A Pair of Wings

An NPR Book of the Day
Named one of Essence’s Top 15 Book Picks For Summer 2024
A Woman’s World Book Club Pick
Featured in the The Washington Post, People, NJ Monthly and Ebony
One of KRCU‘s Betty Martin’s “Must Reads”

“It is so rich and nuanced, both in the historical background and in Bessie’s remarkable character, relationships, and challenges, that it deserves to be a bestseller. Highly recommended.”
–Jinny Webber, Historical Novels Review

“Fascinating.”
–Woman’s World

“Absorbing debut… . Hopson’s narrative celebrates Bessie’s success both as a woman and a symbol: a bold, resolute trailblazer who sought freedom above the clouds and inspired her fellow Black Americans to do the same.”
–Katie Noah Gibson, Shelf Awareness (starred review)

“Hopson shines a welcome light on her indomitable and unsung heroine, and her technical knowledge enriches the many exhilarating aerial scenes.”
–Publishers Weekly

“Hopson is a pilot herself, and her knowledge is evident in the flying scenes… . It’s a pleasure to follow Bessie on her life’s journey… . The gripping saga of a remarkable woman.”
–Kirkus Reviews

“Hopson, a United Airlines captain, vividly evokes the experience of flight and does a commendable job illuminating Coleman’s struggles with self-doubt and isolation even as she becomes a media sensation… . Fans of women-focused and African American historical fiction will appreciate Hopson’s meticulously researched take on the life of a pioneering figure in aviation history.”
–Booklist

“Exhilarating … The adventurous novel tells the story of the fearless pioneering Black aviator Bessie Coleman, who overcame many hurdles to become a pilot in the 1920s.”
–Library Journal

“Invigorating! A Pair of Wings is the inspiring, richly detailed American Great Migration story we’ve been missing. Carole Hopson writes heroine and pioneer Bessie Coleman as if she’s been living inside her head. I loved it.”
–Crystal Smith Paul, author of Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

“Bessie Coleman was a pioneering aviatrix who, in the early part of the twentieth century, was forced to travel to France to learn to fly, as no one in the United States would give a Black woman lessons. Her thrilling true story makes for an exciting, inspiring work of fiction in Hopson’s hands. This may be the author’s first novel, but as a professional pilot herself, she takes the tale and soars with it.”
–Leigh Haber, founding books director of Oprah Daily and former head of Oprah’s Book Club

“Combining rich historical detail with such an inspiring heroine, Hopson gives us a powerful tribute to a woman who paved the way for generations to come. You will be inspired long after you turn the last page.”
–Victoria Christopher Murray, bestselling author of Harlem Rhapsody

“A beautifully written and powerful tribute, this book reminds us of the transformative power of dreams and the strength it takes to break through barriers!”
​–Uché Blackstock, MD, bestselling author of Legacy

“A fearless and moving story penned by an extraordinary author and Black female pilot who has literally and metaphorically followed the very trail Bessie blazed… . A must read.”
–Mia Brabham Nolan, author of Note to Self

“For anyone seeking adventure, this novel of Bessie’s life will lift you up, energize you, and inspire you!”
–Eileen Collins, astronaut and coauthor of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars

“Hopson captures Coleman’s courage, brilliance, and passion, from Jim Crow Texas to South Side, Chicago, through France and Germany, and back to America for treacherous barnstorming-while-Black. But above it all, there’s flight itself. This book soars!”
–Lorene Cary, author of Ladysitting

“Everyone who believes in aviation’s promise of freedom should know the remarkable story of Bessie Coleman, whose ambition, skills, and courage are brought to life in Carole Hopson’s fascinating and heartrending book.”
–Mark Vanhoenacker, pilot and author of Skyfaring

“Against the backdrop of the heroine’s intrepid life, the novel explores the triumphs and trials of a people seizing their independence. Bessie’s story inspires the reader to aim for new horizons and will lift your soul long after the story ends.”
–Shaunna J. Edwards, co-author of The Thread Collectors

“Ever wonder what Bessie Coleman’s thoughts were as she pioneered her flying journey and became known as the Queen? Carole Hopson’s page-turner gives the insight … I promise, you will enjoy the ride … Well done!”
–Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison, Executive Director, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

“Riveting … Bessie’s story is told in a manner that entertains and captivates … from the first page to the last. Fly with Bessie and come away with an eyewitness account of a staunch trailblazer in aviation.”
–Albert Glenn, retired FedEx 777 captain and Luke Weathers Flight Academy codirector

Carole Hopson is a Boeing 737 captain for United Airlines, based in Newark, New Jersey. After a twenty-year career as a journalist and executive for iconic brands like the National Football League, Foot Locker, and L’Oréal, Carole followed her dream to become a pilot. A century after Bessie Coleman soared over seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Black women in the U.S. account for less than one percent of all professional pilots. Inspired by Bessie’s spellbinding accomplishments, Carole founded the Jet Black Foundation, a 501©(3) organization dedicated to sending one hundred Black women to flight school by the year 2035.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.