The Girl Who Could Fix Anything: Beatrice Shilling, World War II Engineer
by Mara Rockliff (Author) Daniel Duncan (Illustrator)
This true story of a woman whose brilliance and mechanical expertise helped Britain win World War II is sure to inspire STEM readers and fans of amazing women in history.
Beatrice Shilling wasn't quite like other children. She could make anything. She could fix anything. And when she took a thing apart, she put it back together better than before.
When Beatrice left home to study engineering, she knew that as a girl she wouldn't be quite like the other engineers--and she wasn't. She was better. Still, it took hard work and perseverance to persuade the Royal Aircraft Establishment to give her a chance. But when World War II broke out and British fighter pilots took to the skies in a desperate struggle for survival against Hitler's bombers, it was clearly time for new ideas. Could Beatrice solve an engine puzzle and help Britain win the war?
American author Mara Rockliff and British illustrator Daniel Duncan team up for a fresh look at a turning point in modern history--and the role of a remarkable woman whose ingenuity, persistence, and way with a wrench (or spanner) made her quite unlike anyone else. An author's note and a list of selective sources provide additional information for curious readers.
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K-Gr 4--An uplifting look at a World War II--and STEM--heroine. Beatrice Shilling was different from the very beginning. Unlike other children she spent her pocket money on tools rather than candy, and she spent so much time building new creations and working on her motorcycle that when she was old enough, she became an apprentice engineer to bring electricity to villages in her area of England. When she went to study engineering at university, Beatrice realized that not only was she the only girl, but she was one of the best in her program. She was also one of the fastest, winning races on her specially modified motorcycle. It wasn't until World War II began that Beatrice was able to truly shine, traveling around the country to fix airplanes for the Royal Air Force. Only Beatrice, the girl who could fix anything, could tackle the biggest problem facing the fleet of the Royal Airforce--and help win the war. This engaging and inspiring read owes a lot of its appeal to Duncan's charming illustrations, featuring a determined, likable heroine. Author Rockliff has created a book that is simple enough for kindergarteners to enjoy while still being interesting for third and fourth graders--no easy feat. Further reading includes a more detailed background of the character, providing needed historical and cultural context. Includes an extensive list of sources. VERDICT A delightful and welcome addition to STEM collections everywhere.--Savannah Kitchens, Parnell Memorial Lib., Montevallo, AL
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books The humorous, full-page illustrations in this book depict what life was like for Beatrice as the only female in a traditionally male-dominated career. Her story serves as a good role model for young readers to pursue their dreams and talents. This would be a wonderful book to read aloud to young readers to encourage their interests in engineering and to pique their curiosity on researching some of the problems Beatrice solved.
—School Library Connection Shilling's is a fantastic story, engagingly told, and perfectly complemented by Duncan's illustrations.
—Air & Space Magazine
JNF051010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science
JNF023000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Girls & Women
World War, 1939-1945
England
Aeronautical engineers
Engineers
Women engineers
Shilling, Beatrice
