From School Library Journal
Grade 2-6-This biography of the pioneering aviator is presented in a full-color, comic-book format. Earhart's quest for adventure and her determination not to become simply an icon for the feminist movement led her to pilot a record-breaking solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Though the format does not allow for extensive details, readers will get a sense of the woman's determined nature and early life. Because much is unknown about Earhart's tragic final flight, it merits only a postscript here. The focus instead is on providing glimpses of her life from childhood (portrayed in black-and-white flashbacks) through the solo flight. Though heavy on fictionalizing, the colorful, high-interest format is appealing, especially for reluctant readers. Paired with Into the Air (Harcourt, 2002), a biography of the Wright brothers by the same author and illustrator, it adds an interesting dimension to the study of aviation.
Shauna Yusko, King County Library System, Bellevue, WACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Gr. 2-4. In this volume in the American Heroes series, the pioneer aviator is treated to a biography in full-color comic-book format. Earhart's determination to do more than serve as a feminine figurehead by taking control of a record-breaking flight comes through clearly, although the brevity and format of the book preclude extensive details. Readers will, however, get a glimpse of Earhart's daredevil nature, her acquaintance with and subsequent marriage to G. P. Putnam, and her 14-hour solo flight from North America to Britain, depicted handily in flashbacks. A postscript makes note of her mysterious disappearance. Children will need additional sources to gain a full understanding of both Earhart's place in women's history and her personal development; however, this is a pleasing anecdotal glance at a legendary figure, accomplished with colors, visual panache, and a comic-book panel arrangement, all well-suited to the story. A ready companion to
Into the Air (2002), about the Wright Brothers, by the same author and artist.
Francisca GoldsmithCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
