first female captain for American Airlines!
I would love to introduce this book for a unit in grades 3-5 on equal rights and women's rights, having students reflect on what they want to do and be when they grow up, and to show them that if you put your mind to something it is possible to achieve it, no matter what society tells you. This would also be a good book to introduce as an introductory to writing autobiographies and biographies. Me and the Sky could also be used in a unit on American History that include the accomplishments of the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart as well as Beverley Bass. As quoted in the book, "No dream is too big. Dream big and soar high!"
I would love to introduce this book for a unit in grades 3-5 on equal rights and women's rights, having students reflect on what they want to do and be when they grow up, and to show them that if you put your mind to something it is possible to achieve it, no matter what society tells you. This would also be a good book to introduce as an introductory to writing autobiographies and biographies. Me and the Sky could also be used in a unit on American History that include the accomplishments of the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart as well as Beverley Bass. As quoted in the book, "No dream is too big. Dream big and soar high!"
April 27, 2020
Beverley Bass's story is inspiring in and of itself, but somehow hearing her firsthand account depicted in this colorful children's book takes her story to the next level. This autobiography is a story about the evolution of Bass' young fascination with airplanes. Throughout her childhood, Bass nursed a dream to become a pilot one day. As she grew up into a young adult, she pursued that lifelong dream, and took steps toward realizing it, despite critics and doubters along the way. Her persistence, hard work, and dedication all led her to become American Airlines' first female pilot to captain a commercial airliner. While Bass certainly has an amazing track record of success after success, her story is about much more than her accomplishments during her flying career. Instead, Bass inspires the reader to look within, and to find a dream that he or she is harboring within. She speak confidence, boldness, and encourage into her readers, to identify a dream and to work hard to pursue it. This is not a story about someone getting everything she ever wanted. Rather, it is a story about a determined girl who did everything she possibly could to reach her dreams. This book could be adapted for many grade levels, but I think it wold work especially well in the 3rd- 4th grade range. I would like to use this text to launch a unit about goal-setting. Beverley Bass serves as an amazing role model for students to learn that big dreams can become a reality, with ample hard work and determination. This text could also serve as a mentor text for students to begin writing a biography or autobiography. Bass gives us a unique example of how to make an autobiography interesting, and exciting, rather than merely factual. Overall, this book has led me to evaluate my own dreams upon which I have not acted, and to get out there and do something about it!
July 4, 2020
Me and the Sky: Captain Beverly Bass, Pioneering Pilot by Beverley Bass, illustrated by Joanie Stone. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Alfred A. Knopf, 2019. $18. ISBN 9780525645498
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Starting when she was still riding in a stroller, Beverly loved planes. She dreamed about flying, and never let “can’t” stop her from pursuing her flying goals, even though she heard that word lots. Girls didn’t take flying lessons. A girl couldn’t fly passenger planes. Who would trust a girl in their jumbo jet’s cockpit? But flying planes did not take big muscles, just brains and determination, both of which Beverley had plenty. She became the first female to captain an American Airlines commercial airliner.
Though the illustrations seem fairly flat and ordinary to me, the story is an important one in the march toward equal rights for women. Three pages of back matter provide more information about Beverley’s story, including her experience during 9-11, which became part of an award-winning Broadway musical.
P.K. Foster, MLS, elementary school teacher-librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Starting when she was still riding in a stroller, Beverly loved planes. She dreamed about flying, and never let “can’t” stop her from pursuing her flying goals, even though she heard that word lots. Girls didn’t take flying lessons. A girl couldn’t fly passenger planes. Who would trust a girl in their jumbo jet’s cockpit? But flying planes did not take big muscles, just brains and determination, both of which Beverley had plenty. She became the first female to captain an American Airlines commercial airliner.
Though the illustrations seem fairly flat and ordinary to me, the story is an important one in the march toward equal rights for women. Three pages of back matter provide more information about Beverley’s story, including her experience during 9-11, which became part of an award-winning Broadway musical.
P.K. Foster, MLS, elementary school teacher-librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
September 26, 2019
I wanted to own this book since I am a huge fan of Come From Away. It tells Beverley's story with absolutely beautiful illustrations! I was hoping it would've been a bit longer and went into a tiny bit more detail, but that's okay. Kids and adults alike can be so inspired by her determination and successes.
