Harriet Quimby never shied away from a daring experience. In 1911 she became the first U.S. woman to receive a pilot’s license and later gained international attention as the first woman to fly across the English Channel. She also performed in air shows across the country. Shown in pencil and watercolor illustrations wearing her trademark purple flight suit, Harriet moves confidently through her world, whether at the controls of her small propeller plane or before a crowd of fans. But her time in the limelight was short-lived: Only one year after becoming a licensed pilot, Harriet lost control of her plane over the Boston Harbor, resulting in her death and that of a passenger. Her determination and spirit of adventure helped pave the way for other women to enjoy success as pilots, as chronicled in a “Women in Aviation Time Line” that tracks significant aviation milestones. An author’s note with additional information about Harriet Quimby’s life and a list of related websites and a bibliography are also included. (Ages 7–10)