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Flying Solo: How Ruth Elder Soared into America's Heart
In 1927, airplanes were a thrilling but dangerous novelty. Most people, men and women, believed that a woman belonged in the kitchen and not in a cockpit. One woman, Ruth Elder, set out to prove them wrong by flying across the Atlantic Ocean. Ruth didn't make it, crashing spectacularly, but she flew right into the spotlight and America's heart. This is the story of a remarkable woman who chased her dreams with grit and determination, and whose appetite for adventure helped pave the way for future generations of female flyers.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 23, 2013
1 person is currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Julie Cummins
16 books6 followersJulie Cummins has milked cows and climbed silos, ridden subways and lived in a high-rise. She currently lives in New York City, where she has a spectacular view of the Empire State Building, and vacations in the country, where she enjoys the lake views.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 24, 2021
Flying Solo: How Ruth Elder Soared into America's Heart is a children's picture book written by Julie Cummins and illustrated by Malene R. Laugesen. It is a lively biography of a pioneer in women’s aviation.
Ruth Elder was an aviation pioneer and actress. She carried private pilot certificate P675, and was known as the "Miss America of Aviation" and was a charter member of the Ninety-Nines.
Cummins' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Cummins stitches together anecdotes about this female aviator, whose unsuccessful attempt to cross the Atlantic predated that of Earhart. Backmatter includes an author’s note, sources, and further reading. While Laugesen's smudgy illustrations don't generate much of a sense of action, Elder and her fellow pioneers come across as plenty heroic.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is a biography of Ruth Elder – the Miss America of Aviation. In 1929, when twenty pilots including Elder took part in an all-women air race, which wasn't really supported as a women's place is thought to be in the kitchen.
All in all, Flying Solo: How Ruth Elder Soared into America's Heart is an animated account of early aviator Ruth Elder's struggles and achievements will amuse and inspire girls of all ages.
Ruth Elder was an aviation pioneer and actress. She carried private pilot certificate P675, and was known as the "Miss America of Aviation" and was a charter member of the Ninety-Nines.
Cummins' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Cummins stitches together anecdotes about this female aviator, whose unsuccessful attempt to cross the Atlantic predated that of Earhart. Backmatter includes an author’s note, sources, and further reading. While Laugesen's smudgy illustrations don't generate much of a sense of action, Elder and her fellow pioneers come across as plenty heroic.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is a biography of Ruth Elder – the Miss America of Aviation. In 1929, when twenty pilots including Elder took part in an all-women air race, which wasn't really supported as a women's place is thought to be in the kitchen.
All in all, Flying Solo: How Ruth Elder Soared into America's Heart is an animated account of early aviator Ruth Elder's struggles and achievements will amuse and inspire girls of all ages.
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December 18, 2024"She never lost her courage or her lipstick."
June 13, 2017
Another good picture book biography for my "She Persisted" shelf. If you have a moment, read this book and then Google Ruth Elder. What a spitfire! The pictures of her really capture her personality!
August 21, 2013
I love stories about the women pioneers in flight. Ruth Elder looked like a beauty queen, but she didn't want to follow conventions in 1927 and stay home to keep house. She wanted to fly an airplane. She wasn't able to cross the Atlantic Ocean flying solo, but that didn't stop her. She still captured America's hearts and went on to the Vaudeville stage and Hollywood. She also competed in the "Powder Puff Derby," a cross-country air race along with nineteen other women, including Amelia Earhart. Elder finished fifth. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this story.
May 3, 2015
The colorful story of beauty queen turned aviatrix. Ruth Elder was the first woman to fly from New York to Paris (almost) Delightful illustrations, and the looks on those rescuing sailors faces! To die for.
March 28, 2018
Ruth Elder is a young woman who was always interested in flying planes, even at a time when they were considered dangerous for men and women. She flies her first trip to Paris, and almost dies on the journey, but she refuses to give up. She grows to infamy in both Europe and the United States, and stars in two silent movies. But will Ruth ever fly a plane again, and will she prove that women can fly as well as men?
This is a darling read and I was very inspired by reading it. It satisfies biography characteristics because it tells the life of Ruth Elder and includes specific details that are facts. I don’t have any suggestions to make for this book, because to make the story more interesting the author would have to exaggerate or include details that aren’t real, therefore fictionalizing the story and disqualifying it as a biography.
