Elinor Smith was six when she first went for a ride in a rickety "flying machine," and she was just sixteen when she earned her aviation l... read full description
reviews
Nov 09, 2010
Margo
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This stunning new picture book, by Tami Lewis Brown, tells the story of Elinor Smith, who by the time she was six years old knew she wanted to fly. But in 1917, girls were supposed to stay on the ground. From the time Elinor first begged her dad for a $5 ride in an airplane, she was hooked, and by the time she was sixteen, she was the youngest licensed pilot in the United States--boy or girl.
Like the much better-known Amelia Earhart, Elinor became world-famous in her day, and at age 1 More...
Like the much better-known Amelia Earhart, Elinor became world-famous in her day, and at age 1 More...
Jan 23, 2012
Heidi
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I really enjoyed this book. The combination of gorgeous illustrations and great text pair nicely in this title. I am also a big fan of books about people following their dreams and passions. I appreciated how Elinor's parents encouraged her in her dreams despite their unconventional nature. And one can't help but admire Elinor's courage and spunk in proving to herself and the world that women pilots were just as good as men. The longer text does make it more appropriate for older children,
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Oct 08, 2011
Angie
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Looks like I was behind the times coming to this one but I'm so glad I did. What an interesting person! Will have to add her to our third grade wax museum list.
I really like picture book biographies ... especially the well done ones. This tells enough of the story to give a good picture of her life from childhood to the experiences that made her famous, but without so much detail that a child reader gets bored or distracted or bogged down in difficult text. If they need more informat More...
I really like picture book biographies ... especially the well done ones. This tells enough of the story to give a good picture of her life from childhood to the experiences that made her famous, but without so much detail that a child reader gets bored or distracted or bogged down in difficult text. If they need more informat More...
Mar 25, 2011
Deborah
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I had never heard this story of a woman pilot who flew before it was acceptable to do so. It's about going after your dreams (nice mention of supportive parents who weren't allowed to follow theirs). I really liked the author's research: In addition to interviews and reading, she wanted to fly a plane like Elinor's as part of her inquiry, but very few still exist. She found an antique still in use, although it was a little newer than the one Elinor flew, and went up in it with her son, "to
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Nov 19, 2010
Tricia
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Fascinating biography of Elinor Smith, who few may know as a aviation pioneer in lieu of the obvious (Earhart, Lindburgh). Not simply about flying, this book encourages children to follow their childhood dreams and to not to "no" for an answer. There is also a message for parents about encouraging our children's dreams. My almost kindergartener ate this book up and then asked if we could find anything about Elinor online. Have to love the books that spark their interest for more re
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Dec 29, 2010
Abby
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Move over, Amelia Earhart, here's a great picture book biography of another female pilot. After earning her pilot's license at age 16 (the youngest person, boy or girl, to do so), Elinor Smith was not taken seriously by the press or by male pilots. When a male stunt pilot dared her to fly under a New York City bridge, Elinor accepted the challenge and one-upped him by flying under four bridges in one day. An inspiring book about following your dreams, even when the odds are stacked against yo
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Jan 04, 2011
Teresa
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Story of Elinor Smith who became a pilot in the 20's when it was considered unladylike. She accepted a challenge to fly under the bridges in NYC which could have resulted in the loss of her pilot license. I really like the shorter picture book format biographies.
Feb 07, 2011
Charlotte
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Beautiful illustrations. When one thinks of early female aviators Amelia Earhart hogs the stage. This book opens the reader to another female that set many records and had the advantage of living to 89.
Aug 24, 2011
There are so many stories about Amelia that this one flies under the radar.
Wonderfully illustrated, detailed biography of the youngest ever licensed pilot, male or female, and her daring stunt.
Wonderfully illustrated, detailed biography of the youngest ever licensed pilot, male or female, and her daring stunt.
Aug 24, 2011
The youngest licensed pilot in the world (at 16!)
With so much about Amelia, this story often gets overshadowed.
Beautiful illustrations, a great read.
With so much about Amelia, this story often gets overshadowed.
Beautiful illustrations, a great read.
Nov 04, 2011
Stacy
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"She'd shown the world what a girl could do --- Soar!" This was an engaging biography with a quick pace. I can't wait to promote it at school!!
Nov 23, 2010
Maggie
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Wonderful biography for grade 1-3 about the youngest pilot to fly a plane. She flew under 4 bridges in a row in New York City. JP
Sep 27, 2011
Amy
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About Elinor Smith who learned to fly a play. In 1928 she proved at she was one of the best pilots, at age 17.
Sep 16, 2011
Meg
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Excellent picture book biography that introduces young readers to a lesser known, young female pilot. Inspirational!
Dec 22, 2010
Deborah
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Great to have this kind of bio for girls to be inspired and everyone to enjoy - well written and great illustrations!
Dec 07, 2010
Tracie
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I really loved this story about a young girl pursuing her dream of flying - based on a true story. Inspiring.
Dec 31, 2010
Ed
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An engaging biography for younger readers about a lesser known aviation pioneer.
Feb 03, 2012
Jan 04, 2012
