"You must believe in yourself and allow your dreams to soar." --Shaesta WaizShaesta Waiz, a refugee from Afghanistan, dreamed of doing great things. But first she had to leave a refugee camp with her family to make a new life in America, overcome gender stereotypes, be the first in her family to go to college, and overcome her fear of flying. After becoming a pilot, Shaesta made the flight of a lifetime by crossing five continents, making thirty stops in twenty-two countries across nearly 25,000 nautical miles. At the age of thirty, Shaesta was the youngest woman and the first from Afghanistan to circumnavigate the globe by herself in a single-engine aircraft.Fly, Girl, Fly! is the first authorized picture book biography of Shaesta Waiz. Backmatter includes more information about Shaesta's mission to empower girls to pursue STEM careers, details about her historic trip around the world, information about her nonprofit organization Dreams Soar, and a personal note from Shaesta Waiz encouraging girls to pursue their dreams.
Alexandra Bye is a New England local who works as a full-time freelance illustrator. In addition to Fly, Girl, Fly!, she is the illustrator of A Race Around the World: The True Story of Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland written by Caroline Starr Rose and The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America written by Kathleen Krull. Her work is constantly inspired by her community and reflects her passion for color, people, and the outdoors. She enjoys balancing her creative time with mountain biking, paddle boarding, cooking, and hiking with her dog.
"An inspiring celebration of passion, dedication, and success." --Kirkus Review "Bye's colorful illustrations are emotive and elegant. Readers will be inspired to chase their own dreams." --School Library Journal "Shaesta's story is one of determination as she focuses on her goal and has the confidence in her abilities to make it happen!" ---- Patty Wagstaff, three-time US National Aviation Aerobatic Champion "This is a well-written account of a young woman's awakening and perseverance. Shaesta Waiz is a marvelous inspiration for girls and women in all endeavors." ---- Dorothy S. Cochrane, curator, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum "Pimm's narrative of Shaesta Waiz, the first Afghani woman to fly around the world, will inspire young dreamers who look up at the sky and see all the possibilities." ---- Sarah Aronson, author of Just Like Rube Goldberg "An inspiring tale of girl power, grit, and giving. Fly, Girl, Fly! soars!" ---- Candace Fleming, author of Amelia Lost "Shaesta is a shining example of how drive and determination can provide unlimited paths to do great things in life. She is proof that if you can dream it, you can do it!" -- -- Beverley Bass, author of Me and the Sky
