Amelia Earhart: Flying into History

Lexile: 870 | Grade: 5

Passage

Amelia Earhart was born in 1897 in Kansas. As a child, she loved adventure and wasn’t afraid to take risks. She climbed trees, rode horses, and once built her own roller coaster in her backyard.

In her early 20s, Amelia took her first airplane ride—and from that moment, she was hooked. She knew she wanted to fly. At a time when very few women became pilots, Amelia worked hard to earn her pilot’s license.

In 1932, Amelia became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her flight was dangerous, with strong winds and freezing temperatures. But she landed safely in Ireland and became a hero around the world.

Amelia used her fame to speak out for women’s rights and encourage others to follow their dreams. She believed that women could do anything if they had the chance.

In 1937, Amelia set out to fly around the world—a daring trip no woman had ever completed. Sadly, during the journey, her plane disappeared over the Pacific Ocean. Despite many searches, she was never found.

Even though her final flight ended in mystery, Amelia Earhart is remembered as a brave explorer and a symbol of courage. Her story still inspires people to reach for the sky.