The Daring Nellie Bly: America's Star Reporter

"Energy rightly applied and directed will accomplish anything." These words perfectly encapsulate the incredible life and career of Nellie Bly, America's star reporter. Born as Elizabeth Jane Cochran on May 5, 1864, in Cochran's Mills, Pennsylvania, she would go on to become one of the most groundbreaking and influential journalists of her time.

The name "Nellie Bly" was adopted as her byline, and it became synonymous with courage, daring, and unflinching determination. With her fearless spirit and unwavering commitment to truth, she paved the way for women in journalism and became a trailblazer in investigative reporting.

The Daring Nellie Bly: America's Star Reporter

by Bonnie Christensen (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6831 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	39 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Early Years

From a young age, Nellie Bly displayed a passion for writing. Her curiosity and desire to seek the truth were evident in her pursuit of justice and exposing social injustices. At the age of 16, she wrote a letter to the editor of the Pittsburgh Dispatch, which caught the attention of the newspaper's editor. Impressed with her talent, he offered her a position as a reporter.

Working for the Pittsburgh Dispatch allowed Bly to develop her skills and gain valuable experience. Her articles covered a wide range of topics, from women's rights to industrial conditions. However, it was her groundbreaking work as an undercover journalist that would skyrocket her career and make her a household name.

Undercover Investigations

Bly's most famous undercover assignment came in 1887 when she feigned insanity to expose the deplorable conditions at the Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island in New York City. She spent ten days inside the institution, enduring mistreatment and witnessing the horrifying conditions firsthand.

Her powerful exposé, titled "Ten Days in a Madhouse," was published in the New York World and created a sensation. It led to significant reforms in the treatment of the mentally ill and catapulted Bly to national fame.

Emboldened by her success, Bly continued to take on daring undercover assignments. She posed as a sweatshop worker, a factory employee, and even a patient in a prominent hospital, shedding light on the plight of the working class and exposing corruption.

Around the World in 72 Days

In 1889, inspired by Jules Verne's novel "Around the World in 80 Days," Nellie Bly set out on a daring adventure to circumnavigate the globe. Armed with only a small bag and a determination to beat the fictional Phileas Fogg's record, she embarked on a journey that would captivate the world.

Her rapid progress and race against time captivated readers across America. She made stops in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where she met fascinating people and encountered unexpected challenges. After traveling by steamship, ricksha, sampan, horse-drawn carriage, and more, she returned to New York City just 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 14 seconds after her departure.

Bly's incredible feat made her an international celebrity and solidified her status as a pioneer in investigative journalism. Her journey inspired countless women to challenge societal norms and dream big.

Legacy and Impact

Nellie Bly continued to make strides in the field of journalism throughout her career. She reported on major events such as World War I and championed causes like women's suffrage. Her fearless approach to reporting, combined with her unwavering commitment to the truth, made her a role model for aspiring journalists.

Her legacy lives on, inspiring generations of women to pursue careers in journalism and excel in their chosen fields. Nellie Bly's impact on investigative reporting is immeasurable, and her contributions to the fight for gender equality continue to resonate today.

In

Nellie Bly, America's star reporter, defied expectations and shattered glass ceilings in the field of journalism. Her fearless investigations and incredible achievements paved the way for future generations of journalists, both male, and female.

She proved that determination, courage, and unyielding pursuit of the truth can lead to significant societal change. The daring Nellie Bly will forever be remembered as an icon of journalism, an inspiration for women, and a testament to the power of storytelling.

The Daring Nellie Bly: America's Star Reporter

by Bonnie Christensen (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6831 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	39 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

From the award-winning picture book biographer of Woody Guthrie comes the inspirational story of Nellie Bly. Born in 1864, during a time in which options were extremely limited for women, Nellie defied all expectations and became a famous newspaper correspondent. Her daring exploits included committing herself to an infamous insane asylum in New York City to expose the terrible conditions there and becoming the first American war correspondent of either sex to report on the front lines of Austria during World War I. In 1889, Nellie completed her most publicized stunt, her world-famous trip around the world in just 72 days, beating the record of Jules Vernes’ fictional hero in Around the World in 80 Days.

With an informative text and pen-and-ink illustrations reminiscent of the graphic style of the late 1800s, The Daring Nellie Bly captures the independent spirit of America’s first star reporter, Nellie Bly.