Ruth Law Thrills a Nation [Hardcover]

Don Brown (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

In 1916 a young woman named Ruth Law attempted to fly from Chicago to New York City in one day--something no one else had ever done. This is the story of that daring attempt. Beautifully detailed watercolors dramatize a dangerous journey made by the pilot President Woodrow Wilson called "great." Full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Brown soars in his children's book debut with this true story of a little-known heroine. In 1916 Ruth Law set an American record by flying cross-country nonstop for 590 miles. She had hoped to pilot her small plane all the way from Chicago to New York City in a single day (she ended up spending the night in Binghamton), but hers was nevertheless a remarkable accomplishment--the extraordinary nature of which Brown recreates for his audience with a host of riveting details. To accustom herself to the cold weather (she flew an open-cockpit plane), Law spent the night before her flight in a tent on the roof of a Chicago hotel; she wore two woolen suits and two leather suits, but "covered her bulky outfit with a skirt. In 1916, a polite lady always wore a skirt." She flew a tiny, old plane because the manufacturer refused to sell her a newer, bigger model (he "did not believe a woman could fly a large plane"); to set her course, she relied on maps she had taped together and attached to her leg; forced to land in a field, she secured her plane overnight by tying it to a tree. As the author points out, the pilot who broke Law's record a year later was also a woman. Brown's full-page, pen-and-ink and watercolor pictures feature striking amalgams of variegated blue and purple hues; like the text they convey the drama of Law's feat. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-This picture-book presentation of the exploits of a little-known figure in aviation history introduces a new heroine to young adventure fans. Brown's enthusiasm for and knowledge of his subject are clearly evident, and he includes several fascinating details in his brief account of Law's record-breaking feat of flying nonstop from Chicago to New York (590 miles). He makes oblique reference to the strictures on women's behavior at the time ("In 1916, a polite lady always wore a skirt"), but youngsters may need additional historical background to truly understand the enormity of Law's achievement. His scratchy cartoon-style illustrations with lovely watercolor washes are somewhat reminiscent of Tony Ross's work and convey both witty humor and poignant determination. While this early aviatrix may not be as well known as Amelia Earhart and others, her story will be enjoyed by primary-grade readers and provide them with an intriguing glimpse at a bygone era.
Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (August 2, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395664047
• ISBN-13: 978-0395664049
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,393,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT, August 30, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Ruth Law Thrills a Nation (Hardcover)

I love this book. In fact I loved researching, writing and illustrating it. I had so much fun that I am writing another book about another courageous woman-Alice Ramsey. In 1909, she became the first woman to drive across America

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ruth Law's Brave Flight, September 26, 2005

By 

Notnadia (Currently upstairs.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ruth Law Thrills a Nation (Reading Rainbow Books) (Paperback)

In 1916, Ruth Law, a pioneer of aviation (who happened to be a woman) took off in a small, unsteady plane on a record-setting one-day solo flight between Chicago and New York. This highly-illustrated, easy to read book tells all about Law's voyage and why her trip is so important to history. Little details, like how Law covered her bulky flight suit with a skirt, for modesty's sake, seem especially interesting today. Law's courage and bold ambition make for an inspirational I-Know-I-Can-Do-It tale for children and adults, too.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fills in what the history books left out., October 16, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Ruth Law Thrills a Nation (Hardcover)

This is a story wonderfully told (and illustrated) of woman who seems to have had mainline history pass her by. All three of our kids love it.