Two literary elements that enhance the story are the inclusion of direct quotes and the inclusion of many dates and places. The quotes by Ruth Elder reinforce her character and boost her realistic nature for the reader. She becomes more tangible as we see her say things like “Please God let them all be cattle!” The inclusion of dates and places adds to the biographical sense of the book, encouraging the reader that they are learning real information.
The visual elements that add to the story are the maintenance of the red theme throughout the book, and the inclusion of many children in the images. In many pictures we see Ruth wearing something red or her red plane, and this creates a color theme for the readers to subconsciously notice. There are also children on every page where it would make sense, reinforcing the message that children are the ones who grow up to change the world.
Overall, this was inspiring biography and I’m very glad there are more stories about female pilots than just Amelia Earhart.
This is a darling read and I was very inspired by reading it. It satisfies biography characteristics because it tells the life of Ruth Elder and includes specific details that are facts. I don’t have any suggestions to make for this book, because to make the story more interesting the author would have to exaggerate or include details that aren’t real, therefore fictionalizing the story and disqualifying it as a biography.
Two literary elements that enhance the story are the inclusion of direct quotes and the inclusion of many dates and places. The quotes by Ruth Elder reinforce her character and boost her realistic nature for the reader. She becomes more tangible as we see her say things like “Please God let them all be cattle!” The inclusion of dates and places adds to the biographical sense of the book, encouraging the reader that they are learning real information.
The visual elements that add to the story are the maintenance of the red theme throughout the book, and the inclusion of many children in the images. In many pictures we see Ruth wearing something red or her red plane, and this creates a color theme for the readers to subconsciously notice. There are also children on every page where it would make sense, reinforcing the message that children are the ones who grow up to change the world.
Overall, this was inspiring biography and I’m very glad there are more stories about female pilots than just Amelia Earhart.
June 23, 2017
This book is about Ruth Elder, who is the first woman to attempt to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. She did not acheive this and Amelia Earhart ended up being the first woman to do it, however, then her and Ruth would end up competing with each other in airplane races across the country.
I enjoyed this story. I had no idea that someone attempted to fly across the Atlantic before Amelia Earhart. It was educational but the story was not so long that it was overwhelming. IT was written in a way I could understand and that I think children would also enjoy. It would be a good book to read while learning about women in history.
I enjoyed this story. I had no idea that someone attempted to fly across the Atlantic before Amelia Earhart. It was educational but the story was not so long that it was overwhelming. IT was written in a way I could understand and that I think children would also enjoy. It would be a good book to read while learning about women in history.
December 30, 2019
Biography of Ruth Elder. She was the first American woman to attempt a trans-Atlantic flight (but had to stop before she finished). She continued as one of 2-3 dozen premier American female pilots.
A lot of emphasis on the Powder Puff Derby, so named because Ruth powdered her nose before boarding her plane.
I don't think the book made a great case for why we should care about Ruth Elder in particular, among the different women flight pioneers.
A lot of emphasis on the Powder Puff Derby, so named because Ruth powdered her nose before boarding her plane.
I don't think the book made a great case for why we should care about Ruth Elder in particular, among the different women flight pioneers.
March 13, 2017
Flying Solo: How Ruth Elder Soared into America’s Heart by Julie Cummins, illustrated by Malene R. Laugesen
Roaring Book Press 2013
Flying Solo by Julie Cummins is a biography about none other than Ruth Elder, a young woman with aspirations to become the “female Lindbergh.” This well-written story, starting in 1927 includes some of the journeys that Ruth Elder endured throughout her career and dream to become a great female pilot.
This story has beautifully colored illustrations that engage the reader and are symmetrical to the story, allowing listeners to easily follow along with the reader. The words of this biography include humor, excitement, and some disappointment. Whatever Ruth Elder experiences though, she never lets her head hang, but keeps her chin high!
From a feminist lens, this allows women to be seen as adventurous, brave, determined, and capable of amazing things! Ruth Elder’s story could be used to encourage and empower young girls and adults to take a risk and stay determined concerning their dreams. I enjoyed this book because, as many others may think, Amelia Earhart is the most popular and well-known female pilot of this time. Other female pilots, such as Ruth Elder, may not gain much of a reputation for their career while in the shadow of another such as Amelia Earhart, but Flying Solo does a great service to the reputation and career of Ruth Elder!
