Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic

by Robert Burleigh, Wendell Minor (Illustrator)

“Hearts will be racing.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A work to inspire further learning.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Vivid.” — The Horn Book

A picture book biography of the first woman in flight—Amelia Earhart—by NCTE Orbis Pictus Award-winner Robert Burleigh.

Award-winning author Robert Burleigh has captured Amelia Earhart's first solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932. She was only the second person to do this – and the first woman. Rich in detail, feeling and incident this is nonfiction with edge and action, a you-are-there experience made more dramatic and real by Wendell Minor's vivid paintings.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Aviation, Historical

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 2011

About the author

Over the past 35 years, I have published poems, reviews, essays, many filmstrips and videos, and more than 40 children's picture books.

Born and raised in Chicago, I graduated from DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) and later received an MA in humanities from the University of Chicago. I've published books for children since the early 1990s. My books - including numerous unpublished ones! - run a broad gamut, from stories geared for pre-schoolers to survival stories and biographies aimed at seven to eleven-year-olds. My work is wide-ranging because, basically, I'm a generalist by experience - and inclination!

In addition to writing, I paint regularly under the art name Burleigh Kronquist and have shown work in one-person and group shows in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere around the country.

-from robertburleigh.com

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

One May night in 1932, in Habour Grace, Newfoundland, a woman and her plane waited to take off. Amelia Earhart, the famous aviator, was attempting the second trans-Atlantic flight in history, and the first to be piloted by a woman. Over the next fourteen hours and fifty-six minutes, across two thousand and twenty-six miles, she flew through the night, braving storms, nose-dives, and a leaky exhaust pipe, to finally land in the beauty of the morning, in a field in Derry, Northern Ireland...

The second picture-book I have read from author/illustrator team Robert Burleigh and Wendell Minor, following upon their Trapped! A Whale's Rescue , this lovely work documents an extraordinary moment in aviation history. The prose is simple but expressive, capturing the beauty and terror of Amelia's night flight, while the accompanying artwork, done in gouache and watercolor, is lovely. The rear material gives a list of further sources, and some quotations from Amelia Earhart. Recommended to young aviation buffs, and to anyone looking for picture-books about Amelia Earhart.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated by Amelia Earhart, perhaps because I always wanted to learn how to fly an airplane. This book vividly described Amelia Earhart's first solo flight across the Atlantic in May 1932. I felt like I was there! She was so lucky not to have crashed into the ocean, with her instruments conking out on her. An afterword by the author at the end of the book provides further details about Amelia Earhart's life. I also especially enjoyed the selection of quotes by Amelia at the end of the book. Nice job! Recommended to budding aviators and aviatrixes!

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Night Flight by Robert Burleigh tells the amazing story of Amelia Earhart’s journey across the Atlantic Ocean, as the first woman to fly a plane across it alone! Burleigh tells the story as if it were happening through vivid descriptions and images that follow every hour of the journey. Readers feel as if they are in the plane alongside Amelia experiencing everything along with her.
This historical fiction children’s book helps bring insight into the beginnings of aviation and the fame that came with women exploring the career. Burleigh includes more historical background information and a map of Amelia’s trip in the back of the book as supporting evidence. It is a realistic interpretation of what happened during her flight, but unless she wrote it herself, we cannot deem it entirely the truth.
The illustrations are done by Wendell Minor and are stunning. They appear to be some type of watercolor and/or colored pencil. Their detailing make the images very realistic and help add credibility to the story.
I would recommend this book for parents to read to their children or teachers to read to their class. It is a great way to introduce topics of gender roles in society and restrictions women had, and still do have. It also could be used to introduce the topic of airplanes or being courageous and trying new, adventurous things.

