Fly, Girl, Fly!

September 1, 2020

K-Gr 3-Pimm's debut picture book introduces readers to an inspirational young pilot named Shaesta Waiz, who was born in a refugee camp in Afghanistan. Waiz's family was able to break free from the camp and move to America. Waiz, who grew up in California, defied expectations in many ways. She overcame language barriers at a young age, studied hard to become the first in her family to graduate from college, and became the first certified female pilot from Afghanistan. At the age of 30, she became the youngest woman in history to fly a single-engine aircraft around the world. Waiz's story encourages children to never give up. This book could serve as an engaging read-aloud or an enjoyable solo reading experience. Bye's colorful illustrations are emotive and elegant. Readers will be inspired to chase their own dreams. An author's note and a personal note to children from Waiz are included. VERDICT Recommended for any classroom, library, or home collection.-Kristin Unruh, Siersma Elem. Sch., Warren, MI

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August 15, 2020
At 30, Shaesta Waiz became the first woman from Afghanistan and the youngest woman ever to fly a single-engine aircraft around the world. Born in an Afghanistan refugee camp, Shaesta moved to the United States as a baby with her family. As a young child, Shaesta declares she "will do great things!" After graduating high school, inspired by a trip to Florida and "the view from above," Shaesta dreams of becoming a pilot. Although many try to discourage her, Shaesta's determination leads her to graduate college (the first in her family to do so) and to get her pilot's license. She doesn't just travel--she meets with children all over the world to "get them excited about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math to chase down dreams of their own!" Referring to her subject by her first name throughout, Pimm introduces Waiz as a baby and chronologically traces her growth into an adult who can make her own decisions. Bye's colorful illustrations emphasize Waiz's excitement, occasional fear, and determination. One early spread juxtaposes life at home, with her family speaking Farsi and Pashto, against school, where "she learned to be American," implying at home she is un-American--an unfortunate misstep. Overall, however, the narrative succeeds in introducing readers to a role model worth knowing. An author's note describes Waiz's Dreams Soar foundation, and a note from Waiz herself closes the book. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11.3-by-17.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 56.8% of actual size.) An inspiring celebration of passion, dedication, and success. (Picture book/biography. 5-9)

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