Flygirl

Smith, Sherri L. Flygirl. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2008. Print. ISBN 978-0-399-24709-5. Hardback. $16.99 USD.  

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover and eBook.. 

Annotation: During World War II eighteen year old Ida Mae Jones decides to serve her country by becoming a Women's Air Force Services Pilot. However, Ida Mae's quest is not an easy one. Throughout her journey she must overcome many obstacles; racism, sexism and the disapproval of her mother.

Book Talk: Snap' n Read Technique
Its 1941 and World War II is well underway. A young African American woman named Ida Mae Jones is living with her family in Louisiana and working as a housemaid. Ida Mae passes the time of doing boring chores by day dreaming about her future. She hopes that she can one day use the flying skills her father taught her to become a pilot.

While trying to figure out a way to get to a flight training school in Chicago, Ida Mae's brother is drafted to the war. Helpless, Ida Mae feels she can do more than collect nylons and bacon grease for the army. She decides to become a WASP-Women's Air Force Services Pilot. But how is Ida Mae going to get a position in the training camp when she is facing the opposition of her mother, friends and society?

Luckily, her grandfather supports her. He tells Ida Mae:

“You see, we all have our nature at the core of everything we do. There's no changing it, no matter how we try. That's why I'm a farming man. And why your mother is head of the household, man or no man around the house. And why you have to fly, no matter what it takes” (Smith 216).

In Flygirl, you will learn what it means to have hope, strength and courage in a time of despair.

Awards and Honors:
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Washington Post's Best Kids Book
Amelia Bloomer Project Selection

(Image courtesy of BCLS)

 

 Hear author Sherri L Smith talk about Flygirl and her love for historical fiction in the video below!

Additional Author Information:

To visit the author's website click here !

Follow Sherri L. Smith on Twitter  @Sherri_L_Smith

 Young Adult Interview:
"I mostly read non-fiction,but I like all kinds of books. I do enjoy reading historical fiction. I particularly like books about the American West. I will read anything that is real, or based on fact."

"Some of my favorite authors are Jack Kerouac, JD Salinger, Jonathan Franzen and Michael Chabon."

--Quotes from Travis M., age 21.