
A parent might reach for this book when their adventurous child needs a real-life hero, or when a child expresses self-doubt about tackling a big challenge. This nonfiction chapter book tells the incredible true story of Zara Rutherford, who at 19 became the youngest woman to fly solo around the world. It beautifully chronicles her perseverance through loneliness, extreme weather, and technical glitches. For ages 7-10, it serves as a powerful, modern example of resilience and self-confidence, showing that huge goals are achievable with planning and determination. It’s an inspiring pick for any child, but especially for girls interested in STEM and adventure.
The book deals directly with themes of peril and life-threatening danger. Zara's encounters with thunderstorms, extreme cold over Siberia, and potential equipment failure are described factually. The approach is secular and focuses on her technical training and problem-solving skills as the tools to overcome these dangers. The resolution is triumphant and hopeful, reinforcing a message of capability and resilience rather than dwelling on the fear itself.
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Sign in to write a reviewThis is for the 8-10 year old who is fascinated by vehicles, maps, and real-life adventure. It’s perfect for a child who has declared a big, seemingly impossible dream (e.g., “I want to be an astronaut”) and would benefit from seeing a contemporary young person break down a massive goal into achievable steps. It's also an excellent choice for a child who struggles with giving up when things get difficult.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the real dangers Zara faced. The descriptions of flying through thunderstorms or over vast, desolate landscapes are vivid and could be intense for more sensitive children. Previewing these chapters is a good idea. The book can be read cold, but having a world map handy to trace her journey would greatly enrich the reading experience. A parent has just heard their child say, “This is too hard, I can't do it,” about a project or goal. Or, the child expresses interest in a field typically dominated by men and the parent is looking for a strong, contemporary female role model in STEM or adventure.
A younger reader (age 7-8) will be captivated by the adventure: the cool plane, the different countries, and the scary moments. They will see it as a thrilling travelogue. An older reader (age 9-10) will better appreciate the logistical, mental, and emotional challenges: the complex planning, the fundraising, the solitude, and the immense mental fortitude required to push through fear and exhaustion.
Unlike biographies of historical figures, this is a story about a contemporary peer, making Zara’s achievement feel immediate and relatable. The first-person voice combined with DK's signature highly-visual format (photographs, maps, infographics) makes a complex STEM-based achievement feel personal and accessible. It is a rare example of a story of this magnitude told by the young woman who lived it.
This first-person narrative follows teenager Zara Rutherford's planning and execution of her record-breaking solo flight around the world. The book details her 155-day journey, highlighting key challenges she faced in her small Shark ultralight plane. These include navigating severe weather, dealing with mechanical issues, overcoming bureaucratic delays in various countries, and managing the profound loneliness of the endeavor. It is structured as an accessible chapter book, richly illustrated with photos and diagrams of her plane and route.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.