Flying Solo
How Ruth Elder Soared Into America's Heart
by Julie Cummins
Macmillan 2013
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- courage
- breaking gender barriers
- aviation
- dreams and ambition
- role models
- fame and media
- history of flight
About this book
This lively picture book biography introduces Ruth Elder, a daring young pilot who set out in 1927 to become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. Julie Cummins highlights Elder’s grit, the excitement of early aviation, and the media spotlight that followed her bold attempt. Clear, engaging text and dynamic illustrations make history accessible to elementary readers. Kids who love true stories of trailblazers and airplanes will be captivated and inspired.
Setting: United States and the North Atlantic, late 1920s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flying Solo right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Flying Solo. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, courage, breaking gender barriers.
How long does it take to read Flying Solo?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Flying Solo takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Flying Solo have an AR quiz?
Yes — Flying Solo has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Flying Solo?
Flying Solo has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.