Here are some common questions from our loyal fans.
What inspired you to write and publish Helo Girls: The Firefighting Pilot?
The initial idea came from my frustrations finding books about helicopters to read to my children. Many of the books I found were inaccurate in their representation or did not emphasize female pilots or safety.
At night, when I would have trouble sleeping, I would tell myself stories of Abby and girls like her accomplishing the many types of missions in helicopter operations. I started to share these stories with my children and realized that I wanted to share them with all kids who love to explore, push buttons, take things apart, and turn dreams into reality. I want young girls, all kids, to know there is a place for them in aviation – especially helicopters, as they are my favorite. Frankly, it's not about being a pilot; it's about being part of a good team working together for a common goal.
What do you hope young readers learn or take away from this story?
There are several aspects I hope young readers will learn or take away from Helo Girls. The story can inspire young readers to become interested in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields. Showcasing Abby's role as a pilot and explaining the working parts of her operation can encourage curiosity about how machines, like helicopters, work and how technology plays a crucial role in firefighting.
The story's emphasis on Abby's team and the reader's involvement in the crew can teach young readers the value of teamwork and collaboration. It can illustrate that many complex tasks, like fighting fires, require people with diverse skills working together.
A value at the core of my ethos is the inclusion of a pre-flight check and safety brief highlighting the importance of safety in any operation. Young readers can learn about the significance of following safety protocols and the consequences of not doing so.
As the reader joins Abby on her mission to locate the fire, water sources, fill the bucket, and extinguish the fire, they can learn problem-solving skills and critical thinking. These skills are valuable in everyday life and particularly important during challenges.
Lastly, allowing the reader to actively participate in the story by being part of Abby's team can empower them and boost their self-confidence. It can show young readers that they have the capability to contribute meaningfully to tasks and missions.