Fearless Flyer: Ruth Law and Her Flying Machine

In November 1916, Ruth Law added three extra gas tanks to her small biplane and attempted a one-day flight from Chicago to New York City. Colon's etched artwork, glowing in autumnal yellows, shows Law flying above the Midwestern landscape (her vessel may remind readers more of their own bicycles than of modern planes). Law's quiet confidence allays harrowing moments, and although she didn't reach New York City before nightfall, she took off from Binghamton, N.Y., the following morning, eventually circling around the Statue of Liberty and being welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd. Lang (The Original Cowgirl) keeps the focus on Law's determination, while a closing description of "icicles dangl from her hair" is a visceral reminder of the daring of her feat. Ages 5-8. Author's agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agency: Morgan Gaynin. (Mar.)

Gr 1-3--A decade before Amelia Earhart entered the public's consciousness, Ruth Law (1887-1970) was performing stunts at aerial shows. By 1916, she "longed to fly to get somewhere...somewhere far away." Emphasizing Law's competitive and risk-taking nature, Lang builds suspense with comparisons and questions. Victor Carlstrom had recently set the record for the longest nonstop American flight (Chicago to Erie, PA) in a much larger machine than Law's Curtiss biplane. Would the young aviator have enough fuel capacity to accomplish her goal: flying from Chicago to New York City? Children will be awestruck at the image of the vulnerable pilot, with no cockpit protection from the wind and low temperatures, steering with her hands and feet, and navigating with a compass and a map box strapped to her legs. Law set a record in the face of so many unknowns--though she was forced to stop in Binghamton, NY, before making it to New York City. Quotes, distinguished by a colorful, cursive font and cited in source notes, add vitality and inspiration. Back matter includes photographs and further biographical details. Colon's harmonious palette is comprised, appropriately, of blues, yellows, and greens; his signature etched lines provide additional energy. He maintains interest by shifting perspectives and changing the color of the light. VERDICT A worthy successor to Don Brown's out of print Ruth Law Thrills a Nation (HMH, 1993), this title underscores the pilot's achievement and conveys her exhilaration.--Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library