Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride

 

Title: Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride 

Author: Pam Munoz Ryan

Illustrator: Brian Selznick

Age: 7-10

 

This is a story of two high profile woman who get together as friends for a dinner at the White House and end up going for a spontaneous flight over Washington D.C. It takes place on April 30, 1933. The women look elegant as they sit down for a formal dinner at the white house, but it doesn’t take long before Amelia’s stunning description of flying at night, with the stars that “glitter all about and seem close enough to touch” inspires them to duck out for an adventurous flight over the capital city. Still in their fancy white gloves, Eleanor then takes Amelia on a liberating car ride throughout the city.

The black and white illustrations are impeccable; the depictions of the historical figures are dead on. The story, of course, is somewhat sensationalized. In reality, according to the author’s note, Amelia didn’t take controls that night due to regulations. The plane was actually flown by two male pilots from Eastern Air.

Nevertheless, this title is great for an inside look at these two celebrated women, and would be a perfect book to read for Women’s History Month.