Customer Reviews

Sky Pioneer: A Photobiography of Amelia Earhart (Photographies)

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I work at a library and came across this book when it first came out. I checked it out, took it home, and was reluctant to take it back. I just ordered the book because I can't forget about it. Disregard the fact that it is geared toward the young people, it is for every age. I'm 35 years old and found it an excellent biography. I love the quotes of Amelia's that are dispersed throughout the book on her philosophy of life as a person and as a woman. It's a wonderful, concise edition that should be in every biographical library. And especially wonderful for our young ladies in today's world.

Szabo, C. (1997). Sky pioneer. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Synopsis: Soaring high above the earth, Amelia Earhart defied the odds and overcame the social oppression placed on girls and women during the early 1900's. This beautifully written biography will captivate the mind of readers leaving the sense of wonder and mystery as to what happened to this striking, strong, daring, courageous aviator.

Evaluation: Soaring above the rest, this photo biography of Amelia Earhart's life is gloriously upbeat and celebrates Amelia's drive, passion and skill. With large print and 60 exquisite black and white photos, Szabo provides readers with a window into the extraordinary life of this brilliant woman. Written for children ages 9-12, people of all ages cannot help being captivated by Szabo's format and design. Educators presenting strong women during Women's history month or teaching about biographies will likely include this stunning photo biography. The quotes from Amelia spotted throughout the text give this biography a humanistic quality that is so lacking in most biographies written. Presenting this strong, courageous woman in such a high-quality biography is fitting given the achievements of this audacious American heroine. The final quote, "Please know I am quite aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, failure must be but a challenge to others." is a fitting end to Amelia's legacy. Following this quote readers, will find an "Afterword" that includes the theories of why she disappeared without a trace.

I think this is a fabulous book because it has to do with flying. It's a very good biography because it tells you all about Amelia's life.

Over the past several months I have been researching Amelia Earhart in preparation for my historical portrayal of her. Corinne Szabo's book "accidentally" came to my attention. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of its inclusion of viable information. However, upon reading it I found it to be a wealth of knowledge. Szabo has skillfully included photographs of many aspects involving A.E.'s life. Many of these photographs I have not seen in any other publication that I have read. These along with the accompanying captions reveal a personal side of A.E. that I needed to see and relate to.

The text itself may be a bit too advanced for some readers, but is very informative and creates an environment that encourages further exploration from the reader. A very early reader could still enjoy this book simply by observing the photographs.

I found the information in the book to be accurate and congruous with other information that I had encountered about Earhart. Linda Finch's forward is not to be dismissed. It is a true source of encouragement to dreamers everywhere. My favorite characteristics of Szabo's book are the candid photographs and quotes of Earhart. This is a must read for anyone interested or researching Amelia Earhart. It is appropriate for children and adults alike. I suggest reading the book twice: once with just the primary text and the second with the photographs and captions.

Sky Pioneer is a great Amelia starter book for kids. My five year old became enthralled
with the Amelia tale (and all the theories about her disappearance) after we saw the
HBO docu-trailer for the new film. This book answered a number of questions for her,
in that picture's-worth-a-thousand-words way.