The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee - by Julie Leung (Hardcover)

About the Book

"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."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Inspiring.... Engaging.... An excellent picture book biography."--School Library Journal

"Leung's poetic text vividly conveys Lee's fascination with and passion for flying and breaking boundaries without fear as well as her perseverance and optimism for a better world. Kwon's clear, earth-toned, full-bleed illustrations expand on the story.... An excellent portrayal of a fearless flyer."--The Horn Book

* "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.... hTe 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

"Kwon's illustrations emphasize Lee's sparkle and determination."--BCCB

About the Author

Julie Leung was raised in the sleepy suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, and currently lives in New York City. She is also the author of the Mice of the Round Table middle grade trilogy and the picture book Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist, illustrated by Chris Sasaki. She invites you to visit her online at jleungbooks.com.

Julie Kwon is an artist and illustrator based in Brooklyn. Born and raised in New Jersey, she was always passionate about making art, though her mother did try very hard to convince her that she was actually passionate about becoming a pharmacist. A graduate of the Brown/RISD Dual-Degree program, The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee is her first picture book. She invites you to visit her online at juliekwonart.com.