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Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Hardwood Creek Library (Forest Lake) | J 921 MYERS | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Park Grove Library (Cottage Grove) | J 921 MYERS | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | J 921 MYERS | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
In this STEAM picture book, take to the skies with Mary Myers, aka "Carlotta," an aeronaut and inventor whose careful scientific work improved balloons and our understanding of flight, weather patterns, and the atmosphere.
In the 1850s, proper young ladies were supposed to keep their feet on the ground (literally and metaphorically), but Mary dreamed of flying. Luckily, she married Carl Myers, a balloon enthusiast whose dreams were just as lofty as hers. Together, they designed and constructed balloons of all shapes and sizes, a difficult and dangerous job that required knowledge of chemistry, engineering, and meteorology. But how could they know which balloon designs worked best? They needed someone adventurous who could do balloon tricks for crowds while recording flight data. Mary knew just the person . . . herself! She gave herself the stage name Carlotta and anxiously awaited her first flight. Would she make it into the air? Could she collect the data they needed? Mary battled thick clouds and bone-chilling cold, but she went higher and farther than she hoped, and returned ready for her next flight.
Author Notes
Sue Ganz-Schmitt is a children's book author, musical theater producer, and a philanthropist. She holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts in writing for children and young adults. Her books include That Monster on the Block , Now I'm a Bird , Planet Kindergarten , and Planet Kindergarten: 100 Days in Orbit .
Iacopo Bruno a graphic designer and illustrator. His picture books include Bartali's Bicycle , a finalist for the National Jewish Book Awards; Sergeant Reckless ; Anything But Ordinary Addie ; and Mesmerized . He has also illustrated several chapter book series, including Sherlock , Lupin & Me ; The School for Good and Evil ; and The Story Collector .
Reviews (2)
Kirkus Review
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 (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
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.
