The final minutes of Amelia Earhart’s last flight and the search that followed her disappearance are seamlessly integrated with a biographical account of her life in this meticulously crafted volume. In the opening pages, the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Itasca stands by to help guide Earhart to Howland Island for refueling during the final segment of her famous attempt to circle the globe. They receive occasional radio messages from Amelia but never establish visual contact. The plane’s disappearance and the ensuing search are interspersed throughout the rest of the book, with reports of fleeting radio contact with Amelia and her navigator, Fred Noonan, creating tension and poignant moments of hope. The account of Amelia’s life begins with her privileged childhood and early school days. Her father’s growing alcohol use and the family’s downward economic slide shadowed her young adulthood. She began flying lessons in 1921 after a brief stint in college. She made her share of mistakes as a young pilot but always demonstrated extraordinary determination and courage. She also understood the importance of publicity and carefully crafted the perception of her image to build ongoing financial support for her endeavors. Amelia Earhart served as an inspiration to many girls and women, encouraging them “to challenge themselves and seize their dreams. And she did it with zest, boldness and courage.” (Ages 10–14)

From the acclaimed author of The Great and Only Barnum—as well as The Lincolns, Our Eleanor, and Ben Franklin's Almanac—comes the thrilling story of America's most celebrated flyer, Amelia Earhart.

In alternating chapters, Fleming deftly moves readers back and forth between Amelia's life (from childhood up until her last flight) and the exhaustive search for her and her missing plane. With incredible photos, maps, and handwritten notes from Amelia herself—plus informative sidebars tackling everything from the history of flight to what Amelia liked to eat while flying (tomato soup)—this unique nonfiction title is tailor-made for middle graders.

Amelia Lost received four starred reviews and Best Book of the Year accolades from School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book Magazine, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.