We’re one week(!) out from the release of my newest book, A Race Around the World: The True Story of Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland. Here’s a snippet of a blog post I wrote for Kirby Larson. Click through to read the whole thing.
I grew up with a book about the one-of-a-kind, trailblazing journalist, Nellie Bly. In January 2017, I thought I’d try my hand at writing my own book about her. There are a number of children’s books about Nellie — she’s just that interesting. But only a couple focused exclusively on her most famous feat — an around-the-world trip that she hoped to complete in less than 80 days.
It was only in reading Matthew Goodman’s book, EIGHTY DAYS: NELLIE BLY AND ELIZABETH BISLAND’S HISTORY-MAKING RACE AROUND THE WORLD, that I learned Nellie had a competitor named Elizabeth Bisland. Like Nellie, Elizabeth was a journalist, but that’s where the similarities ended. Twenty-five year old Nellie was plucky and quick. Twenty-eight year old Elizabeth was thoughtful and reserved. Nellie relished the rhythm of newspaper work. Elizabeth preferred the steady pace of a monthly magazine. The more I read, the more fascinated I became with each woman’s story. This was the focus I wanted my own book to take.
Follow me to Kirby’s blog to read the rest…
And if you’re looking for some activities young readers might do in connection to the book, Beth Anderson has come up with a number of wonderful ideas!
Click through to pre-order your copy. Thank you so much for your help sending Nellie and Elizabeth’s story into the world!
Leave a Reply