Talkin' about Bessie--picture book 13, Coretta Scott King Award

 

Author: Nikki Grimes

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

Award: Coretta Scott King, Author honor, 2003

Coretta Scott King, Illustrator Winner, 2003

Published by: Scholastic Inc., 2003

Genre: Historical Fiction/Biography 
Primary Character: Elizabeth Coleman

Themes: Overcoming Adversity, Pursuing a Dream, Transportation

In Talkin' About Bessie, Nikki Grimes gives an interesting story of Elizabeth Coleman,the world's first licensed female pilot of African descent. The book is from the Historical Fiction Genre and is written in a format that is wonderfully appealing to children. There are twenty separate stories given by individuals recalling moments from Bessie's life. With stories from her family, friends, schoolteacher and Bessie herself this book is sure to catch your child or students attention. Although this book is recommended for ages 4-8, I would think it would be a great addition to any Elementary School Class library. It would be a wonderful piece of literature to use when discussing Notable Women, displaying during a Black History Month exhibit or with a history lesson on transportation.