Paired Texts > Fly High, Bessie Coleman

by Jane Sutcliffe 2004

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

Fastest Woman in the World
Fastest Woman in the World
Pat Parker

In the informational text "Fastest Woman in the World," Pat Parker discusses Wilma's Rudolph's journey to becoming a gold medalist in the 1960 Olympics.

Pair “Fastest Woman in the World” with “Fly High, Bessie Coleman” to provide students with another example of a black woman who faced challenges and succeeded. What did Wilma Rudolph struggle with while growing up? How does this compare to the challenges that Bessie Coleman faced? How do students think Rudolph and Coleman inspired others during their time?

5th Grade Informational Text 890L
The Wright Brothers: Air Pioneers
The Wright Brothers: Air Pioneers
David White

Learn about how two American brothers beat the odds, inventing and building the world's first successful airplane in this biographical text.

Pair “The Wright Brothers: Air Pioneers” with “Fly High, Bessie Coleman” and ask students to discuss the determination of the Wrights and Bessie Coleman to fly. How did the Wrights react when they experienced failure? How did Coleman respond to the challenges she faced when attempting to get her pilot license? What additional challenges did Coleman face that the Wrights did not?

6th Grade Biography 960L
She Dreamed of Dresses
She Dreamed of Dresses
Ann Dorer

Ann Lowe faced obstacles throughout her life while working to achieve her dream of being a fashion designer.

Pair “Fly High, Bessie Coleman” with “She Dreamed of Dresses” to have students compare the stories of two Black women who overcame obstacles to reach their goals and achieve success. What challenges did Bessie Coleman, from “Fly High, Bessie Coleman” face on her road to becoming a pilot? How are these similar and different to those in Ann’s life? How did both women achieve their goals in spite of the obstacles caused by racism?

4th Grade Biography 770L
This is Amelia: Read the Story of Amelia Earhart
This is Amelia: Read the Story of Amelia Earhart
TKF Editors

In "This is Amelia: Read the Story of Amelia Earhart," the author tells how Amelia Earhart came to be a famous pilot.

Pair “Fly High, Bessie Coleman” with “This is Amelia: Read the Story of Amelia Earhart” and ask students to compare the stories of Bessie Coleman and Amelia Earhart. Why was Bessie Coleman a famous pilot according to “Fly High, Bessie Coleman”? What challenges did Bessie face to become a famous pilot? Why was Amelia Earhart a famous pilot according to “This is Amelia: Read the Story of Amelia Earhart”? What challenges did Amelia face to become a famous pilot? How are the two stories of these women alike and how are they different?

5th Grade Biography 860L
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson
Britannica Kids

In "Jackie Robinson," Britannica Kids explains how Robinson's skill and athleticism made him the first Black man to play Major League Baseball.

Pair “Fly High, Bessie Coleman” with “Jackie Robinson” and ask students to discuss how Bessie in “Fly High, Bessie Coleman” and Jackie in “Jackie Robinson” achieved their goals even though they faced racism. How were Bessie and Jackie alike? What additional challenges did Bessie face because she was a woman? How were Bessie and Jackie honored at the end of their lives?

3rd Grade Biography 840L
The Memorial Day Mission
The Memorial Day Mission
Debbie A. Taylor

In "The Memorial Day Mission," a boy overcomes his fear of public speaking to share about his grandfather's experience as a Tuskegee airman.

Pair “Fly High, Bessie Coleman” with “The Memorial Day Mission” and ask students to discuss how Black pilots faced racism. How did racism create challenges for Bessie Coleman according to “Fly High, Bessie Coleman”? How did racism create challenges for Black pilots like Poppy according to “The Memorial Day Mission”? How do these texts help readers understand the way racism creates challenges for Black people?

4th Grade Short Story 640L