A riveting picture book biography of Betty Skelton, aviation and auto racing pioneer, from award-winning author/illustrator Megan McCarthy.
In the 1930s most girls were happy playing with dolls. But one girl, Betty Skelton, liked playing with airplanes, watching them fly around outside, and even flying airplanes herself! She lived for an adventure—in the air, the water, and on land—and nothing could stop her, especially not being a girl.
When Betty Skelton was young there weren’t many women flying airplanes or racing cars, but she wouldn’t let that stop her. She was always ready to take on a challenge, and she loved to have fun. Beetty rode motorcycles, raced cars, jumped out of planes, and flew jets, helicoptors, gliders, and blimps. And by the time she was an adult, Betty was known in the press as the “First Lady of Firsts!”
This vibrantly illustrated picture book biography reveals the exciting life of a brave pioneer who followed her dreams and showed the world that women can do anything!
- Used Book in Good Condition
Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
An inspiring picture book biography for young girls
By Z Hayes
My eight-year-old daughter and I enjoyed this inspiring picture book biography on the "first lady of firsts", Betty Skelton. Betty was born in 1926 and displayed a keen interest in flying from a young age, flying solo at the tender age of twelve, when it wasn't even legal for her to do so! Yet, nothing would stand in the way of Betty's resolve to fly and drive fast cars, and achieve many other feats that were unrivaled for a woman of her time.Betty received her pilot's license at sixteen but though she dearly wished to make flying a career, the cultural conventions of the time did not allow for females to be full-time pilots, so Betty decided to become a stunt pilot instead, performing amazing daredevil feats that seem quite extraordinary even by today's standards! She set some records in flying and then went on to pursue car-racing, breaking the record for women. Betty also became the first female boat jumper and succeeded at many other feats. This woman ran on adrenaline and could not keep still!Betty is a great inspiration to children, especially young girls who dream of attaining great feats of their own. Betty's story is one of determination, of never giving up even in the face of rejection, and of living life to the fullest. The woman drove a Corvette till the day she died! I'm guessing she's having fun even now, somewhere up there:-)
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.Fabulous biography for kids!
By Sheryl M.
My little nephew (18 months) LOVES this book. My sister became a private pilot before she was licensed to drive a car, so this book is perfect for our family. The illustrations are beautiful, and he loves to look at the fast cars and planes. The story itself is true and very well written. It is an aspiring tale of young girl (later a woman) who dared to be different. A great read for any boy, girl, or adult!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.Book about one brave girl that will entertain, inspire and motivate children
By Denis Vukosav
“Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton” both written and illustrated by Meghan McCarthy is the story of one brave girl who did not allow that time or gender impose her the limits, the picture book that is full of inspiration.Betty Skelton who was born in 1926 lived in a time when women were much less equal than it is today; back them to see some girl doing something exciting like flying or be engaged in some other dangerous sport was almost impossible.Betty was an aerobatics pilot and land speed record holder who collected 17 aviation and automobile records in total – she drove racing cars, rode motorcycles, flew planes and jumped out of them, and did many other exciting things…“Daredevil” picture book tells the story of her life adapted in a nice way to be fully interesting to preschoolers, a story that will really appeal to children because it shows how surroundings cannot impose unfair restrictions if we do not agree on them.Additionally, the book includes Fun facts, Time Line, Betty’s quotes, and selected bibliography what makes this book even more interesting not only for young readers.The book illustrations were made in acrylic, in classic cartoon style, and especially convenient is to see how the author hold to the details like e.g. Betty always flew barefoot.Given the above, it is a book that will entertain, inspire and motivate children, and this is in itself is a sufficient recommendation to enjoy its pages together with our kids.
