FLYGIRL

Sherri Smith

GP Putnam's Sons

ISBN# 9780399247095

January 2009

Historical Fiction - Multicultural

Flights of fancy—Ida Mae Jones harbors dreams of flying high, the way her father taught her to before he died but real life crashes in on her. World War II erupts and the world is thrown into chaos. The only life Ida Mae has known on the farm in Louisiana is about to change in ways she never dreams. Her older brother, who had been studying to be a doctor, enlists in the military and leaves her to care for their mom, grandfather and little brother. Her plans to attain her flying license all but disappear as she settles into a routine of cleaning houses and cooking for the family. Her heart, however, continues to long for the open skies.

A few years into the war, Ida finds out about Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a program where the US military employed civilian female pilots to fly aircrafts on missions and she knows this is an opportunity to serve both her country and make her dream a reality. The only problem they don't allow black women in WASP. Deciding to pass as white, Ida Mae uses her father's amended pilot's license to make it into the training program but will her decision to fly at any cost be worth the price she'll have to pay if she's exposed?

This unforgettable novel by Sherri Smith is filled with interesting and thorough historical accounts. WASP provided women the chance to display their talent and grit someplace other than on the home front. Ida Mae symbolizes many of the women who faced a doubled edged sword, battling both racism and sexism during that time to realize their dream, without any real recognition or compensation. Smith illustrates all of that and more through the strength and dignity of Ida Mae, as she struggles to find her place in the world--is it at home with her family or on the military base with fellow pilots? Kids and adults alike will enjoy Smith's easy writing style, along with the enthralling plot. Make sure to add FLYGIRL to your to-be-read pile!

Review by Elissa Scott Kyle

Rating: 4