Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

by Candace Fleming

The final minutes of Amelia Earhart’s last flight and the search that followed... read more

The final minutes of Amelia Earhart’s last flight and the search that followed her disappearance are seamlessly integrated with a biographical account of her life in this meticulously crafted volume. In the opening pages, the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Itasca stands by to help guide Earhart to Howland Island for refueling during the final segment of her famous attempt to circle the globe. They receive occasional radio messages from Amelia but never establish visual contact. The plane’s disappearance and the ensuing search are interspersed throughout the rest of the book, with reports of fleeting radio contact with Amelia and her navigator, Fred Noonan, creating tension and poignant moments of hope. The account of Amelia’s life begins with her privileged childhood and early school days. Her father’s growing alcohol use and the family’s downward economic slide shadowed her young adulthood. She began flying lessons in 1921 after a brief stint in college. She made her share of mistakes as a young pilot but always demonstrated extraordinary determination and courage. She also understood the importance of publicity and carefully crafted the perception of her image to build ongoing financial support for her endeavors. Amelia Earhart served as an inspiration to many girls and women, encouraging them “to challenge themselves and seize their dreams. And she did it with zest, boldness and courage.” (Ages 10–14)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2012

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