        |
 Lighter Than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot Written by Matthew Clark Smith, Illustrated by Matt Tavares *Starred review in Booklist 2018 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2018 Amelia Bloomer list 2017 Junior Library Guild Selection Society of Illustrators "The Original Art 2018" exhibit Now available, from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or an independent bookstore near you. Or order a signed copy from my friends at G. WIllikers!   Educators! Download a free teachers' guide, courtesy of Candlewick Press. |
  Behold the story of Sophie
Blanchard, an extraordinary woman who is largely
forgotten despite her claim to being the very first
female pilot in history. In eighteenth-century
France, "balloonomania" has fiercely gripped the
nation . . . but all of the pioneering aeronauts are
men. The job of shattering that myth falls to a most
unlikely figure: a shy girl from a seaside village,
entirely devoted to her dream of flight. Sophie is
not the first woman to ascend in a balloon, nor the
first woman to accompany an aeronaut on a trip, but
she will become the first woman to climb to the
clouds and steer her own course. The words of Matthew Clark Smith bring Sophie's story to light after so many years, while Matt Tavares's atmospheric art and unique perspectives take her to new heights. Take to the skies with the
beautifully told tale of Sophie Blanchard, a woman
meant for the air, as she discovers the
incomparable sensation of flight.
Reviews: "Smith tells Sophie's inspiring story with a buoyant sense of wonder, fitting for a woman who was happiest in the air. Her accomplishments and passion for flight are brought beautifully to life by Tavares' soft watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations, which make expressive use of shadow and light, casting brooding clouds over solemn scenes or amplifying joyful moments with blue or golden skies. *Booklist (starred review) "Smith's prose- rich, poetic, and strong on active verbs- is a fine match for Tavares' gorgeous ink-and-watercolor illustrations, which focus on Sophie and the skies, his palette pairing Sophie's moods with the colors of the skies. The other stars- the balloons themselves- are dazzling, with intricate lines, rich colors, and swelling bags ready to go aloft. His strong, monumental style and steady lines give even the most perilous-looking of Sophie's aerial perches comforting stability...." -Kirkus Reviews "This amazing tale of the first female pilot is illustrated in ink and watercolor, with the changing sky becoming a character itself. A story that needs to be shared." -School Library Journal "The words are poetic and descriptive. The illustrations are airy and free, and one feels the sensation of flight throughout the text and illustrations. Since libraries and classrooms are anxious to purchase books referencing STEM activities, this book will surely be a hit. The book is historical as well as entertaining and full of information... This title is a must for all school libraries." *School Library Connection (Highly Recommended review) |
|