School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-8 What is there to say about the sixth (at least) biography of Amelia Earhart to be published in the last couple of years? Her story is an exciting one for young readers, offering a strong female role model. Among the attractively designed, well-written alternatives, one can choose from the briefer Amelia Earhart: Aviation Pioneer (Lerner, 1987) by Roxane Chadwick on up to Carol Pearce's more detailed Amelia Earhart (Facts on File, 1988). Lauber writes clearly and interestingly, conveying her own interest in the subject, but her biography doesn't do anything that the others don't, and her bibliography is shorter than those in comparable books. Earhart's early life is covered succinctly, including the family problems that resulted from her father's alcoholism. Close to half of the book is concerned with the details of the last flight around the world and the mysterious disappearance, sure to hold the attention of readers. Small but very clear black-and-white photographs are included. Sylvia S. Marantz, Wellington School, Columbus, Ohio (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In this lucid and often suspenseful biography, Newbery Honor winner Lauber tries to show the factors that contributed to Earhart's destiny. The biography begins with a snapshot of Amelia as a boisterous girl, then travels back to describe and personalize all the players in Amelia's early life, particularly her parents and grandparents. While some readers might find this part of the book slow-going, they will also discover that as Amelia's life unfolds, all the facets that turned her into a courageousif impulsiveexplorer fall into place. Lauber creates a vivid picture of the woman who became, as Lindbergh had before her, an instant celebrity. But the author isn't satisfied simply with portraying the life of the heroine. She narrates clearly and precisely in page-turning prose the events of Earhart's last, fateful flight. That historians will never know the answer to that question only adds poignancy to a remarkable story. Lost Star deserves to be placed on the shelf alongside biographies by Jean Fritz and Scott O'Dell, for its effortless and memorable portrayal of a genuine American heroine. Ages 9-12. (September) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Kirkus Review
The fifth book in the last two years to be published about the famed aviator, this is the most successful at capturing the spirit of her achievements. Starting with Earhart's take-off on her final flight, Lauber flashes back to her childhood and youth--tracing her impetuous race through life from her early tomboy behavior and willingness to meet challenges in spite of the opinions around her. During her adolescence, the Earhart family moved several times and her parents' marriage failed, largely because of her father's alcoholism. Lauber covers the other careers that Earhart sampled, her growing interest in aviation, her first adventures as a flyer, her pioneer trip as the first woman to cross the Atlantic in an airplane (she was a passenger), and her later achievements--which took place in only a nine-year span. The tragic final flight is described in detail, with discussion of the various theories concerning her fate. While Blythe Randolph's recent biography contains more information about Earhart, it doesn't capture ""AE"" herself as well as Lauber does here--nor do the other recent biographies. They give us the facts; Lauber re-creates the person. A fine biography of a woman who--as Lauber says in a final tribute--""lighted up the sky"" in her brief career, ""and then, like a comet, disappeared from sight. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Gr. 5-7. While a number of biographies of the acclaimed aviatrix have appeared in recent years, Lauber's account is commendable for its forthright and candid style. The molding forces in Earhart's life are delineated, beginning with her chagrin that girls in books weren't allowed the exciting adventures of boys-- the not-so- subtle propellant in her quest to be the first woman to achieve record-breaking flights. Earhart's deep need to be free and independent, to go her own way and depend only on herself, was part of the coping mechanism she developed to handle the devastating effect of her father's alcoholism on her family. Watching the barnstorming post-wartime fliers in air circuses ignited AE's (as she was known) desire to fly. The rest is history: nine blazing years of achievement, until her ill-fated 1937 attempt to fly around the world. Though readers know the outcome before they begin, Lauber's intense involvement with her subject produces a gripping and moving story. To be illustrated with black-and-white photos. PW.
