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)

The life of the pioneering aviator, from tomboyish beginnings through flying adventures to her mysterious disappearance over the Pacific Ocean, is set forth in a straightforward, informative text full of detail. The illustrations ably reflect both the humorous and more serious moments in the narrative. A time line and an author's note are included. Bib.

Adler (A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson, 1994, etc.) draws even young onlookers into the life of Earhart, whose Kansas childhood included firing a .22 rifle at barn rats and fashioning a roller coaster from fence rails and roller skates. Her social work, medical research, and study of engine repair are outlined, along with her growing passion for airplanes and flying, which resulted in several initial crash landings. Historic flights and accomplishments characterize Earhart's adulthood, told in a factual, yet anecdotal style sure to interest early readers. Earhart's disappearance, the source of much speculation, is skillfully handled. A brief author's note cites theories about that disappearance as well as the lack of evidence to support them. Fisher's illustrations, though clumsy in depicting perspective (e.g., a plane in flight on the cover is curiously close to Earhart's head), are pleasing in that they do not idealize the subject. This is a cogent tribute to an aviation pioneer. (Picture book/biography. 5-9)

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