[Alex Sandiland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about the journey of Amelia Earhart and how she crossed the Atlantic Ocean. It starts out at 7:12 pm and Amelia is just getting ready for take off. She soars into the shimmering clouds, she is trying to be the first women to cross the dark ocean, all by herself. Midnight strikes and so does the lightening. Her airplane wobbles and thrashes from the storm. Then her altimeter breaks, she will never know how high she is. She tries to out climb the storm. She notices that their is ice on the planes wings. She accelerates to gain control of the plane and almost lands into the ocean. The morning come and she spots land, it is Ireland. She lands her plane in a pasture. She made it, she is the first women who ever crossed the ocean by herself. This is a very cool book. The story gives you goose bumps when reading it. I would read this book to second graders through fourth graders. I would then have them pick a person through a stack of biography's or autobiography's and have them write a report about that person, and why they are famous.


Burleigh, Robert, and Wendell Minor. Night flight: Amelia Earhart crosses the Atlantic. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2011. Print.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Telling the story of the pilot, Amelia Earhart, when she crossed the Atlantic Ocean alone in 1932, Robert Burleigh creates a lyrical text that captivates the reader. Complimenting the text are the detailed, historically correct drawings of the plane and beautiful character paintings of the pilot. One feels like he or she is actually in the cockpit flying with Earhart as she deals with the problems and triumphs of her flight. Both the author, Burleigh, and illustrator, Wendell Minor, have done their homework as indicated by the "Afterword." The end paper drawings of the aircraft itself are fascinating. The astronauts, Eileen Collins and Buzz Aldrin, make positive comments about the book at the end!

[Kim Crawshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, direct language with bold, beautiful artwork to support it.

[Mikaela Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first women to cross the Atlantic Ocean. This book follows her journey as a pilot that night, landing in Ireland to complete the trip. I really liked this book because it is a tale of encouragement. I have always looked up to Amelia Earhart, and this book gives insight into what it could have been like on that night. The illustrations were really beautiful too. I think that this book could be used more for middle elementary, around 3 or 4th grade.

[Savannah Harpster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story begins in Newfoundland on May 20, 1932 with Amelia beginning her run down the runway in her airplane, Vega. But, not before giving herself a pep talk, “It is here: the hour, the very minute. Go!” Here Burleigh tries to create her thoughts and feelings once more which is a brilliant perspective. Amelia has been up in the sky for hours gazing upon her beloved clouds, always looking on wards towards the wide horizon. Now she is brought back from her distant memories of first-time things by dark clouds, scribbling warnings in the night sky. She tries to out-climb the storm but ice forms on the wings. Vega begins to dip and spin, falling to its watery death. Then just at the last moment she lurches the plane forward, pulling it up at the very last second. Now through the storm Amelia just has to get through the last hours of darkness. Finally, Amelia see’s the coastline and begins her descent down to the ground. She is able to find one place to land and has succeeds in her two thousand and twenty-six mile flight to Northern Ireland. In all it took her fourteen hours and fifty-six minutes to complete her journey.

Just imagine sitting next to the most famous woman pilot of the world, would you be her co-pilot or would you be shocked that she was just a woman? Amelia Earhart was no ordinary woman. She was actually an extraordinary woman in fact, to have been the second person to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Amelia was a woman that beat the odds and did the impossible. And that is why she is remembered.

This book is called Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic because this was a biography of Amelia Earhart’s journey across the Atlantic Ocean that captured her hour by hour flight, as the first woman to ever complete. The narrator of the story tells this story in third person, creating a descriptive read aloud adventure. The award-winning author Robert Burleigh captures Amelia Earhart’s first solo flight across the Atlantic through vibrant and rich detailed watercolors done by illustrator Wendell Minor, who also illustrated Morning, Noon and Night as well as If You Were a Penguin. Overall, this is a great nonfiction book filled with edgy action packed pages that bring you into the cockpit with Amelia Earhart with the help of Minor’s watercolor illustrations. Without such beautiful illustrations you would not be able to truly capture the feelings that the author was trying to convey or be able to have an understanding of what Amelia was going through. I deeply enjoyed the illustrations and her journey for all women kind. So if you are looking for a good nonfiction book then this is a great pick.