(Fulfills a life writing book selection)
Roaring Book Press 2013
Flying Solo by Julie Cummins is a biography about none other than Ruth Elder, a young woman with aspirations to become the “female Lindbergh.” This well-written story, starting in 1927 includes some of the journeys that Ruth Elder endured throughout her career and dream to become a great female pilot.
This story has beautifully colored illustrations that engage the reader and are symmetrical to the story, allowing listeners to easily follow along with the reader. The words of this biography include humor, excitement, and some disappointment. Whatever Ruth Elder experiences though, she never lets her head hang, but keeps her chin high!
From a feminist lens, this allows women to be seen as adventurous, brave, determined, and capable of amazing things! Ruth Elder’s story could be used to encourage and empower young girls and adults to take a risk and stay determined concerning their dreams. I enjoyed this book because, as many others may think, Amelia Earhart is the most popular and well-known female pilot of this time. Other female pilots, such as Ruth Elder, may not gain much of a reputation for their career while in the shadow of another such as Amelia Earhart, but Flying Solo does a great service to the reputation and career of Ruth Elder!
(Fulfills a life writing book selection)
December 30, 2019
This book is framed around Ruth Elder's story, but the second half or so of the book is about the women's cross-country air race. At that point, it seems interested in the group of women pilots ofthe time, not really just Ruth Elder.
The Ruth Elder part of the story really starts in her adulthood, and it talks about her starting to be interested in flying, but not in how she learned to fly.
The Ruth Elder part of the story really starts in her adulthood, and it talks about her starting to be interested in flying, but not in how she learned to fly.
September 1, 2017
With details about the Powder Puff Derby of 1929, and the status of women pilots in the 1920's, as well as women fighter pilots from WWII until today, this book provided context about women pilots in the USA.
July 6, 2022
A good introduction to Ruth Elder and her accomplishments.
June 10, 2025
Compelling story about Ruth Elder and other women who took to the skies in the early part of the 20th century. The illustrations just didn't grab me
November 29, 2013
Beautiful double-page spread pastel paintings illustrate the story of Ruth Elder, who tried to become the first woman to fly the Atlantic Ocean in 1927--inspired by Charles Lindbergh's solo flight--but she had to ditch the plane when mechanical problems struck, and she was rescued at sea. Of course we know that Amelia Earhart established that record, but Ruth was not deterred. She flew in the 1929 "Powder Puff Derby" cross-country race from California to Cleveland, finishing fifth against a group of other pioneering woman pilots. (I loved the detail that somewhere in Ohio, a farmer plowed an arrow into his field, pointing the way to Cleveland for them!) The book has author's note, sources, and a key to the final illustration of 17 real women pilots--6 from Ruth's time, including Amelia Earhart, and 11 who came after to be fighter pilots, test pilots, and astronauts, such as Eileen Collins who was the first female commander of a space shuttle flight and took pioneer pilot Louise Thaden's helmet into space with her--cool! Nice book for inspiring today's girls to fly and break new barriers. Doesn't cover Ruth's childhood or early life, just says she was a model and "beauty queen."
October 14, 2013
Beauty queen Ruth Elder was determined to learn how to fly despite all the naysayers around her who were sure that women did not belong in the sky. Although her attempt to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic failed, the unflappable woman captured the attention of America for the attempt and because of her engaging personality. She and nineteen other women engaged in a aerial race across country from California to Cleveland. Most of the book covers her adventures during that race, in which she placed fifth. The text and softly rendered illustrations show the fascination that everyday folks had for the planes and their pilots. I wish the author had provided more reasons for Ruth's desire to fly although she certainly captured her personality well. This one would go perfectly with another recent picture book on female pilots, Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton. It's wonderful to have these stories of flying pioneers being told for the next generation.
July 28, 2014
Full review: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=2804
Ruth Elder joins the group of amazing women who have eye-opening picture books about them and how they changed history. (I love this trend!) More and more brilliant and brave women from history are getting recognition through their story being told. Ruth Elder was America’s sweetheart daredevil, and through her crazy feats showed America that woman were brave too. Although Amelia Earhart beat her in her mission to cross the Atlantic, she never stopped pushing herself and the women around her. I would love to see a unit about amazing women in history that uses the slew of beautiful picture books about these woman. One idea would be splitting up kids into groups, having them each read about one of the picture books, maybe doing some extra research, and then sharing with the other groups what they learned. It’d be a great way to give these women the spotlight they deserve.
