Picture Books for Older Readers Nominees

Queen of the Falls

Written and Illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg

Her employment was ending, she had little saved and few prospects for anything but a sparse and unsure future as retirement drew closer. This was the scenario facing teacher Annie Edson Taylor when her charm school was about to close its doors for the last time. Her pluck, self-reliance, and ingenuity combine to result in one of the most dangerous firsts imaginable; the first person to go over Niagara Falls and survive. Annie takes us through the fear, resolve, planning and bargaining leading up to this historic event. Many people played significant roles in this terrifying adventure, but it doesn’t end when she survives the plunge over the falls in a barrel. This astounding feat is overshadowed by the ensuing experiences and disappointments that Annie had to confront when her carefully laid plans disintegrated.

Chris Van Allsburg: The Official Site