children – Michèle Griskey

The Flying Feminist

Written by Mary Boone

Illustrated by Andrea Turk

When I was in the 6th grade, our teacher assigned us a research project on a scientist or inventor of our choice. I decided I wanted to write about a female scientist, so I went to the library to look for books about women in science. Since this was back in the Cretaceous Period, the only book I found was on Marie Curie, a worthy scientist, but where were all the other innovative women?

As an adult, I’ve had the opportunity to research previously overlooked women, and it’s wonderful to see, finally, picture books on scientists and inventors such as Ynes Mexia, Mae Jemison, Roselind Franklin, and many more.

I recently had the opportunity to read Mary Boone’s latest book, The Flying Feminist, illustrated by Andrea Turk, and I marveled learning about an inventor I hadn’t known about before.

The Flying Feminist is the story of the innovative, Lilian Bland. During the time of aviation’s infancy, Lilian designed, built, and flew her own airplane. The story introduces us to Lilian who challenged society’s expectations for women in many ways; from wearing trousers to covering sports as a journalist, Lilian wasn’t afraid to do what she wished. When she learned about aviation and airplanes, she decided she wanted to fly.

Lilian faced many obstacles, and she overcame them with clever solutions. Readers find out if the airplane she designed and built herself will actually fly.

The story is told with beautiful, bright illustrations showcasing Lilian’s inspiration and perspiration to achieve her goals. Mary Boone’s clear and lyrical writing brings excitement to every page.

This would be a wonderful book for any reader curious about a woman who turned her dreams into real adventure. If I were back in the 6th grade, I know I would have wanted to learn about The Flying Feminist (no offense to Marie Curie, of course).

Murder, She Writes

Back from a trip to California . . .

I recently read Martha Brockenbrough’s sweet middle grade mystery novel, To Catch a Thief.

The story unfolds when an unknown thief steals a dragonfly staff, an important and reportedly lucky artifact for the quaint town of Urchin Beach. Amelia MacGuffin decides she will use her detective skills to find out who is behind the missing staff (and a number of other items that disappear).

To complicate matters, a major storm hits the community, odd new neighbors show up, and the MacGuffin children rescue a sweet dog that they probably will not be able to keep because their family cannot afford a pet.

I love the seaside town setting, and this book has heaps of fun characters: Dr. Agatha, the reclusive mystery writer; Dot and Dash, the new 7th-grade Morse-code-expert twins; Birdie, a student journalist, and even a grumpy real estate agent named Mike Jung (who interestingly shares the same name as a writer I met once . . .).

In fact, all sorts of writers are mentioned like Kekla Magoon, William Alexander, Linda Urban, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Kelly Barnhill, Anne Ursu, Laurel Snyder, Laura Ruby, Tracey Baptiste . . .

Writers who write books Amelia, her siblings, and even her dad love to read.

Amelia hoped she would grow up to be the kind of grown-up who remembered that kids know what’s good and not boring.

Martha Brockenbrough

At the core of this sweet mystery is the MacGuffin family: Amelia, and her younger siblings–Bridget, Colin, and the twins, Duncan and Emma.

I’m a big fan of Martha’s books. Her works include masterful syntax, funny dialogue, and strong plots, but most of all, she understands the emotional core of her characters. In this case, Ameilia realizes what is truly important in her world and this emotional core to the story feels completely authentic.

Like Mr. MacGuffin, I still read plenty of books for younger readers. What would 10-year-old Michèle have thought of this book? Would I have liked it? Oh, yes!

I really hope the adventures of Amelia and her crew will become a series!