Lost Star: The Story of Amelia Earhart

In this lucid and often suspenseful biography, Newbery Honor winner Lauber tries to show the factors that contributed to Earhart's destiny. The biography begins with a snapshot of Amelia as a boisterous girl, then travels back to describe and personalize all the players in Amelia's early life, particularly her parents and grandparents. While some readers might find this part of the book slow-going, they will also discover that as Amelia's life unfolds, all the facets that turned her into a courageousif impulsiveexplorer fall into place. Lauber creates a vivid picture of the woman who became, as Lindbergh had before her, an instant celebrity. But the author isn't satisfied simply with portraying the life of the heroine. She narrates clearly and precisely in page-turning prose the events of Earhart's last, fateful flight. That historians will never know the answer to that question only adds poignancy to a remarkable story. Lost Star deserves to be placed on the shelf alongside biographies by Jean Fritz and Scott O'Dell, for its effortless and memorable portrayal of a genuine American heroine. Ages 9-12. (September)