Fearless Flyer - by Heather Lang (Hardcover)

About the Book

On November 19, 1916, Ruth Law took off on a flight that aviation experts thought was doomed: she set off to fly nonstop from Chicago to New York City. Sitting at the controls of her small bi-plane, exposed to the elements, Law battled fierce winds and numbing cold. When her engine ran out of fuel, she glided for two miles and landed at Hornell, New York. Even though she fell short of her goal, she had broken the existing cross-country distance record, and with her plane refueled, she got back in the air and headed for New York City where crowds waited to greet her.

Book Synopsis

Discover a thrilling moment in history when pioneering aviator Ruth Law attempted to do what no other aviator had done before: fly nonstop from Chicago to New York.

On November 19, 1916, at 8:25 a.m., Ruth Law took off on a flight from Chicago to New York City that aviation experts thought was doomed. Sitting at the controls of her small bi-plane, exposed to the elements, Law battled fierce winds and numbing cold. When her engine ran out of fuel, she glided for two miles and landed at Hornell, New York. Even though she fell short of her goal, she had broken the existing cross-country distance record. And with her plane refueled, she got back in the air and headed for New York City where crowds waited to greet her. This story is perfect to share during Women's History Month or anytime during the year!

Review Quotes

NSTA/CBC Best STEM Book

★ "(A) magnificent, long overdue flight from history straight into the present." --Booklist, starred review

★ "Lang builds suspense with comparisons and questions.... Back matter includes photographs and further biographical details. Colón's harmonious palette is comprised, appropriately, of blues, yellows, and greens; his signature etched lines provide additional energy.... this title underscores the pilot's achievement and conveys her exhilaration." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Lang's portrait commemorates the centennial of Ruth Law's record-breaking flight from Chicago to New York....Effectively employing short, staccato phrases, Lang creates a riveting, "you are there" narrative.... Colón's rich compositions...use a primary palette of gold and charcoal brown, with layers of turquoise for water and sky....A well-crafted tribute to a fascinating aviation pioneer." --Kirkus Reviews

"Colón's etched artwork, glowing in autumnal yellows, shows Law flying above the Midwestern landscape... Lang keeps the focus on Law's determination... a visceral reminder of the daring of [Lang's] feat." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Heather Lang is the author of The Original Cowgirl: The Wild Adventures of Lucille Mulhall and Queen of the Track: Alice Coachman, Olympic High-Jump Champion, selected for the Amelia Bloomer Book List. She lives in Lexington, Massachusetts. Visit heatherlangbooks.com.

Raúl Colón is the illustrator of over thirty books, including the New York Times bestselling Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt. He is the recipient of two Pura Belpre Awards from the American Library Association. He lives in New City, New York.