DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

A brief introduction to the first deaf pilot in the U.S.

After Nellie Zabel Willhite contracted measles (which goes unnamed, though Richman describes Nellie’s high fever and spotted skin) at a young age, “sounds stopped.” Nellie’s supportive mother taught her sign language. In 1905, after her mother’s death, Nellie’s father sent her to a school for the deaf, where signing was considered detrimental. Encouraged by teachers who acted as foster parents, Nellie learned to speak and read lips. Notably, both speech and signing made Nellie feel that “maybe she could” do anything. In 1927, awestruck by a biplane’s graceful flight, Nellie started flying lessons. But at the time, airplane cockpits were designed with one seat in front of the other; “urgent commands were shouted over the buzz of the plane.” How would Nellie know what to do? Fortunately, when she took to the cockpit, “her other senses took flight”—she felt vibrations and monitored the instruments “like a hawk.” Buoyed by memories of her parents’ encouragement, Nellie completed her solo flight and received her license—becoming the first deaf pilot in the United States and the first female pilot in South Dakota. Now, though she couldn’t hear a robin singing, “she knew better than most what it was like to fly like one.” In simple text, Richman underscores Willhite’s determination and the importance of supportive role models; Monnin’s bright, sweeping illustrations capture the thrill of open sky. Backmatter includes further biographical details. Most figures, including Nellie, are light-skinned.

Uplifting.