Order A Pair of Wings

is the riveting, adventurous novel inspired by the life of pioneer aviatrix Bessie Coleman, the daughter of a slave, who would one day be called a Queen.

In 1920 when no one in the United States will teach a Black woman to fly, Bessie Coleman studies French in a Chicago night school, and with breathtaking moxie, she travels by ocean liner to France and Germany learning death defying maneuvers from dog fighters who survived the first World War. As aviation and the Great Migration progress, Coleman becomes the only woman in the world to contribute to both. Coleman becomes the first American to earn a French-issued civilian brevet, granting Coleman international privileges to fly anywhere in the world, nearly two years before Amelia Earhart.

Available as hardcover, e-book, audiobook.

  • Praise from Oprah Daily

    Bessie Coleman was a pioneering aviatrix who, in the early part of the 20th century, was forced to travel to France to learn to fly, as no one in the U.S. 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 commercial pilot herself, she takes the tale and soars with it.

  • Praise from Crystal Smith Paul, author of Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

    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.

  • Praise from Eileen Collins, author of Through The Glass Ceiling To the Stars

    For anyone seeking adventure, this novel of Bessie’s life will lift you up, energize, and inspire you!

  • Praise from Essence

    Named one of Essence’s “Top 15 Book Picks For Summer 2024”

  • Praise from Albert Glenn, 777 Captain (ret.), FedEx and Co-Director Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Flight Academy

    …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.

  • Praise from Lorene Cary, author of Ladysitting

    Hopson captures Coleman’s courage, brilliance, and passion from Jim Crow Texas to South Side Chicago; through France and Germany; and back to treacherous, barnstorming-white-Black America. But above it all, there’s flight itself. This book soars! No one flew like Queen Bess; no one tells it like Carole Hopson.

  • Praise from Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison, Executive Director, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

    Ever wonder what Bessie Coleman's thoughts were as she pioneered her flying journey to become known as the Queen? Carole Hopson’s page-turner gives insight... I promise you will enjoy the ride... Well done!

  • Praise from Woman’s World

    Named one of Woman’s World’s “This Week’s Best New Books”

  • Praise from Jinny Webber, Historical Novel Society

    Fascinating… It is so rich and nuanced, both in the historical background and in Bessie’s remarkable character, relationships, and challenges, that is deserves to be a bestseller. Highly recommend.

  • Praise from Katie Noah Gibson, Shelf Awareness

    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.

  • Praise from Publishers Weekly

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

  • Praise from Library Journal

    One of Library Journal’s Best Historical Fiction Books of 2024

  • Praise from Kirkus Reviews

    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.

  • Praise from Booklist

    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.

  • Praise from Crystal Smith Paul, author of Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

    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.

  • Praise from Leigh Haber, founding books director of Oprah Daily and former head of Oprah’s Book Club

    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 U.S. 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.

  • Praise from Eileen Collins, astronaut and coauthor of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars

    For anyone seeking adventure, this novel of Bessie’s life will lift you up, energize you, and inspire you!

  • Praise from Mark Vanhoenacker, pilot and author of Skyfaring

    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.

  • Praise from Shaunna J. Edwards, co-author of The Thread Collectors

    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.

  • Praise from NPR

    NPR Book of the Day

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