Hardcover, 40 pages
Published February 22nd 2011 by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

ISBN
1416967338 (ISBN13: 9781416967330)
edition language
Vietnamese

[Margo Tanenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no shortage of books for young people about aviator Amelia Earhart--everything from picture books to longer biographies. So do we really need another book about Amelia? I'd answer with a resounding "yes"; this new release by Robert Burleigh, which came out just in time for Women's History Month, is a terrific addition to what is already in print.

On his website, Burleigh comments that no matter what his topic (he has written over 30 books), he likes the book "to convey the feeling of immediacy, of being there--whether there is flying an airplane, hitting a baseball, or painting a picture." In his newest book, just released in February, he has indeed succeeded admirably in making us feel that we're right there with Amelia on her dangerous 1936 solo flight across the expanse of the Atlantic ocean.

This handsome picture book opens with Amelia about to take off on May 20, from Newfoundland. The text is evocative and poetic, almost in free verse. "The plane swoops like a swallow/over dark puddles and patches of tundra...Amelia Earhart lives for this moment: to follow the wide horizon that never ends!" We see Amelia's red Vega plane already far in the distance, as small figures on the ground wave goodbye.

The writing is full of suspense as danger strikes--a raging storm. "The friendly night becomes a graph of fear: a jagged line between where-I-am and not-quite sure." Will Amelia be able to pilot her plane across the vast ocean to safety?

This time Amelia will land safely in the Irish countryside, startling some cows in the pasture, as a farmer comes running to greet her. But the happy ending is particularly poignant, since we know as we read this story that another flight--her attempt to fly around the world just five years later--won't end as happily for Amelia.

The book includes an afterword with brief biographical information, a bibliography, list of famous quotes by Amelia, and recommended internet resources.

Award-winning artist Wendell Minor has contributed stunning gouache and watercolor paintings for this new book. The endpapers, colored in an old-fashioned sepia, show details about her Lockheed Vega 5B, which she dubbed the "little red bus" and also a map depicting her flight across the Atlantic. I was particularly struck by the artist's dramatic use of light; as Amelia flies over the ocean in the darkness, many of the two-page spreads are illuminated by lightning over the ocean.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, in my opinion, did an absolutely amazing job telling about Amelia Earhart, who is sill on of the most well-known female pilots, and how she was brave enough to do something not many people had the courage to do. This book is good for children in 2nd grade-5th grade. The writing style Robert Burleigh uses really helps readers feel like they are there in the moment, rather than reading a book. The story comes from a third-person perspective and is written in two-line stanzas. Robert Burleigh’s writing style keeps readers of any age engaged and in anticipation of what will come next, all while using very well-chosen word choice and appropriate and very descriptive language. The illustrations are so cute and well done, and really bring the story to life, and help readers see exactly what the author wants them to.
This book would have a large purpose in my classroom, because I have always thought Amelia Earhart is a woman that many young girls should look up to. I know I looked up to her and saw her as a role model somewhat after reading books about her when I was little, and I would personally encourage my students to do the same. Much like the purpose I had for the biography on Jane Goodall, I would use this book during a genre study, or would use it during Women's History Month (which I think is important to study and go over with children of any age), or to show students how important believing in yourself and following your dreams is. For the genre study, or just a study over Amelia Earhart, I would have students think about and share why they think Amelia Earhart is a good role model, why she did the things she did (fly across the Atlantic), and why/why not it is important to her life and/or the story, etc. I think reading this while focusing on the fact that she is a woman, and the first woman to ever do this, is a very important detail to point out to children, which is why I would definitely use this book as a read aloud during Women's History Month.

