Celeste Paves the Way, the third book by self-published author and civil engineer Courtney Kelly, P.E. will be available in July 2026

DALLAS, TEXAS — Through the pages of Celeste Pave the Way, an appreciation for aviation and the people who make airports work is interwoven into a behind-the-scenes look into the world of civil engineering. Based on the real-life experience of author and civil engineer Courtney Kelly, this insightful story showcases careers in STEM while educating readers on key aspects of construction management for the aviation industry.

The third book in the Celeste collection continues to inspire the next generation by bringing audiences along the journey of a young female civil engineer who travels the world and observes the unique features of the airports that she visits. Intrigued by the pavement design in Atlanta, Georgia, Celeste joins a project team that is developing a new runway that will be able to accommodate larger planes. Before construction can begin, considerations for pavement design are examined and tested for strength at materials testing lab. On a quest to find out more, Celeste speaks with a female mechanic, whose toolbox is adorned with images of aviation pioneers, about conditions like FOD (foreign object debris) that can cause issues for engines. When the construction phase of the project begins, it starts with a safety meeting followed by major activities like placing rebar, setting concrete and adding texture to the surface. This is followed by a celebration of all the people who made the project possible, with a special emphasis on trades workers. With each page of Celeste Paves the Way, readers are provided with different perspectives of what aviation, engineer, or construction management professionals look like, allowing them to see themselves represented.

Author Courtney Kelly says, “Completing projects at airports has been a great source of joy and pride throughout my career as a civil engineer. I’m hoping that Celeste Paves the Way really opens people’s eyes to the opportunities that are available within the aviation industry for future builders and engineers while also providing a glimpse of what it takes build our airports and keep planes flying safely.”

The timely release in July of 2026 comes as the world is seeing a steady increase in both aviation travel and construction, leading to a high demand for aviation professionals to build and run the expanded capacity. According to ASCE’s 2025 Report Card for American Infrastructure, our aviation infrastructure received a grade of a D+ while passenger traffic is forecasted to grow 58% to 1.28 billion annual passengers by 2040. CAE’s 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast predicts that nearly 1.5 million new civil aviation professionals will be needed worldwide by 2034. This coincides with multibillion dollar expansions currently underway across the world in places like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport,

Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport, and Singapore’s Changi Airport. By reading Celeste Paves the Way to today’s youth, they will be introduced to the types of jobs that are available in the aviation and civil engineering industries at an early age, expanding the pipeline of talent in essential roles.

Additionally, Celeste Paves the Way will build upon the momentum of Celeste Saves the City and Celeste Tunnels Underground, the first two books of the collection, that have sold over 6,000 copies in 15 countries since 2022. Early reviewers of the latest book in the Celeste collection agree that “it’s getting better every time.” Celeste Paves the Way is slated for release in eBook, hardcover, and paperback formats on July 2, 2026, and will be available in the languages of English, French, German, and Spanish. To find out more and preorder a copy, visit www.courtneykellybooks.com.

About Author Courtney Kelly, P.E.

Born and raised in New Orleans, award-winning civil engineer, Courtney Kelly, has made a name for herself as a well-respected construction management professional and accomplished children’s book author. Courtney currently resides in Dallas, Texas where she serves as a Project Director for H.J. Russell & Company. Courtney holds bachelor of science degrees in civil engineering and math, as well as a master’s degree in civil engineering from Southern Methodist University (SMU). She also holds an MBA from Lamar University. In 2023 she was selected as an Engineering News-Record Texas & Louisiana Top Young Professional. Her self-published children’s books, Celeste Saves the City and Celeste Tunnels Underground, have been translated into three languages and sold in over 15 countries. In addition to sitting on a number of advisory boards, she is also an adjunct professor at SMU teaching civil and environmental engineering courses.

About Courtney Kelly Books

Courtney Kelly Books is on a mission to empower and inspire people of all ages through our books and STEM-themed merchandise based on Celeste, a young civil engineer who encourages girls and kids of color to see themselves in underrepresented fields. During author visits to schools and organizations we effectively weave storytelling sessions with educational workshops to create an experience that leaves students motivated to dream big. We support aspiring authors with consultations, seminars, and workshops providing game changing resources that lead to success. Driven by her accomplished career as an engineer and entrepreneur, Courtney’s dynamic speaking engagements deliver insight and impact to audiences of all sizes.

Imprint: Courtney Kelly Books On sale: July 2, 2026

Price: $19.99 Pages: 32

ISBN: 979-8-9903082-6-8

Media Contact:

Courtney Kelly info@courtneykellybooks.com

www.courtneykellybooks.com