A Picture Book of Amelia Earhart

April 1, 1998
Gr 2-5-Herbert Hoover called Amelia Earhart a "pioneering woman." Adler emphasizes this characteristic as he recounts the life of the famous pilot, describing her days as a schoolgirl when she engaged in activities typically enjoyed by boys and wore bloomers that were a departure from the dress expected of ladies. She was well educated as well as compassionate, and her career endeavors were many before concentrating on flying. The author details his subject's renown flights across the Atlantic and her fatal trip around the world. Readers glean a sense of Earhart's courage and determination. Realistic, double-page watercolor illustrations complement the text. A good addition to biography or women's collections for beginning or reluctant readers.-Cheryl Cufari, Glencliff Elementary School, Niskayuna, NY

April 15, 1998
Ages 6^-8. From the Picture Book Biography series, this volume on Amelia Earhart highlights her unconventional childhood, her independent spirit juxtaposed against a caring heart, her determination to fly, and her courage as a trailblazer in aviation. Single-page and double-page illustrations fill each spread from edge to edge, with no borders to prevent the pictures from running into one another in the gutter. The drawing shows some awkwardness when it comes to figures and perspective; however, the illustrations do convey the look of the times and the drama of Earhart's adventurous life. A useful addition to the series. ((Reviewed April 15, 1998))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1998, American Library Association.)