[Betsie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIOGRAPHICAL PICTURE BOOK

This book was very well done. The illustrations and are stunning and the writing is beautiful. I would definitely read this book to my class if we were studying American History, or influential women in America. The first spread in the book shows Amelia's map of when she traveled across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to Ireland. It shows her flight distance and flight time, and the exact location of her departure and arrival. The very last spread in the book shows the specs of her plane, fondly called the "Little Red Bus". The author wrote an afterword on Amelia Earhart and her life achievements.

The illustrator, Wendell Minor, painted beautiful pictures to represent each portion of Amelia's flight. The pictures take up the entire page and use bright colors to show the landscape of the places she flies over. When Amelia is flying through the middle of the night, the sky is navy, gray, and black, but her bright red plane is always the main focus.

Robert Burleigh, the illustrator, must have a special connection to aviation and Amelia Earhart because he describes her journey so eloquently. There are many similes, metaphors, and alliterations throughout the book, which makes for a great read aloud. While the story is suspenseful and quite interesting, it is also informational. As I previously mentioned, I think this is a perfect book to use in an American History unit, and I plan to use it myself at some point!

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous and beautifully written picture book follows Amelia Earhart as she tries to be the first woman to pilot a plane across the Atlantic Ocean alone. Beginning with Earhart rolling down the runway in Newfoundland on May 20, 1932, the book is not only about the trip but also about the beauty of flight, the moments of wonder, the fears, the dedication it takes, and the incredible feat that Amelia Earhart accomplished.

Burleigh has written the book in paired lines that are filled with poetry and grace. He uses words to capture the emotions and the events on the journey. From the beauty of the star-filled sky to the drama of a storm out over the ocean, readers will thrill to this adventure. As I look over the writing, I am caught up again and again by the words, the pacing, and the incredible Earhart.

Minor’s paintings add to the drama and beauty of the title. When the book begins, readers can see the smiling face of Earhart peeking through the plane windows directly at them. Minor manages to capture both the scale and expanse of the adventure and the personal story of Earhart. He makes it both monumental and personal as does Burleigh in his text.

While there are many titles about Amelia Earhart out there, this is one of the best and would be a thrilling read for any class exploring women’s history. Appropriate for ages 6-8.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

In one of the newest additions to the collection of children's books covering Amelia Earhart, Burleigh and Minor tell the story of Earhart's first crossing of the Atlantic from Newfoundland to Northern Ireland in her red Vega. The flight is exciting and dangerous - Earhart catches a storm after midnight and is plunged into darkness as she struggles to keep the plane going despite ice on the wings and a broken altimeter. Burleigh tells the story in short, two line stanzas capture the immediacy of the situation and will keep young readers engaged. Minor's gouache and watercolor illustrations are beautiful and capture the right amount of detail. The research and attention to detail paid by both Burleigh and Minor is evident throughout the book, from the endpaper illustrations of the "Little Red Bus" (showing both the exhaust used by Amelia in this flight, and the replacement exhaust most familiar to those who have seen her plane at the National Air & Space Museum, where it lives today), to the afterward which includes a bibliography, additional internet resources and a list of famous things Amelia said. This book only touches on one small bit of Earhart's life, but will be sure to spark the interests of children to learn more. ~s

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Flight is about Amelia Earhart's 1932 historic solo flight from Newfoundland to Ireland.


Earlier this year, my third grade students had several lessons on historical fact vs. historical fiction. One of the topics we covered was Amelia Earhart. They became very interested in learning about this remarkable woman. As a result, I'm constantly on the look out for good books on Amelia Earhart to share with them.


Burleigh's book is a beautifully illustrated biographical picture book detailing Earhart's historic flight. Even though most readers will already know that Earhart's flight was successful, the text is written in a suspenseful manner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Students will enjoy Wendell Minor's classically beautiful paintings and educators will appreciate the afterword, technical note, bibliography and listing of quotes by Earhart that Burleigh includes at the end of the book. This is an excellent book to supplement lessons on historical fact vs. historical fiction or for celebrating famous women in history.


