Born to fly : the first women's air race across America / Steve Sheinkin ; illustrations by Bijou Karman.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 255-258) and index.

Born to fly -- Racing to the sky -- Golden age -- Dreams and nightmares -- Racing across the Atlantic -- Pushing limits -- Racing for records -- The Women's Air Derby -- Why we fly -- Starting line -- San Bernardino -- Troubles begin -- Marvel -- Critics attack -- Across Texas -- Back to Wichita -- The grind -- Finish line -- Racing the Atlantic, the sequel -- Epilogue : the race goes on.

"National Book Award finalist Steve Sheinkin tells the story of the 1929 Women's Air Derby, the first official all-female air race in the U.S." --

Just nine years after American women finally got the right to vote, a group of trailblazers soared to new heights in the 1929 Air Derby, the first women's air race across the U.S. Follow the incredible lives of legend Amelia Earhart, who has captivated generations; Marvel Crosson, who built a plane before she even learned how to fly; Louise Thaden, who shattered jaw-dropping altitude records; and Elinor Smith, who at age seventeen made headlines when she flew under the Brooklyn Bridge. These awe-inspiring stories culminate in a suspenseful, nail-biting race across the country that brings to life the glory and grit of the dangerous and thrilling early days of flying. From Steve Sheinkin, the master of nonfiction for young readers who expertly unraveled the infamous story of whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg and the impeachment of Richard Nixon, comes the untold story of fearless women who dared to fly. -- Publisher description

10-14.