Amelia Earhart: Legend of Flight

ANNOTATION

A biography of Amelia Earhart who, four years after becoming the first woman passenger to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, became the first woman pilot to do so, as well.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Suzanne Lieurance

Many books about Amelia Earhart deal with her mysterious disappearance in 1937. This biography focuses on much more than that. It begins in 1932, when Earhart became the first woman pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. From there, Pflueger goes back to the time before Earhart was born, describing how her parents (Amy Otis and Edwin Earhart) met and what they were like, since understanding their backgrounds and their relationship is key to understanding the free-spirited young daughter they would have. Pflueger takes the reader through every step of Amelia Earhart's childhood and teenage years, when her father was an alcoholic and moved the family around quite a bit, then details how Amelia developed her love for flying. Black-and-white photos, maps, charts, a timeline, and Amelia's own words help give a well-rounded view of this famous woman who loved her family and flying and inspired women everywhere to take chances and follow their dreams. An excellent resource for the classroom and an interesting read for those who enjoy biographies and history. Part of the "Historical American Biographies" series. 2003, Enslow Publishers, Ages 8 to 12.

VOYA - Sherry York

Amelia Earhart looks at the life and career of the first woman pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to being introduced to her pioneering work in aviation, the reader learns about Earhart's early years, her independent spirit, her work as a nurse during World War I, her social work, how she became interested in aviation, and her mysterious disappearance on an around-the-world flight in 1937. Details such as having sinus problems, writing a book, counseling women students, and how she became a symbol of courage to Americans during the Great Depression provide a clear picture of this multifaceted pioneer female aviator. The titles in this series include black-and-white photographs, text boxes with related background material, and Internet address lists. Despite the limitations of the series format, the authors present balanced, well-rounded, readable, and interesting accounts of their subjects. These biographies, which also include studies of Benjamin Franklin, Annie Oakley, and Benedict Arnold among many others, will be useful for updating or supplementing a library's biography section. The "Historical American Biographies" series meets student research needs and offers supplemental reading in history, geography, and language arts. VOYA Codes: 3Q 2P M J S (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2003, Enslow, 128p.; Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology., PLB. Ages 11 to 18.

Kirkus Reviews