Amelia Earhart (1897-1937?) is a fascinating historical figure, well-known for her many aviation records and her mysterious disappearance. I have reviewed four picture books about her life and decided to rank them from least to most favourite.
I Am Amelia Earhart by Brad Meltzer, illustrated in Christopher Eliopoulos (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2014)
This short picture book covers Earhart’s life, but doesn’t mention her disappearance. I found that the text talks down to children (using words like “fancy-schmancy”) and I did not enjoy the cartoon-style illustrations, in which Earhart is depicted as a big-headed child throughout her life. The moral of the story is baldly stated: work hard for your dream and you will find it. Six black and white photos at the end of the book are a nice addition. Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Amelia Earhart (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Mariadiamantes (Frances Lincoln, 2016)
This is another short picture book that condenses the story of Earhart’s life for young children. I found it a little too brief with a cryptic ending, but I appreciated the simplicity of the illustrations. Recommended for ages 4 to 6.
Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Wendell Minor (Simon & Schuster, 2011)
This beautifully illustrated book is a poetic description of Earhart’s solo flight from Newfoundland to Northern Ireland in 1932. The language is vivid and concise, telling a dramatic and inspirational tale. The book ends with a biographical note, plus technical note about the illustrations, bibliography, internet resources, and list of quotations by Earhart. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.
Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick (Scholastic, 1999)
A celebration of the friendship between Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, this story shows how both women were adventurous and unconventional. A dinner party at the White House is interrupted by a spontaneous flight, followed by a ride in Eleanor’s car. The text includes lots of dialogue and has a joyful tone. I loved the black and white illustrations. The book ends with a recipe for Eleanor Roosevelt’s Pink Clouds on Angel Food Cake, as well as a two-page author’s note that explains more about the two women, as well as the research and sources for the story so you can learn how much is factual, and a photograph of their flight (April 20, 1933). Recommended for ages 6 to 9.