December 18, 2019
this was a 3.5 for me, and I was pleased to read it and have it available for my own classroom. Girls growing up today often have no idea of how much they owe to the women who came before them, paving the way for them to do whatever they love. This picture book tells the story of how Beverley Bass grew up longing to take to the skies. Hers was not a dream typical of girls growing up in the 1950s, but she was determined, and eventually became one of the first women to be named captain of a commercial airline, the first for American Airlines. Later, she also piloted the Boeing 777, a huge twin jet. Along the way, Bass faced doubters and naysayers, but she never let go of her goal. Young readers are sure to be drawn into her story, particularly because of the frequent references to her childhood use of the family washing machine as a launching pad for her flights. As if her story weren't already interesting and inspiring enough, the back matter provides additional information, even describing what happened to her while she was flying a plane on September 11, 2001, inspiration for a Broadway play. The digital illustrations inside and the ones on the cover showing Beverley wearing sunglasses that show images of planes in flight complement the story quite well. Teachers and caregivers will want to add this picture book to a collection devoted to strong women, ground-breakers, and the history of flight. And to think that her accomplishments came fairly recently!
April 9, 2020
American Airlines Captain Beverly Bass dreamed of flying even when she was a small child. As she grew up that dream never died even though young women during the 1960’s and 70’s were not taken seriously in general when they wanted to be commercial pilots and she was actively discouraged from trying because of discrimination in airline hiring. She began taking flying lessons when she was 19 and took the opportunities with greater and greater responsibilities that were available to her until her dream came true in a big way!
This auto-biographical picture book examines the role of hard work, finding opportunities, and believing your dream can come true in a format that young children will enjoy. The text will appeal to pre-k through early grade school children and the retro 60’s style artwork and design add to the visual fun! Great follow up material added at the end explore the issues of women in aviation and another part of Beverly’s story not touched upon in the book; her piloting on September 11th, 2001. That flying experience became a major plot of the Broadway musical Come From Away. Overall, this is a great read aloud biography that can spark some major discussion and interest with younger and elementary students.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This auto-biographical picture book examines the role of hard work, finding opportunities, and believing your dream can come true in a format that young children will enjoy. The text will appeal to pre-k through early grade school children and the retro 60’s style artwork and design add to the visual fun! Great follow up material added at the end explore the issues of women in aviation and another part of Beverly’s story not touched upon in the book; her piloting on September 11th, 2001. That flying experience became a major plot of the Broadway musical Come From Away. Overall, this is a great read aloud biography that can spark some major discussion and interest with younger and elementary students.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
August 11, 2023
My children and I enjoyed this as a belated addition to the aviation books we read this spring. So many of the books about aviation focus on the early aviators, and it is good to remember that there were still many "firsts" after the Lindberghs and Earharts had their day. Into the 60s and 70s, women pilots were still breaking barriers and celebrating their own firsts. As the afterward notes, "All over the world, records were being broken for women in aviation, but as late as 1970, getting past the gender barrier in commercial aviation in the United States remained a seemingly impossible feat." But, Beverley, who had dreamed of flying from a young age, became first a flight engineer for American Airlines, became the first female to fly an American Airlines B727 as a copilot, became the first female captain for American Airlines in 1986 (!) and became the first female captain of a Boeing 777, the world's largest twinjet in an airline operation, in 1999. The story itself is engaging and the illustrations are pleasing and fun. The back matter continues with further information after Beverley became a pilot, including her charity work and experiences as a pilot on September 11th (a Broadway production was created about the experiences of her and her crew and passengers, it's called "Come from Away") and includes numerous photographs. It's great that Beverley herself was able to share her story.
September 30, 2020
An autobiographical picture book of Beverly Bass, who was one of the pioneering women to break through the gender barrier and become a commercial airline pilot. She was the first woman pilot for American Airlines, and first women ever to fly a Boeing 777.
I love the bright cheery illustrations in this that add an extra upbeat oomph to Beverly's story. A great read for girls (and boys too) who dream of flying with a great message that hard work and perseverance can get you to your career goals. There's an interesting further note in the back of the book about Beverly Bass' adventure on 9/11 and how that led to her being a character in a Broadway production.
I love the bright cheery illustrations in this that add an extra upbeat oomph to Beverly's story. A great read for girls (and boys too) who dream of flying with a great message that hard work and perseverance can get you to your career goals. There's an interesting further note in the back of the book about Beverly Bass' adventure on 9/11 and how that led to her being a character in a Broadway production.
January 8, 2020
This picture book autobiography (though told in third person) is based on the life of pilot Beverly Bass. Bass is one of the first female commercial pilots for a major airline. Her character is also featured in the musical Come From Away when her plane is detoured to the small Canadian town of Gander on 9/11. (This is discussed in the end notes.) Her story is one of perseverance, breaking barriers and also helping others achieve their goals and dreams. It shows readers the journey to becoming a pilot. A great mentor text for writing auto/biographies.
