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Flygirl
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.
278 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2009
About the author
Sherri L. Smith
46 books487 followersSherri L. Smith is the award-winning author of YA novels LUCY THE GIANT, SPARROW, HOT SOUR SALTY SWEET, FLYGIRL and ORLEANS. In October 2015, she makes her middle grade debut with THE TOYMAKER’S APPRENTICE from G.P. Putnam and Sons for Penguin Random House.
Sherri has worked in film, animation, comic books and construction. Her books have been listed as Amelia Bloomer, American Library Association Best Books for Young People, and Junior Library Guild Selections. FLYGIRL was the 2009 California Book Awards Gold Medalist.
She loves her family, travel, chocolate chip cookies, reading, and and a really good cup of tea.
Sherri has worked in film, animation, comic books and construction. Her books have been listed as Amelia Bloomer, American Library Association Best Books for Young People, and Junior Library Guild Selections. FLYGIRL was the 2009 California Book Awards Gold Medalist.
She loves her family, travel, chocolate chip cookies, reading, and and a really good cup of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,157 reviews
February 11, 2009
Don't read this because of the blurb on the back by Newbery/Printz teacher's pet Jacqueline Woodson.
Don't read it just because it's a window on a seldom told story of women in WWII. Don't read it just because of the theme of an African American woman trying to pass for white in the segregated world of the 1940s. Don't read it just because you're looking for another "girls can do anything they put their minds to it despite the odds" sort of read.
Read it because it's well written, well researched and has a totally believable heroine.
Ida Mae Jones and her world come alive in this book, and anyone, teen or adult who reads it will be drawn into the story.
This is what good storytelling is all about, pure and simple.
Don't read it just because it's a window on a seldom told story of women in WWII. Don't read it just because of the theme of an African American woman trying to pass for white in the segregated world of the 1940s. Don't read it just because you're looking for another "girls can do anything they put their minds to it despite the odds" sort of read.
Read it because it's well written, well researched and has a totally believable heroine.
Ida Mae Jones and her world come alive in this book, and anyone, teen or adult who reads it will be drawn into the story.
This is what good storytelling is all about, pure and simple.
May 31, 2014
I keep an eye open for every book Sherri L. Smith publishes, and I'm never disappointed. This is the story of a young woman of color, the daughter of a flyer, who passes as white to join the WASPs and fly for her country during WWII. Her goal--to serve her country--is admirable, but can she find peace with herself and her color as well? You'll have to read to find out, and you'll be glad you did.
April 8, 2013
Sherri L. Smith's "Flygirl" is a gem of a novel, taking place during the middle of World War II where a young woman enlists as a pilot in the army. However, in doing so, she not only faces the dangers that await her in the sky, but an everyday danger as she hides her racial identity in order to make her dreams happen. I loved the writing, the strength of the characterizations, and the overarching story as it deals with many difficult issues of the time - racism, sexism, and issues of identity and overcoming odds. Ida Mae Jones is a strong, smart, savvy protagonist, and I wish there were more characters like her in the YA genre.
I really wish there were more novels like this in the genre in general, because it's not just the fact that this novel sets the place, time, and social environment very well (the research is impeccably done), but it also brings to the forefront very real characters. Ida Mae is a sweetheart, her best friend Jolene is hilarious, and her family is front and center in the novel - through their ups and downs. Even as Ide Mae hides her identity as a part of the WASP group, you get to know the ladies she accompanies very well there, and learn how Ida's drawn to them. The story sucked me into the very real stakes that Ida Mae faces with respect to her gender and race, and I certainly felt for and identified with her. Yet the reader follows Ida Mae's determination in her goals, her triumphs, her heartaches in the realm of loss, and even love.
I would very highly recommend "Flygirl" for anyone who wants to read a story of a young woman's determination to achieve her dreams in the face of prejudice in a very different time than our own. I think even those who read YA that don't normally read historical fiction would find this an immersive read, and one well worth the time spent.
Overall: 4.5/5
I really wish there were more novels like this in the genre in general, because it's not just the fact that this novel sets the place, time, and social environment very well (the research is impeccably done), but it also brings to the forefront very real characters. Ida Mae is a sweetheart, her best friend Jolene is hilarious, and her family is front and center in the novel - through their ups and downs. Even as Ide Mae hides her identity as a part of the WASP group, you get to know the ladies she accompanies very well there, and learn how Ida's drawn to them. The story sucked me into the very real stakes that Ida Mae faces with respect to her gender and race, and I certainly felt for and identified with her. Yet the reader follows Ida Mae's determination in her goals, her triumphs, her heartaches in the realm of loss, and even love.
