Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart
The final minutes of Amelia Earhart’s last flight and the search that followed her disappearance are seamlessly integrated with a biographical account of her life in this meticulously crafted volume. In the opening pages, the crew of the coast guard cutter Itasca stands by to help guide Earhart to Howland Island for refueling during the final segment of her famous attempt to circle the globe. They receive occasional radio messages from Amelia but never establish visual contact. The plane’s disappearance and the search that ensued are interspersed throughout the rest of the book, with reports of fleeting radio contact with Amelia and her navigator, Fred Noonan, creating tension and poignant moments of hope. The account of Amelia’s life begins with her privileged childhood and early school days. Her father’s growing alcohol use and the family’s downward economic slide shadowed her young adulthood. After working as a volunteer nurse’s aide, Amelia studied at Columbia University briefly before beginning flying lessons in Los Angeles in 1921. As a young pilot she made her share of mistakes, but always demonstrated extraordinary determination and courage. And early on, Amelia understood the importance of publicity and carefully crafted the perception of her image to build ongoing financial support for her endeavors. Amelia Earhart served as an inspiration to many girls and women, encouraging them “to challenge themselves and seize their dreams. And she did it with zest, boldness and courage.” ©2011 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 10-14
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
20th Century
Biography
Flight/Aviation
Girls and Women
History (Nonfiction)
Journalism and Media
Mysteries
Publisher:
Schwartz & Wade
Publish Year: 2011
Pages: 118
ISBN: 9780375841989
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Earhart