You Can't Do That, Amelia! by Kimberly Wagner Klier

Illustrated by Kathleen Kemly.32 p., Calkins Creek, 2008. From the time she is a little girl in Kansas, Amelia (Earhart) dreams big, and has every intention of making her dreams a reality. From her childhood and into her adulthood, people tell her, "You can't do that, Amelia!" Each time, says this book, "But Amelia did" - from building a roller coaster in her backyard, to learning to fly, to participating in the 1929 Women's Air Derby, to flying solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Even when things don't go well, or when she is frightened or discouraged, she persists. The story ends with her triumphant landing in Ireland. An afterword summarizes her life in more detail, and includes a brief description of her final flight. A time line and a list of other biogrraphical resources are also included.With its colorful, upbeat illustrations, this story supports children's capacity for self-confidence, even in situations of prejudice against them. Ages 7-10

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