Flygirl

Flygirl
Sherri L. Smith
Published by Putnam Juvenile, 2009; ISBN 0399247092
Recommended reading age: Young Adult

Summary:
Ida Mae longs to fly a plane, and she wants to help her brother who is fighting in World War II. When the United States starts the Women Airforce Service Program (WASP), Ida Mae becomes determined to join. She’ll have to prove herself fearless and talented in order to make the cut. However, she’ll also have to pass for a white woman. Thankfully, her light skin allows her to make the cut, and she spends the rest of the book working with WASP to help America win the war.

Review:
Flygirl does an amazing job illustrating life in 1940s America. Ida Mae must deal with persistent sexism and racism in all facets of her life. On top of that, she chooses to become a pilot, which is never an easy job to begin with. Sherri Smith does a beautiful job bringing the 40s to life. Her descriptions and her dialogue are excellent, and the plot sucks readers in quickly and completely. Personally, I hope Ida Mae makes an appearance in a sequel. Racism, sexism (and adventure) certainly didn’t end with the war. This is a great choice for fans of realistic fiction, and readers looking for a new kind of book about WWII.