I would very highly recommend "Flygirl" for anyone who wants to read a story of a young woman's determination to achieve her dreams in the face of prejudice in a very different time than our own. I think even those who read YA that don't normally read historical fiction would find this an immersive read, and one well worth the time spent.
Overall: 4.5/5
Read
January 25, 2011A fun read. I got very caught up in it about halfway through, especially during Ida Mae’s WASP training. The plot suffers a bit from lack of drive - nothing really connects one flight to another. And also, it ended rather abruptly, and without proper closure. But the characters are distinct and engaging, and the portrait of a typical WASP - a pretty fascinating subject by any account - is made even more intriguing by the added tension of black Ida Mae’s having to pretend to be a white girl in the 1940s south in order to keep her job. (In truth, I found the constant highwire play-acting of her charade to be nearly as nerve-racking as that of a Resistance spy in Nazi-occupied France.)
July 19, 2017
Flygirls by Sherri L. Smith is an absolute must read for fans of historical fiction that draws on real life events. I was right there the entire ride through all the ups and downs alongside Ida Mae! This novel also deals with race and passing, especially in regards to Southern America and the military, and it's a fascinating, if at times entirely overwhelming and crushing - that being said the author handles everything well. If you're interested in women in World War II, particularly the WASPs, you need to to read this novel right away.
May 21, 2016
A fantastic, well-researched, engaging historical fiction with important messages about identity. Ida Mae was an exceptional protagonist. The plot was a bit clumsy at times, but the distinct characters certainly made up for it. For fans of historical fiction or women in aviation, I would certainly recommend.
January 31, 2012
Flyyyyyyy Girl! Say what, say what, say what?
Her name is Ida Mae and she's a flygirl,
And she didn't let World War II rock her world!
Flyyyyyyy Girl! Say what, say what, say what?
The title reminded me of the chant I remember from my childhood hopsctoch days.
Her name is Ida Mae and she's a flygirl,
And she didn't let World War II rock her world!
Flyyyyyyy Girl! Say what, say what, say what?
The title reminded me of the chant I remember from my childhood hopsctoch days.
January 14, 2016
Originally Veronica picked it up at a school book sale. So, yes, I've been meaning to read it since she was in elementary school.
But Natasha spotted it and read it as part of her 40 Book Genre Challenge for school. And she loved it. So then I started it, and it was on my bedside table when the crew swept in, removed everything from my house, made the floor 3/4 of an inch taller and put everything more-or-less-back. So on the day itself, when I had time to read, I couldn't lay hands on a single book. But after a week I opened a box labeled "organic cabbages"* and there it was. Also, my alarm clock.
So, yay, I got to finish it, which means Natasha can loan it to someone else who is waiting after Thanksgiving break. And no surprise here, I loved it. Well, duh. Books about flight captivate me, ever since The Little Prince and A Girl Can Dream. I didn't quite grow up with photographs of Kitty Hawk and biplanes on my wall, but I have always loved books about flying. And yeah, my father was in the Air Force, and I still bear a grudge because they wouldn't teach me to fly jets.
Sorry. Ida Mae Jones, unlike me, could actually fly a plane. Her father had one for crop dusting and she'd grown up in it. But with rationing and war, she can't get fuel, and with being a woman, she couldn't get a license from a sexist inspector. She's had to give up on the idea of flying, until she sees a photo of a Chinese American WASP. Maybe Uncle Sam's need for pilots is stronger than racism, she thinks. Well, no. So she spends the rest of the book trying to pass as white. On top of the sexism against WASP, it's a very tough row to hoe. How Ida Mae goes from being a maid in Louisiana to a successful wartime pilot is a marvelous story. She puts up with so much (racism, sexism, classism, bureaucratic indifference) that you can't help but root for her and her classmates.
And a shout out to the author for links/bibliography on WASP. Looking at the photos of the period added depth to the whole thing. Especially seeing Walt Disney's gremlin.
* We fundamentally misunderstood how this was going to happen, you see: we thought the crew would lay floor in one room at a time and we would sort of move everything out and right back. Instead, the crew stripped the entire house, put down floor in every room simultaneously, and put everything back. Except all the books and stuff had been placed in boxes marked with liquor brands or "organic cabbage", nothing had an individual or specific label as to what was inside it. Not my brightest moment.
