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. Colón’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[ing] from her hair” is a visceral reminder of the daring of her feat. Ages 5–8. [em]Author’s agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator’s agency: Morgan Gaynin. (Mar.) [/em]