Night Flight is a must add for any school or classroom library collection.


Recommended for 3rd Grade and up.


Mrs. Archer's rating: 5 of 5!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Flight is a wonderful biographical picture book which details Amelia Earhart's solo transatlantic flight in May of 1932. The flight began in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland on a red Vega plane. The story of this courageous woman, and her love of trying new things will be etched in the reader's mind. Whether it was roller skating, riding roller coasters, or horses barebacked, Amelia wasn't afraid to try new things.

In vivid detail, the author describes the "shimmering clouds", "mountains like wrinkles in the earth" and cities which appeared like "toy blocks" while she flew high in the sky. Her flight was not an easy one as she found herself caught in a raging storm, and the engine of her plane grew "sluggish". Some may ask, why would a woman in the early 1930's do what Ameila Earhart did? "Because, women must try to do things as men have tried".

The story is well-written and educational, and one that should stay with the reader. The illustrator, Wendell Minor has won numerous awards for dozens of picture books. The vivid blue sky, red Vega plane and billowy clouds will stay with me. This book should be a part of school and public library collections everywhere.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every year the Monarch throws in a couple picture books for older readers. Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 was one of last years and Night Flight is this years. I skipped K-3 in favor of 5th and I recommend that you do, too.

4th & 5th graders know who Amelia Earhart is. They won't get too spooked by the storm that could have killed her. They'll go along with the vast amounts of figurative language, for it abounds.

Yes, the figurative language is a bit much in places, but OK. I've read it 4 times (twice practicing and twice to classes) and each time I thought "gotta show this to the teachers." Talk it up to your 5th & 6th, plus all language arts & English teachers. Night Flight is a good, NF, suspenseful story with beautiful illustrations where any page can be pulled out and used for metaphors, similes, and whatnot.

And, while you're maybe taking my suggestions, how about throwing on a second, short, funny picture book after reading this one? Lighten the mood and let 'em giggle.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very poetic presentation of Amelia's flight across the Atlantic as the first woman to do so, with quite an advanced vocabulary for being a children's book. It does a good job of presenting the suspense that Amelia was in as she rode through the storm, realizes her altimeter isn't working, and then flights through fatigue and fear as she realizes that gas is leaking from the plane. I also like how it feels like there are pieces of Amelia in there: quotes from her about how she felt about the journey, but also ones that I imagine Burleigh made up that make the journey feel very personal (there being a "great stillness" inside her when she lands, how she loves the "firsts" moments, etc. All of that made me really get a feel for her character.

The change that we have to assume here is of course that she's becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, so she's breaking gender barriers, but places herself within the tradition of exploring by saying that women must do as men have done. She's also within the larger change of flight and technology changing how we interact and connect across the globe.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a visually attractive picture book biography that focuses on the famous aviator's successful transAtlantic flight from Newfoundland to Ireland in 1932. The author describes Amelia's determination as she flies blindly through fog and ice and deals with failing instruments, almost plummeting into the Atlantic Ocean before pulling her Vega up, a mere ten feet above the ocean waves. I love the inclusion of an Afterword, list of resources, and Things Amelia Said. The gouache and watercolor illustrations celebrate her triumph as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and the mingled danger and beauty of the skies around her while the text provides a you-are-there feeling that puts the reader right in the cockpit alongside this female groundbreaker. Pair this one with Candace Fleming's Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart (2011) for older readers and Shelley Tanaka's Amelia Earhart: The Legend of the Lost Aviator (2008)for additional perspectives on Amelia who still manages to intrigue so many of us long after her death.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Night Flight by Robert Burleigh is a must read about the first transatlantic flight of Amelia Earhart back in 1932. Amelia is only the second person to have completed a flight during that time. Amelia Earhart decides to test out her vega plane on a transatlantic flight to Ireland. Storms, broken plane parts, and silence from the world for 14 hours were only some of the hurdles that Amelia faces during her trip. She lands safely in the end and figured out that her first flight was 2026 miles across the ocean and that she was in love with her life.

