“This breakthrough title adds a new story to the shelves of World War II books.” Booklist (starred review)
Description
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.
Praise
“This breakthrough title adds a new story to the shelves of World War II books.” Booklist (starred review)
“A dynamic, heartfelt novel.” Washington Post
“Smith brings a gripping perspective to bear upon a lesser-known piece of America’s past…The author has an expert grasp on her subject, and readers will learn plenty.” Publishers Weekly
“A thrilling, but little-known story that begs to be told. The book is at once informative and entertaining.” School Library Journal
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Apr 23, 2018 |
| Release Date | April 24, 2018 |
| Release Date Machine | 1524528000 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | Children's Books, Teen & Young Adult, History, History & Culture, Children/YA, YA, Fiction - All, Fiction - Child |
Author Bio
Sherri L. Smith is the award–winning author of several novels for young adults, including the critically acclaimed Flygirl, Orleans, and The Toymaker’s Apprentice.
Narrator Bio
Bahni Turpin, winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and several prestigious Audie Awards for her narrations, was named a “Golden Voice” by AudioFile magazine in 2019. Publishers Weekly magazine named her Narrator of the Year for 2016. She is an ensemble member of the Cornerstone Theater Company in Los Angeles. She has guest starred in many television series, including NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Six Feet Under, Cold Case, What about Brian, and The Comeback. Film credits include Brokedown Palace, Crossroads, and Daughters of the Dust. She is also a member of the recording cast of The Help, which won numerous awards.
Overview
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.
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