BOOK: NONFICTION (ages 9-12)
Brief Description: A wonderful biography of Amelia Earhart - as promised by our instructor! This book chronicles Amelia's life and is broken into chapters describing her childhood through her final flight. As was mentioned by Jonathan, the interesting portions of the book are the sections between the biography which convey the last radio transmissions that Amelia had. Language is simple and appropriate for the 8 - 12 year old audience indicated on the flap. Punctuated throughout the book are wonderful illustrations and photographs - these "extras" enhance the story and enrich the text by bringing the story to life. The biographical portions illustrate dedication to the rights of women and ground breaking attitudes towards equality.
Awards: Starred Reviews from Horn Book, SLJ, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, and Kirkus.
Personal Opinion: I loved reading about his amazing and brave woman who flinched at nothing, though I sure wish she had taken the time to learn about her RADIO! I was unaware of her work at Purdue and found her relationship with Putnam surprising, realizing that I knew nothing about Amelia except her legendary disappearance. I found the writing a bit stiff - it could have read a bit more like an exciting novel, but the sections on the radio transmission were very compelling. In fact, I read these aloud as one unit, skipping the biography and going back to read that on its own. I'm eager to recommend this book to kids at the library!
Programming/Curriculum: Candace Fleming has a fantastic curriculum guide on her website. I'd read and discuss this book aloud with students in preparation for them writing their own biographies using some form of narrative similar to the radio transmission section which told a story of their own.
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