Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton by Meghan McCarthy –ADVISABLE

McCarthy, Meghan Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton 48 pgs. Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, 2013. $12.23.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G ; Violence: G.

Betty Skelton was a girl with big dreams! Despite it being the 1930’s and women being discouraged from such hobbies, Betty wanted to fly a plane. Luckily she had family support and soon her dreams took off. Turns out planes weren’t her only daredevil hobby –she loved to go fast and be a true daredevil. She even laid the groundwork for female astronauts.

Who wouldn't love this book, with its bright simple illustrations and of course, the incredible Betty Skelton! However, I thought that the presentation didn't flow very well. For example, we learn how she obtained her dream airplane, but on the very next page she borrowing a plane to fly –which might confuse young readers. We are also not given a reason why she didn't get to go into space, which you just know the students will ask about. Overall a really inspirational story with a great role model!

EL- ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

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