But Natasha spotted it and read it as part of her 40 Book Genre Challenge for school. And she loved it. So then I started it, and it was on my bedside table when the crew swept in, removed everything from my house, made the floor 3/4 of an inch taller and put everything more-or-less-back. So on the day itself, when I had time to read, I couldn't lay hands on a single book. But after a week I opened a box labeled "organic cabbages"* and there it was. Also, my alarm clock.
So, yay, I got to finish it, which means Natasha can loan it to someone else who is waiting after Thanksgiving break. And no surprise here, I loved it. Well, duh. Books about flight captivate me, ever since The Little Prince and A Girl Can Dream. I didn't quite grow up with photographs of Kitty Hawk and biplanes on my wall, but I have always loved books about flying. And yeah, my father was in the Air Force, and I still bear a grudge because they wouldn't teach me to fly jets.
Sorry. Ida Mae Jones, unlike me, could actually fly a plane. Her father had one for crop dusting and she'd grown up in it. But with rationing and war, she can't get fuel, and with being a woman, she couldn't get a license from a sexist inspector. She's had to give up on the idea of flying, until she sees a photo of a Chinese American WASP. Maybe Uncle Sam's need for pilots is stronger than racism, she thinks. Well, no. So she spends the rest of the book trying to pass as white. On top of the sexism against WASP, it's a very tough row to hoe. How Ida Mae goes from being a maid in Louisiana to a successful wartime pilot is a marvelous story. She puts up with so much (racism, sexism, classism, bureaucratic indifference) that you can't help but root for her and her classmates.
And a shout out to the author for links/bibliography on WASP. Looking at the photos of the period added depth to the whole thing. Especially seeing Walt Disney's gremlin.
* We fundamentally misunderstood how this was going to happen, you see: we thought the crew would lay floor in one room at a time and we would sort of move everything out and right back. Instead, the crew stripped the entire house, put down floor in every room simultaneously, and put everything back. Except all the books and stuff had been placed in boxes marked with liquor brands or "organic cabbage", nothing had an individual or specific label as to what was inside it. Not my brightest moment.
November 26, 2012
Interesting concept, but I didn't think the writing or the plot was that well developed. It was a fairly short book, but it took me longer than I thought to get through it because it just didn't grab me. I liked the characters, but, again, it was hard to get into the book and become very connected to them. The concept of passing was interesting to me and the conflict and stress it introduced for Ida Mae, but when the book ended and we were left hanging on what would happen in her future, the question of whether she'd continue to pass or not or whether she'd choose to go home to her family or sever those ties was still left open too and it just felt very unresolved. The author mentioned in her notes that she wrote this book for a thesis project, but it didn't feel developed enough or with enough historical information to be a thesis project let alone a fully developed book. I just basically wanted more from this book that I didn't get.
January 23, 2015
Ida learned to fly from her father, and she never wants to be anywhere but in the sky. When her brother finds an ad recruiting women pilots, Ida makes up her mind to apply. The WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) program will change Ida's life--because it gives her purpose, because it gives her a way to help her brother (currently MIA in the South Pacific), because she has to pretend to be white. Ida has grown up as a light-skinned black in 1930s/1940s Louisiana, and now has the chance to pursue her dream of flying, though passing means denying her darker-skinned family.
It's a good story about a little-known footnote to WWII, and about racism, and about the ever-popular topic of Overcoming Adversity. In that regard it's an excellent choice for Summer Reading. But it does get a little History Lecture sometimes, dry and over-explain-y in the history, and slow moving, and that's going to turn kids off. (Also many historically-appropriate uses of the n-word will make it a challenge to get past parents.)
It's a good story about a little-known footnote to WWII, and about racism, and about the ever-popular topic of Overcoming Adversity. In that regard it's an excellent choice for Summer Reading. But it does get a little History Lecture sometimes, dry and over-explain-y in the history, and slow moving, and that's going to turn kids off. (Also many historically-appropriate uses of the n-word will make it a challenge to get past parents.)
