As a little girl, Beverley Bass wanted to fly so badly that she would climb up onto the washing machine and leap off the top. As she got older, that wish didn't go away, but in the '50s and '60s people only trusted men to fly their planes. Still, Beverley's determination only grew. Eventually, she got herself those flying lessons and worked her way through the jobs that men didn't want. At 34, she became the first woman to captain a U.S. commercial airliner. Though Beverley had to overcome many barriers to achieve her dream, the saturated cartoon illustrations, which pop against white backgrounds, are bright and optimistic, conveying her grit and conviction above all else. The text focuses mainly on her early life and the qualities that allowed her to achieve her goal; back matter delves further into her career and experiences as a pilot during September 11, which have been incorporated into the Tony-nominated musical Come From Away. An inspiring biography about one woman's determination to forge a new path.--Maggie Reagan Copyright 2019 Booklist

For Beverley Bass, the sky had no limits. Bass always dreamed of taking to the skies. In her teens, she took flying lessons and earned her license. Her flights of fancy transcended recreational soaring, though: She yearned to be an airline pilotwhen only men had that job. Undeterred, Bass continued training, earned more licenses, and took jobs male pilots turned down or left when better ones arose. Thanks to intelligence, determination, and skill, she developed solid experience and established an enviable reputation. Bass' big breaks came when American Airlines hired her as a flight engineer, then promoted her to co-pilot. Her lifelong aspiration became a reality when she became the first woman ever to captain an American Airlines commercial airliner. More history-making achievements followed. Then came 9/11. Flying from Paris to Dallas, Bass' jet was directed to Gander, Newfoundland, along with 37 other carriers, when U.S. airspace was closed after the twin towers fell. This is a soaring tale, told with verve by Bass herself together with Williams. The retro, cartoonish illustrations might seem at odds with the recent setting, but they succeed with this narrative, as they also evoke spirited enthusiasm. The artwork, starring a smiling, plucky white, blonde Bass, embraces people of color as well as of various ages, including among airline professionals; readers will notice graying and gray-haired individuals.Inspiring and up, up, and away all the way. (biographical note) (Picture book/biography. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.