Hazel Ying Lee was born fearless—she was not afraid of anything, and the moment she took her first airplane ride, she knew where she belonged. When people scoffed at her dreams of becoming a pilot, Hazel wouldn’t take no for an answer. She joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. It was a dangerous job, but Hazel flew with joy and boldness. This moving, true story about a groundbreaking figure will inspire young readers to challenge barriers and reach for the sky. Written by Julie Leung and Illustrated by Julie Kwon.

The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee and other books by Julie are available for purchase at McNally Jackson, Greenlight Bookstore, Books Are Magic, The Strand, Bookshop.org, online, and at booksellers near you.

Julie Leung

Julie was raised in the sleepy suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, though it may be more accurate to say she grew up in Oz and came of age in Middle-earth. She graduated with an English and journalism degree from University of Georgia.

By day, she is a marketing director at Random House, specializing in sci-fi/fantasy books. You can catch her at pop culture conventions on behalf of Del Rey Books.

By night, she is a children’s book author. Her debut series, Mice of the Round Table was praised as a “winning new adventure,” by Kirkus Reviews. She is also the author of Paper Son: The Story of Tyrus Wong, Who Did It First? 50 Scientists, Artists, and Mathematicians Who Revolutionized The World, and The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee.

Just recently, her book, Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, won the 2021 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature in the picture book category.

Julie Kwon

Julie Kwon is an illustrator and comics artist currently based in Brooklyn. A graduate of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, she now spends most of her time drawing, reading, and thinking up new stories. Her work is heavily inspired by the many books and comics she read growing up, as well as her childhood memories of wandering in the woods of her hometown. In her spare time, Julie enjoys petting dogs, attempting to cook, and taking a lot of naps.