Yankee Doodle Gals: Women Pilots of WWII

Yankee Doodle Gals: Women Pilots of WWII

by Amy Nathan, Eileen Collins

Hardcover

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. In 1973, when the U.S. Navy let eight young women sign up for pilot training, they were called the first to fly U.S. military aircraft. Not so! During World War II, a group of women, later almost forgotten, flew fighters and bombers. Though not allowed in combat, they ferried planes to American airbases and tested recently repaired planes. They even played the part of enemy pilots, allowing U.S. troops to have moving targets at which to shoot. These women were the WASPs (Women's Airforce Service Pilots), and Nathan covers their fascinating story, beginning with the formation of the unit and punctuated by individual biographies. Unfortunately, the fact that two women headed up rival WASP factions sometimes makes the narrative flow confusing, but there's plenty of action to involve readers, and the women's perseverance in the face of obstacles is inspiring. Wonderful black-and-white photos extend the text, and a resource guide lists books, videos, and Web sites. A solid addition to the growing body of literature about women in flight. Ilene Cooper

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