Amelia Earhart—pioneer, adventurer, pilot
As a child, Amelia Earhart loved going fast and playing rough. But in those days, girls were supposed to wear dresses. She wondered why there weren’t any women heroes in her books. When she grew up, she changed that. Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean; she was the first person to cross it twice. Her adventurous life ended in mystery. In 1937, on an around-the-world flight, Amelia disappeared. But even today, her story inspires those who dream of adventure.
Interview with Mona about writing Amelia Earhart
Question: Why did you want to write about Amelia Earhart?
I love adventures, especially when I am sitting safe and sound at home. Amelia’s story let me experience her accomplishments, daring, and recklessness.
Question: Was she reckless?
Yes. Every strength has a flip side that is a weakness. Amelia wasn’t afraid of anything–that was her strength. But as a result, she was sometimes reckless. On her last journey, she didn’t carry extra fuel which she needed. She got lost and ran out of gas. She didn’t carry an antenna which would have increased her chances of being heard.
Question: Do you like to write biographies?
Yes!
Question: How do you write one?
I read every book I can find about the person. I make an outline for the book. This is usually about five typed pages. Then, I start taking notes, beginning with chapter one. Then I write and revise the chapter. I go on to the next chapter and the next. When the book is finished, I revise it some more.
Question: Do you make up dialogue?
No. Everything that you see in quotation marks is a direct quote from a source.
Question: How do you check your facts?
I don’t include a fact unless I have found it in two sources. After I have written the manuscript and sent it to the editor, the editor gives me suggestions to revise. An subject expert and a a fact-checker also gives me suggestions to improve..
Question: Do you do much revision?
Yes, it’s one of my favorite parts of writing.
From the Opening of Amelia Earhart Chapter 4: Top Speed
Amelia turned over in bed and crackled. With each toss and turn, she crackled some more. The next morning, she looked at herself in the mirror. It was better. Still, she slept in it another night.
It was 1922, and Amelia had just bought a real leather jacket. But the other pilots’ jackets were worn. Hers was too shiny and new. So, for three nights, Amelia slept in her coat. “There just had to be some wrinkles,” she explained.
Classroom Activities for Amelia Earhart
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