October 19, 2021
5 STARS
Such a fun and easy-to-read book! I enjoyed learning more about Captain Beverley Bass, the first woman pilot at American Airlines. If you are a Broadway fan, there is a musical called "Come From Away" (it's also on Apple TV right now) that tells the story about Captain Bass's piloting a plan during 9/11/2001, and how she was instructed to steer the plane into Gander, Newfoundland. She has an incredible story, and the musical is equally incredible. I would recommend this book to kids or curious adults who love a good story!
Such a fun and easy-to-read book! I enjoyed learning more about Captain Beverley Bass, the first woman pilot at American Airlines. If you are a Broadway fan, there is a musical called "Come From Away" (it's also on Apple TV right now) that tells the story about Captain Bass's piloting a plan during 9/11/2001, and how she was instructed to steer the plane into Gander, Newfoundland. She has an incredible story, and the musical is equally incredible. I would recommend this book to kids or curious adults who love a good story!
January 1, 2020
Started the year with this gem. I bought it for my daughter, who is already a fan of Amelia Earhart, when I got to see Come From Away on Broadway last November. We got home from our Christmas travels, and I realized I hadn't actually read this cover to cover. If you don't know Beverly Bass's story or haven't listened to Come From Away yet, dig in!
June 7, 2020
Come From Away is one of my all time favorite musicals. One of its central characters is Beverley Bass, a pioneering woman in aviation. This is her story about breaking gender barriers with end notes that share her story from 9/11 when she diverted her commercial plane to Gander, Canada as all planes were grounded.
May 20, 2022
While designed for kids it’s a great read for all ages. Highly recommend for parents and teachers to get right away! Not only will you learn about the wonderful hospitality given to the “plane people” by the people of Gander during 9/11; but both boys and girls will learn the great story of captain Beverly Bass!!
October 23, 2019
AMAZEING STORY I REMEMBER AS A YOUNG CHILD MY ANCESTORS HAD A FRIEND NEIGHBOR WHO LIVED OUT IN NO MANS LAND THATS FOR OUT PISS BLACK AIR PLANE ✈️ CRASHED IN HER FIELD FRONT OF HER HOUSE THE SKY IS THE LIMIT☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️
October 31, 2019
A great piece about the pilot growing up and making history. It made us realize we hadn't seen or heard of a female pilot. It must be a very low percentage of female pilots in the industry. Cool to see one make it to the top!
November 8, 2019
It must be so nice to know your passion from such a young age and to never have it change. It was also interesting to have the 9/11 attacks added as she was one of the many planes grounded that day. She is also a character in the Come From Away.
November 18, 2019
Great book for girls
Love this beautifully illustrated book about Captain Beverly Bass. I sought out anything I could find about her after seeing Come From Away. Never let anyone tell you you can’t do something.
Love this beautifully illustrated book about Captain Beverly Bass. I sought out anything I could find about her after seeing Come From Away. Never let anyone tell you you can’t do something.
January 6, 2020
This was a wonderful story full of modern artwork about a woman who helped make huge leaps in equal rights! I had never heard of Beverley Bass before and really enjoyed this introductions to the battles she had to fight and the huge wins she has made for us all!
June 6, 2020
The author’s note was more interesting than the book. :/
Beverly Bass is a very interesting woman and amazing with all the barriers she overcame. I was just let down a bit in the way the story was told. The illustrations were phenomenal though.
Beverly Bass is a very interesting woman and amazing with all the barriers she overcame. I was just let down a bit in the way the story was told. The illustrations were phenomenal though.
July 3, 2020
Great, if not slightly cutesy. This bio is focused on Beverly’s rise to pilot status (first female for AA!) and her role on 9/11 is mentioned in the author’s note. I would love to see a picture book or MG bio of that part of her life! Guess I should write it :)
October 2, 2020
Tells the story of Beverly Bass, the first commercial female pilot in history. Also interesting, in the endnotes, is the story of how she was flying on September 11, 2001, and had to make an emergency landing in Canada.
December 23, 2020
If you have a little child (especially a girl) you NEED to give her this book! My 5 year old loves to watch airplanes (just like I do!) and I am so hopeful that she will want to take flying lessons one day in the future.
May 4, 2021
This book is very cute. Even though it is formatted like a children’s book, I think it would be difficult for children to follow. The illustrations are charming.
I wish there was a proper biography about Beverly, because I would love to learn more about her.
I wish there was a proper biography about Beverly, because I would love to learn more about her.
August 11, 2019
Very cool picture book autobiography about a pioneering commercial pilot whose diverted flight on September 11th became the basis for the award-winning play COME FROM AWAY.
December 25, 2019
Of course, I first heard of this story when I saw ‘Come From Away’ and I love this version of Captain Bass’ story meant for kids! Such an inspiration for young girls!
January 4, 2020
The story of the first woman to captain a commerical airliner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews