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Title details for Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith - Available

Flygirl

by Sherri L. Smith
Bahni Turpin
Audiobook
2 of 2 copies available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
2 of 2 copies available

All Ida Mae Jones wants to do is fly. Her daddy was a pilot, and years after his death she feels closest to him when she's in the air. But as a young black woman in 1940s Louisiana, she knows the sky is off limits to her, until America enters World War II, and the Army forms the WASP—Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Ida has a chance to fulfill her dream if she's willing to use her light skin to pass as a white girl. She wants to fly more than anything, but Ida soon learns that denying one's self and family is a heavy burden, and ultimately it's not what you do but who you are that's most important.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    April 24, 2018

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781538547489
      • File size: 248105 KB
      • Duration: 08:36:53

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      December 8, 2008
      Smith (Lucy the Giant
      ) brings a gripping perspective to bear upon a lesser-known piece of America's past: during WWII, the government recruited women pilots to fly non-combat missions, e.g., ferrying planes. Driven by a desire to fly and wanting to help her enlisted brother, Ida Mae decides to pass as white so she can join the program. The author has an expert grasp on her subject, and readers will learn plenty about the Women Airforce Service Pilots, from their impractical uniforms to the dangerous missions they flew without reward. Ida Mae's unique point of view gives her special insight into the often poor treatment of women: when a pilot friend gets frustrated by a stunt they are asked to perform, Ida realizes, “Lily's just finding out what I've been living with my whole life. She's never known what it was like to be hobbled by somebody else's rules.” Key scenes demonstrate how much Ida has sacrificed by passing, as when her much darker mother visits her on Christmas and, à la Imitation of Life,
      poses as the family housekeeper. Although this book feels constructed to educate, readers will find the lesson well crafted. Ages 12–up.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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