Flying Lessons — Kezi Matthews

In 1937 � -- the summer that Amelia Earhart disappears � -- 13-year-old LaMarr's flamboyant mother, Charmaine, flies off with a stunt pilot and doesn't return. Sent to live with an aunt and uncle, LaMarr awaits her mother's return while attempting to track down her long-lost father. A crusty old man, a former Teddy Roosevelt Rough Rider, befriends her. The old man's friendship and wisdom help LaMarr finally accept the probability that her mother is gone forever. Kezi Matthews was the recipient of a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year for John Riley's Daughter. �"Matthews ... sees all her characters, even the most deeply flawed, with a compassionate eye.” � -- Kirkus Reviews