ALA Booklist (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

Macy, author of Bull's-Eye: A Photobiography of Annie Oakley (2001), chronicles yet another strong female historical figure in the Photobiography series. After her father's death, Bly witnessed her mother's marriage to an abusive drunk and decided she would never rely on a husband for financial security. Macy's readable account takes readers beyond Bly's more well-known exploits. Before she famously faked insanity to get committed to an asylum on Blackwell's Island, Bly lived in Mexico City and spoke out against the Mexican government's censorship. And long after her renowned 72-day jaunt around the world, she married and became the president of her husband's manufacturing company heard of for a woman at the time. Macy's biography doesn't shy away from Bly's personal setbacks either, many of which, ironically, relate to money. The dramatic double-page spread of the illustrations that accompanied the Blackwell's Island article bring the sensationalism of her journalistic endeavors into sharp focus. Back matter includes a chronology and lists of helpful books, Web sites, and other resources.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Pioneering nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century female journalist Nellie Bly achieved fame through her muckraking articles and her spirit of adventure. Macy describes her subject's early life and unconventional family before focusing on Bly's work and lasting relevance as a journalist and a groundbreaking woman. Complementing the author's impressive research are many well-selected archival photographs and maps. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Kirkus Reviews

Nellie Bly's life was full of derring-do and adventure. At one point, thousands of people followed her every move and wondered what she would try next. But mention this name to young folk today, and a puzzled glance is the likely response. In composed yet passionate prose—not unlike Bly's own—Macy delves into the many escapades of this devoted journalist. From being voluntarily committed to an insane asylum for a story to becoming the only woman allowed to report from the front lines of World War I, Bly never shied away from a challenging assignment. It was her trip around the world in fewer than 80 days, besting the main character from Jules Verne's popular novel, that made her a household name. Complete with full-spread photos, quotes, maps and faded-newsprint backdrops, this attractive package will appeal to young journalists and thrill-seekers alike. (afterword, author's note, timeline, resources, source notes, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

This detailed biography of the trailblazing 19th-century journalist incorporates photographs of Bly and her subjects. The extensive text explores the details of a life spent seeking justice, writing about female factory workers and women institutionalized at the Lunatic Asylum on New York’s Blackwell’s Island, as well as her most illustrious stunt, a trip around the world with the promise of completing the journey faster than the hero of Jules Verne’s <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">Around the World in Eighty Days. A thorough introduction to the life of a fascinating figure. Ages 10–up. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Oct.)

School Library Journal (Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

Gr 4-6 The life story of this daring news reporter, globetrotter, and advocate for women's rights is presented chronologically from birth to death. By seamlessly weaving her subject's accomplishments as a national figure with her personal life, Macy offers a masterful account of how Bly and turn-of-the-century American society shaped one another. There is at least one period photo, map, or artifact per spread, as well as several full- and double-page visuals. Insightful captions relate the illustrations to the surrounding text. This meticulously researched and elegantly presented account also provides readers and teachers with a plethora of additional material: a date-by-date time line of Bly's life, museums to visit, and videos to watch. The ample index features just about every supporting character mentioned in the book and uses boldfaced page numbers to indicate illustrations. Pair this book with a read-aloud of Bonnie Christensen's The Daring Nelly Bly (Knopf, 2003) for a riveting classroom discussion of American society, feminism, and journalism. Rebecca Dash, New York Public Library