Starring Mary Myers as Carlotta, Daredevil Aeronaut and Scientist
February 15, 2024
Grades 2-4 If you were an American woman born in 1850, you were expected to be a homemaker, not an adventurer, but Mary Breed Hawley dreamed of flying. When a hot air balloon craze swept the world, Mary wondered if she had finally found a way to fulfill her longstanding desire. Another balloon enthusiast, Carl Myers, was captivated by the unusual Mary, and they soon wed and threw themselves into aeronautics and meteorology. The pair designed and manufactured their own balloons, and eventually Mary, having received a 10-minute crash course in piloting, took the stage name of "Carlotta" and soared into the sky. That glorious initial excursion led to countless flights, and Mary traveled the globe, set world records, authored a book, and founded an aeronautical institution with Carl. The amazing account is beautifully told via urgent, animated text and elegant illustrations. Bruno intersperses delightful depictions of antique ephemera (posters, certificates, blueprints) throughout. Excellent and expansive endnotes add countless diverting details and an actual photograph of Mary in her balloon. A soaring story of a remarkable and memorable woman.
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March 15, 2024
A daring woman soared into history. From childhood, Mary Myers (nee Hawley, 1850-1932) dreamed of flying, something women of her era weren't supposed to contemplate, let alone accomplish. In adulthood, she found a way to escape her earthly bonds: ballooning, a new fad "that sailed in from France and captivated America." At age 21, Mary married photographer, inventor, engineer, and scientist Carl Myers, a ballooning enthusiast himself. Carl was interested in researching weather conditions in the skies; Mary read up on meteorology and aeronautics. Together, they designed and built better balloons. What they needed was someone to record scientific/weather data while flying and to dazzle crowds who paid to witness flying exhibitions. Mary volunteered and adopted "Carlotta" as her stage name. It rained the day of her first solo flight--July 5, 1880. Carlotta had promised to take her balloon one mile up and stay aloft for five miles or 30 minutes. She received 10 minutes of training to learn how to avoid crashing into tall standing objects, to land safely, and to make her balloon rise or fall, as necessary. The event was a rousing success: Carlotta recorded abundant weather statistics and flew higher, farther, and longer than expected. Loaded with information, this meticulously researched tale about one high-flying woman's exploits will captivate readers; quotes from Mary/Carlotta are incorporated. The crisp ink illustrations are superb, beautifully capturing period details and settings; note some eye-popping typesetting creativity. This fascinating book flies high and definitely rises to the occasion. (more information about Carlotta, timeline, bibliography, picture credits) (Informational picture book. 7-10)
COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
September 20, 2024
Gr 1-4-The inspiring true story of Mary Breed Hawley, known across the skies as Carlotta, a trailblazing aviator who defied convention to pursue her passion for flight and science. Ganz-Schmitt's engaging narrative and Bruno's vibrant, ink-based illustrations bring a remarkable journey to life. In a time when women were expected to stay home and tend to domestic duties, Hawley dared to dream big. When she met a man who supported her dreams, she engineered innovative fabric for hot air balloons and took to the skies, gathering crucial data after just a 10-minute lesson on how not to crash. The story candidly captures the thrill and isolation of flight, as Hawley describes the clouds as the most lonesome place she'd ever been. Back matter and photographs add depth and authenticity, making this book an excellent choice for anyone chasing their dreams, regardless of expectations. The artwork beautifully complements the narrative, conveying this aviator's determination and joy. VERDICT A captivating read for early elementary children and anyone who's ever had their head or heart in the clouds.-Jessica Clark
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