I really respected the detail of the story that was given in Robert Burleigh’s writing. At times it seems as though children may get a little lost in the detail however, you felt like you were actually there with her. For children this is a great recommendation for either a geography or history class.

I recommend this for ages 6-10. The vocabulary is a little higher so younger kids may not be able to read it by themselves or even get an appreciation of the book.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic by Robert Burleigh is the story of Earhart’s plane trip from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland to Northern Ireland. The trip was on May 20, 1932 and lasted almost fifteen hours. On the way, Earhart saw the great beauty of the world as well as its ugliness. By midnight on May 20, 1932, a thunderstorm has brewed and Earhart must use her skill and lessons to plunge ahead. This trip made Earhart the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean on her own.

This book is recommended for grades 2-5. The large, wonderfully colored illustrations appeal to students. Also, this bit of history occurred rather recently to their own time. With text that gives the feeling the reader is in the story, and details not commonly known, this story takes the reader into the story. In my 3rd or 4th grade classroom, I would use this story to introduce the topic of Amelia Earhart herself or great strides women have taken to get where they are today. If the latter was the lesson, this book would be one of many read to the class.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story tells the story about Amelia Earhart and her flight across the Atlantic. It was a quiet evening on a farm in Ireland in 1932, until Amelia gave them quite the surprise. She landed the airplane she was flying in his farm field. This was a rare sight for anyone to witness during this time period. This story show what a very courageous and brave women she was as well as what an amazing accomplish this was for her. I really enjoyed this book. I found myself looking at the illustrations for great lengths of time. You almost feel that you are being pulled into the story. I think that this would be a great book to use when teaching about famous women that have done great things to either an elementary or even to a high school history class. I think we often forget that students of all ages enjoy picture books. This one does a great job of giving students things to connect to.

[Jessi]

I was immediately drawn to this book because in second grade we write Biographies. I was interested in seeing if this would be a good fit book for my students to read as a resource for their biographies. I do not think that it would help in the writing, but it would aid in understanding who Amelia Earhart was. The back of the book does give an afterword, internet sources, technical notes, and actual quotes by Amelia.

The "voice" this story is written in is unique and mysterious. It would be a great 6-Traits book to use for voice and sentence fluency.

The illustrations are magnificent! I read this book to a 3 year old and e could not keep his eyes off the pages. The angles the illustrations show gave me the feeling that I was actually there in the story or in the Vega with Amelia.

I would recommend this book to any elementary school teacher. As I mentioned, I read it to a 3 year old. He did not "understand" the story, but he was captivated.

[Gretchelle A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the author uses catch phrases to mellow in the reader. For example on page 3, ""The plan swoops like a swallow over dark puddles and patches of tundra." The illustration itself, I believe is a "wow" factor for children's literature. Ameila Earhart is also one of my favorite historical figures I look up to empower woman. This quote gets to me too, "And now-she must cross this dark and seething ocean. Why? Because" women must try to do things as men have tried."

This is also my favorite part in the story that shakes my nerves. "1:00 am. The friendly night becomes a graph of fear: a jagged line between where-I-am and not-quite-sure. The altimeter needle swirls wildly. It is broken! (she will never know how high she is) She tries to outclimb the raging storm. Up and up into the cold, brittle air."

The book was amazing to read. I enjoy looking the the beautiful artwork, the thrilling text, and the happy ending through her journey of fear.

