Ep 14. Ruth Law Thrills a Nation

Reading Rainbow is a beloved children's show that emphasizes the joy and importance of reading. Season 10 episode 14 is titled "Ruth Law Thrills a Nation" and explores the true story of Ruth Law, a pioneering aviatrix who set records and impressed the entire country with her daring feats in the early days of aviation.

The show begins with host LeVar Burton introducing the idea of aviation and how it has changed over the years. He then introduces the story of Ruth Law, explaining that she was one of the first women to fly planes in the United States in the early 20th century. As always, Burton is enthusiastic and engaging, making it clear that viewers are in for a treat.

Next, the show goes into more detail about Ruth Law's life and accomplishments. Through a mix of narration, interviews, and archival footage, viewers learn about Law's early days as a budding pilot and how she quickly proved herself to be an innovative and fearless flier. Soon, she was breaking records and making headlines with her daring stunts, including a record-breaking flight from Chicago to New York City.

Along the way, viewers get a sense of what made Ruth Law so special. Interviews with historians and other experts explain how her spirit and perseverance helped her overcome the many obstacles she faced as a female pilot in a male-dominated field. Old photographs and video clips show Law at the controls of the planes she flew, and it's clear from her facial expressions and body language that she was a natural at the craft.

Overall, "Ruth Law Thrills a Nation" is a inspiring and empowering episode of Reading Rainbow. It shows young viewers that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks. The story of Ruth Law also provides a glimpse into an exciting and fascinating period of American history, when aviation was still a new and relatively unexplored frontier.

As always, the show is beautifully produced, with excellent cinematography, informative graphics, and a catchy and memorable theme song. The pacing is just right, and the mix of narration, interviews, and archival footage keeps things interesting and engaging for kids and adults alike. Throughout the episode, LeVar Burton shines as a host, always upbeat and engaging, but never condescending or patronizing to the show's young viewers.

In conclusion, "Ruth Law Thrills a Nation" is a must-see episode of Reading Rainbow. It's informative, uplifting, and engaging, with a strong message of perseverance and determination that is both timeless and relevant. Whether you're a long-time fan of the show or a newcomer, this episode is sure to delight and inspire.