Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Putnam, 2010. ISBN 978-0399247095.
All Ida Mae wants to do is to fly but being black and a woman leaves her with some big problems. When her little brother finds an article in the paper, looking for women to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots 'WASP' in the Second World War, Ida finally sees her chance to take action.
Base on the true story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, this is a great novel about women's determination to fit in no matter what sacrifice they have to make. I found reading about the Second World War through the eyes of a fictional character very enjoyable and easier than from a text book. From the appearance of the novel I didn't think this was a book I would enjoy but before too long I found myself wanting to follow Ida Mae on her journey. I enjoyed the book so much that I didn't want it to end. The characters seemed as if they could have been real women wanting to do their part for their country. This book has a good flowing plot and could even be used for class reading as it can bring up issues about the war, women's rights and the norms of society at the time that teachers can use in their classrooms. Not only do I recommend the book for teachers but also teenagers and young adults would enjoy this story.
Lauren Pfeiffer (16 years old)