Ruth Elder joins the group of amazing women who have eye-opening picture books about them and how they changed history. (I love this trend!) More and more brilliant and brave women from history are getting recognition through their story being told. Ruth Elder was America’s sweetheart daredevil, and through her crazy feats showed America that woman were brave too. Although Amelia Earhart beat her in her mission to cross the Atlantic, she never stopped pushing herself and the women around her. I would love to see a unit about amazing women in history that uses the slew of beautiful picture books about these woman. One idea would be splitting up kids into groups, having them each read about one of the picture books, maybe doing some extra research, and then sharing with the other groups what they learned. It’d be a great way to give these women the spotlight they deserve.
June 19, 2014
There have been many books about women flying, but I never really get tired of them. I love seeing Ruth's spunk. It's also fun to see that even as she was doing these dangerous things, she still enjoyed evening gowns and dressing up. I especially enjoyed the spread at the end that highlights many other women pilots and there is information about them in the author's note which is thorough and informative.
August 31, 2016
Ruth Elder did not successfully fly across the Atlantic, but she tried, then parlayed that experience into other aviation adventures. Elder's story shows how many women's stories paralleled Earhart's without achieving the fame and fortune she did, but their efforts did advance aviation.
An Author's Note, Sources and Further Reading, and pictures of other aviatrixes of that period add to the book's value.
An Author's Note, Sources and Further Reading, and pictures of other aviatrixes of that period add to the book's value.
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October 30, 2016This book is about how Ruth Elder flew across the Atlantic Ocean. This book discusses how she came to be and her strong role on the female population at such an early time period. This book discussed how she viewed the female role and decided to do something unthinkable.
The artistic style of this book is realism because her actions are true and they have taken place in a legit place and filled with facts. This book had basic shapes and lines. The cover of the book is red which implies power.
The artistic style of this book is realism because her actions are true and they have taken place in a legit place and filled with facts. This book had basic shapes and lines. The cover of the book is red which implies power.
August 7, 2013
Yet another fun picture book about a beauty queen who dares to take to the skies. Ruth Elder dreams of being the female Lindbergh and flying across the Atlantic. She almost made it too. The illustrations are wonderful. This pairs well with Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton for some serious girl power in the wide blue yonder.
November 24, 2013
Ruth Elder is less well-known as a pioneering woman aviator, but her story is as dramatic and compelling as that of Amelia Earhart, her contemporary. Pairing this title with NIGHT FLIGHT (Burleigh) or AMELIA LOST (Fleming) will work well, as all three offer excellent content in text and illustration as well as detailed back matter.
December 9, 2014
Genre: Biography
Copyright: 2013
Thoughts: This was an interesting book about Ruth Elder's journey as an airplane flyer. The only thing that I didn't like about this was that it made Ruth look really "girly" instead of a professional. I think the book did the opposite of what it was trying to achieve. Although, this is a good story for kids to hear and know.
Copyright: 2013
Thoughts: This was an interesting book about Ruth Elder's journey as an airplane flyer. The only thing that I didn't like about this was that it made Ruth look really "girly" instead of a professional. I think the book did the opposite of what it was trying to achieve. Although, this is a good story for kids to hear and know.
August 8, 2013
This was a great juvenile biography! I loved the rich vocabulary and the story was great! I loved that Ruth was a "girly girl" but was also interested in flying and so brave and adventurous! Definitely will recommend!
September 11, 2013
An inspirational story of determination. I especially enjoyed the last page with female pilots throughout history.
But "She never lost her courage or her lipstick"? I could have done without that line.
But "She never lost her courage or her lipstick"? I could have done without that line.
August 5, 2013
To see my review on Kid Lit Frenzy
http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2013/07/n...
http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2013/07/n...
September 12, 2013
This biography about a pioneer in aviation would make nice choice for Women's History Month.
October 5, 2013
Inspiring story about a pioneering, courageous female aviator.
October 6, 2013
Pairs nicely with Bill Bryson's new book about the summer of 1927--a key time in aviation history.
October 24, 2013
Lovely illustrations, about a little know woman pilot and she is characterized very well.
February 4, 2014
This bibliography of Ruth Elder is a rarity as a picture book layout. Her compelling story seems more like a tall tale and is a great introduction to women who've made their mark in history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews