Flygirl
by Sherri L. Smith
Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons (January 22 release)
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Reviewed by Jamie Driggers
Ida Mae Jones feels most at home when she’s flying through the air like her daddy taught her. But, as a black female in 1940’s Louisiana, Ida Mae experiences far more barriers than openings to her dream of being a licensed pilot. With the formation of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during WWII, Ida Mae sees her chance to not only get her wings, but help with the war effort also. Unfortunately, to follow her dream, Ida Mae has to deny her heritage.
This is a wonderful book for so many different types of readers. First, it is an easy-to-read, clean, coming-of-age story. World War II buffs will enjoy the story of the WASP and the risks the women took for their country. And readers also get a course in African-American studies.
I’ll admit off the top that I’m a rather ignorant Caucasian girl in a politically correct area of the country. I didn’t even know of the concept of “passing” until I was into my 30s. But I have to believe that Sherri L. Smith did a fantastic job of capturing the conflicting emotions that this process would bring. And she did it in such a way that, while it is the story, it doesn’t overshadow the story. This book isn’t an “issue” book, but it is full of issues—issues that are handled beautifully. And though I didn’t know if she could do it, even the end is satisfying.
Armchair Interviews says: Wonderful way to teach some history lessons
Author’s Web site: http://www.SherrilSmith.com