Flygirl

Flygirl

YA fiction
One of the most evocative YA historical fiction novels I have
ever read goes by the simple name Flygirl. Sherri Smith wrote it as
her master's thesis. She was inspired by hearing about the WASP
program on her radio. Lucky for us we can learn about it via her
riveting but down to earth narrative.
Ida Mae Jones must make decisions that would be agony for women
twice her age. World War II is not going well. Ida's beloved brother
Thomas is a field medic in the South Pacific. A lot of soldiers are
dying over there fighting the Japanese. Ida thinks there must be
something more meaningful than collecting nylons and saving bacon
grease for the war effort. One day little brother, Abel, shows her
the way. A newspaper column describes how women are being trained to
be Women Airforce Service Pilots and free male pilots to fight
oversees. This would be perfect for Ida who has longed to follow in
her pilot father's footsteps.
There is, however, a fly in the ointment. The United States in
the 1940's is highly racially segregated. Although not explicitly
stated, this new program is white women only need apply. Ida is light
skinned enough to pass, a highly risky move. She'll have to live
vigilantly, mindfully saying and doing nothing to give her race away.
There will be severe consequences if her secret is discovered. And
she must never acknowledge her beloved and much darker skinned family.
Of course this isn't the only peril. Some of the missions women
get sent on such as towing targets for artillary practice are quite
dangerous.
If you want to read a poignant and inspiring story of a young
women coming of age under very challenging circumstances you couldn't
do better than Flygirl.
On a personal note, I can identify with Ida, having that flying bug
myself. Being blind in one eye grounds me. But I have a son with two
good eyes aimed for the skies. Someday he will take me where I can't
go myself.
A great big shout goes out to our next generation of pilots. May they
soar high and land safely!
Julia Emily Hathaway


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