Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith Book Review By: Horses th grade

Plot When a young African American girl as herself goes through many struggles and her brother enlisting in World War II, Ida Mae Jones decides to join the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots to help the fight. She is forced to “pass” as a white person to be in the program. Even though she is following her dreams, she is hiding who she really is.

Characters Ida Mae Jones Thomas Grandy Patsy Lily Momma Jolene

My Opinions This was a really great book to read and learn from. It is historical fiction so you learn about the past. You learn about war and the segregation of blacks and whites. The African Americans were treated very badly and they didn’t have the civil rights that they should have had. I recommend this book to girls who love learning about past times and civil rights. It deserves five stars because it is so well written.

The Buzz “Flygirl captures the indomitable spirit of the WASP. Main characters Ida Mae, Patsy, and Lily exhibit the courage mixed with daring and commitment that still inspire WASP admirers. Congratulations, Sherri, on your contribution!” ~ Marianne Wood “It was not hard to find myself cheering Ida Mae on. Hard not to get an itch to fly after reading this. Sherri Smith is a truly talented writer and Flygirl is a wonderful story.” ~ Jacqueline Woodson “Gifted novelist Sherri L. Smith has written a passionate and important book about a young woman who heroically risks everything when she discovers her dreams and what her identity is, heartbreakingly, at odds. A wonderfully readable story that illuminates a too-little known chapter of American history. ~ Michael M. Cart

Reviews By Critics "This well-told, interesting story moves along at a good clip, as Smith paints a vivid picture of the WASPs, with the suspense of Ida Mae’s deception always lurking beneath the surface…A vibrant picture of WWII women and of Jim Crow as it was then.“ ~ Kirkus "Sherri L. Smith writes with incredible detail that really brings to life the panicked and isolated atmosphere of America during the war….this gripping and emotional read grabs you by the heart and won't let go until the final page.“ ~ The Bookbag "I had not realized that I like historical fiction until I started reading this… I'll describe it in four words: This book is amazing.” ~ The Book Reader

Awards 2010 ALA Best Books For Young People 2010 Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books For Children 2010 Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices Selection 2010 Kansas State Reading Circle Catalog Selection 2010 Amelia Bloomer Project Selection 2010 Tayshas Reading List South Carolina Book Award Nominee 2009 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books 2009 Washington Post Best Kids’ Books of the Year Spring 2009 Indie Next List Pick for Teen Readers

The Author Sherri L. Smith

Other Books By Sherri L. Smith Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet Lucy the Giant Sparrow

Bibliography Flygirl By Sherri L. Smith