[Alexandria Jakupovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

May 20, 1932 Amelia Earhart became the first woman to complete a transatlantic flight from Newfoundland, Canada to a farm field in Ireland. The breath taking paintings by Wendell Minor truly make the emotions and story come to life. Before the Red Vega asscends into the sky the reader can sense a little fear from Earhart but the love of the thrill of first time things helps push doubt out of her mind. The first part of Earhart's flight goes smoothly, but around midnight a horrible storm erupts. The Vega struggles to not be engulfed into the roaring Atlantic Ocean. As the Vega nose dives towards the water it seems easy to expect death but Earhart uses her knowledge to survive. 14 hours and 56 minutes later Earhart completes the transatlantic flight alone. This bibliographic account is appropriate for 1st and 2nd graders

[Leticia Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is from the 2013 Monarch Award List
This story is about a girl name Amelia and she is on an adventure to Ireland on May 20, 1932. When she leaves Newfoundland on a red Vega jet plane, she is on a journey that lasted 14 hours and 56 minutes and a total of 2,060 miles all by herself across the Atlantic Ocean. "Women must try to do things as man have tried." In her journey, she get hungry and tired, however she "wakes from her half dream" and realizes that its thundering and is now afraid because she didn't realize she was so night in the air. She doesn't stop since she is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, she only faces her fears and keeps going. The next morning, she sees land and is now in Ireland. Once she lands, she is excited to arrive and excited to be alive. She sees and man and greets him by saying "Hi, I've come from America."

[Tiffany Jolly]

Night Flight
Biography: picture book Friendship, dependability
Burleigh, Robert. Night Flight. Illus by Wendell Minor. Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, 2011, Unp, primary.
In Night Flight, the biography of Amelia Earhart describes an hour by hour caption of her solo flight over the Atlantic, as the first woman. The narrator done in third person creates a style that is descriptive and easy to read with a touching tone. Minor created watercolor illustrations that are bold and lifelike, which allows children to deepen their understanding
Activity: Create a visual timeline of Earhart’s travels and allow students to create watercolor pictures to follow each time.

[Diana Judd]

This is a book about Amelia Earhart's experience in becoming the second person, and first woman to complete a solo flight across the Atlantic. She left from Canada, and arrived in Ireland. I really enjoyed this book because it's not just told as straight facts in a boring way, the author uses beautiful language and crafts a great story. While all the details are facts such as times, locations, the plane, that kind of thing, it is possible that the author took some liberties in describing Amelia Earhart's emotions as she flew over the Atlantic. But, honestly, I think that makes the story more real and more interesting. The pictures are also beautiful and realistic. Overall, really enjoyable book.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book will be a good beginning to introducing Amelia Earhart to a group of young readers. One of America’s first woman pilots, and one of our tragic mysteries in aviation, After 80 plus years, she still fascinates with her achievements and her stories. This particular book tells about Amelia Earhart’s hair-raising experience when she made her first trans-Atlantic flight, the first woman to do so. Wendell Minor fills the pages with tension in his paintings of the particular events of the story. It’s a good non-fiction adventure book, a model for those interested in adventures. The end papers show the plane and the map of the route, from Newfoundland to Northern Ireland.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Night Flight because I am particularly interested in Amelia Earhart to begin with. Night Flight is a powerful book because it shows that girls can do what boys can do. It shows the importance of Amelia's flight and I think this book can uplift and give young girls courage to achieve their goals. Also, this book used an ample amount of descriptive words and illustrations to capture the attention of the reader. I think Night Flight could be used for a lesson of how to use descriptive word effectively. The students could write their own story or sentences using descriptive words. The conventions used in this book were the map and the mechanical illustrations of Amelia's plane. Lastly, this book would be appropriate for students in 3rd grade.

[Alyssa Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story does a wonderful job at illustrating Amelia Earhart's journey across the Atlantic. She was the first woman to do this, and this book gives great detail regarding what she went through. It uses suspense when Amelia is flying through the storm, exhausted, and realizes that there is gas leaking from her plane. It also includes quotes from Amelia Earhart herself which gives a personal feel to the story. It shows that women are just as capable, if not more, of doing what men can do. This would be an appropriate book to use when discussing gender barriers and women's history. I would use this book in a fourth or fifth grade classroom.