Release: March 1st, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company
Source: Publisher
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo.
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The true story of a courageous woman’s love of adventure and her famous journey took her around the globe in record time.
Nellie Bly was a newspaper reporter for The New York World, but she did not write about ladylike subjects like tea parties and charity balls. Instead, she wrote about her day’s social problems, like poor job conditions, dilapidated housing, and dishonest politicians. For instance, if someone told her, “It can’t be done, Nellie Bly,” she went right ahead and did it anyway. But when Nellie read Jules Verne’s novel, Around the World in Eighty Days, she got the inspiration to circle the globe even faster herself. Did the plucky young reporter go too far?
Young readers will cheer for Nellie as she embarks on her 22,000-mile trip equipped only with one sturdy travel dress, a small satchel, and a pet monkey she picks up in Singapore as her traveling companion. Moreover, traveling by ship, train, and foot, she has all kinds of incredible experiences—from surviving a monsoon at sea to visiting a leper colony in China.
This delightful true story of a woman with an indomitable spirit will inspire a new generation of young readers—and adventurers. Also, the back matter includes additional information about Nellie Bly’s life.
About the Author:
Nancy Ohlin Aka Nancy Butcher was born in Tokyo, Japan, and divided her childhood between Ohio. She received a BA in English from the University of Chicago. Also, she is the author of the YA novels B*Witch and its sequel Witch Rising (co-authored with Paige McKenzie; Little, Brown); Consent; Beauty; and Always, Forever (all Simon Pulse), as well as the Blast Off! early-grade history series (Little Bee). She has collaborated with Quvenzhane Wallis, Chloe Lukasiak, and other celebrities and written or ghostwritten over a hundred books for children, teens, and adults. Moreover, she lives with her family and many cats in Ithaca, NY.
It Can’t Be Done Nellie Bly Review:
I had never heard of Nellie Bly until I read this book! The author turned this biographical tale into a fun adventure.
Firstly, I must say I never heard of Nelly Bly until I read this book. The author did a fantastic job in writing the tale in a beautiful, condensed manner. The story is short and sweet, targeted at middle graders. Moreover, each chapter accounts for a new adventure that Nellie encounters on her journey. From San Francisco to Singapore and Hongkong to Japan, Nellie experiences various cultures and traditions. Honestly, I thought this was a fantastic way to expose younger readers to diverse international cultures. On a side note, I was fascinated about the tour she takes in Canton, where she sees the prison heads (as I was not aware of it).
Similarly, the author spices up the story when she introduces Elizabeth Bisland. I loved the competition between the two, and how the newspapers made the most of the event. Also, reading this book made me further research the two famous reporters. It is inspiring how much they accomplished so much when they would have faced many challenges.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author turns the book into a delightful adventure that made me feel like reading Jules Verne’s classic.
