
Reach for this book when your child expresses frustration after being told they are too small, too young, or not the 'right' kind of person to try something new. It is a powerful tool for reinforcing that a 'no' from the world does not have to be a 'no' to their own potential. The story follows Elinor Smith, who faced immense gender-based pushback in the early days of aviation but refused to let her feet stay on the ground. Through Elinor's journey from a six-year-old passenger to a record-breaking pilot, parents can discuss the importance of persistence and the courage it takes to defy expectations. The book highlights the emotional resilience needed to pursue a passion when society is rooting for your failure. It is perfectly suited for children ages 4 to 8, providing a historical context for modern conversations about gender equality and the thrill of self-discovery through STEM and adventure.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewHistorical gender discrimination is the central conflict of the book.
The book addresses gender discrimination directly but in a secular, age-appropriate manner. The resolution is triumphant and realistic, focusing on how her skills eventually silenced her critics.
A first or second grader who loves machines and airplanes, but perhaps feels discouraged because they don't fit the 'typical' profile of a scientist or adventurer.
Read the historical note at the end first. It provides great context about the 1920s that will help answer the inevitable 'Why wouldn't they let her fly?' questions. A child coming home and saying, 'I can't do that because I'm a girl' or 'They said I'm not allowed to play that game.'
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the excitement of the planes and the 'rule-breaking' aspect of flying under bridges. Older children (7-8) will better grasp the social injustice of the era and the significance of her breaking the 'glass ceiling' of the cockpit.
Unlike many biographies that focus on Amelia Earhart, this highlights a contemporary who was known for her technical precision and a specific, daring feat of rebellion that children find captivating.
The book chronicles the life of Elinor Smith, a pioneering aviator who fell in love with flying at age six. Despite being told by instructors and society that flying was a 'man's job,' she became the youngest licensed pilot in the world at age sixteen. The narrative culminates in her famous stunt of flying under all four East River bridges in New York City to prove her skill.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.