December 29, 2021
Ida wants to fly. She plans to head north and obtain an aviation license at a flight school in Chicago, but World War II, her brother's enlistment, and her promise to care for her remaining family in New Orleans disrupt that plan. Years into the war, however, and Ida can no longer bear a life of doing nothing but serving as a maid and making small, daily sacrifices in order to aid the war effort. When she sees a recruitment poster for the women's aviation program, WASP, Ida determines to sign up, even if it means passing as a white pilot. Her mother tells her there will be no easy way to alternate between both worlds, that she must either sacrifice her family or the chance to fly; but Ida--drawn toward the sky--heads off to train in Sweetwater, Texas.
I loved the topic for this novel, the details about the WASP program and many of the challenges the women pilots faced in trying to gain formal recognition for their contribution to the war effort and the U.S. military. Ida's struggle to both be herself and not lose herself permeate the novel, and the author's quick easy style helped me zip through the book in two days.
I loved the topic for this novel, the details about the WASP program and many of the challenges the women pilots faced in trying to gain formal recognition for their contribution to the war effort and the U.S. military. Ida's struggle to both be herself and not lose herself permeate the novel, and the author's quick easy style helped me zip through the book in two days.
July 16, 2012
First sentence: "It's Sunday afternoon, and the phonograph player is jumping like a clown in a parade the way Jolene and I are dancing."
Ida Mae Jones just wants to fly. Ever since her father taught her in his crop duster, she has never felt more at home than in the cockpit of a plane. Now there is a war on and Ida Mae wants to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) to help with the war effort. The only roadblock is that the WASP does not accept African-American girls. Ida Mae faces the difficult choice of passing as white or giving up her dream of flying.
I haven't read a lot of books about World War II and knew next to nothing about the WASP before reading this book. This book was a great, well-researched introduction to this part of the war. The WASP ferried planes across the country so they could be delivered overseas, hauled targets for artillery practice, and tested planes before the male pilots flew them. They faced many dangers and some of them made the ultimate sacrifice. However, instead of respect they received discrimination. It took 30 years for Congress to award them full military honors and benefits. They were seen as "loose" women who didn't know their place instead of women doing their part for the war effort. The book did a great job of showing what these women went through.
The author also does well in showing the racial attitudes of the day. Ida Mae being a light-skinned African-American has to deal with prejudice in a different way. She didn't really belong to either side of the color line. Her darker skinned counterparts feel that she thinks she is better than them with her "good hair" and "light skin." And although, she is good at passing for white there is always that fear that she will be found out. It was an interesting take on the racial divide.
My only problem with this book is the ending. The book just stops. Its not mid-scene or a cliffhanger leading into a sequel. Its just all the sudden BAM the end. I would have liked more of an epilogue about what happened after with everyone. I very much dislike open endings.
The book was very well-researched and a great story that seldom gets told. The characters are extremely compelling and easy to relate to. The book has a very good message about following one's dreams and making tough choices. I enjoyed it very much. It's well worth a read. (By the way, Defying Gravity from the Wicked soundtrack is an awesome accompaniment to the book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD-1Qs...).
Ida Mae Jones just wants to fly. Ever since her father taught her in his crop duster, she has never felt more at home than in the cockpit of a plane. Now there is a war on and Ida Mae wants to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) to help with the war effort. The only roadblock is that the WASP does not accept African-American girls. Ida Mae faces the difficult choice of passing as white or giving up her dream of flying.
I haven't read a lot of books about World War II and knew next to nothing about the WASP before reading this book. This book was a great, well-researched introduction to this part of the war. The WASP ferried planes across the country so they could be delivered overseas, hauled targets for artillery practice, and tested planes before the male pilots flew them. They faced many dangers and some of them made the ultimate sacrifice. However, instead of respect they received discrimination. It took 30 years for Congress to award them full military honors and benefits. They were seen as "loose" women who didn't know their place instead of women doing their part for the war effort. The book did a great job of showing what these women went through.
The author also does well in showing the racial attitudes of the day. Ida Mae being a light-skinned African-American has to deal with prejudice in a different way. She didn't really belong to either side of the color line. Her darker skinned counterparts feel that she thinks she is better than them with her "good hair" and "light skin." And although, she is good at passing for white there is always that fear that she will be found out. It was an interesting take on the racial divide.
My only problem with this book is the ending. The book just stops. Its not mid-scene or a cliffhanger leading into a sequel. Its just all the sudden BAM the end. I would have liked more of an epilogue about what happened after with everyone. I very much dislike open endings.
The book was very well-researched and a great story that seldom gets told. The characters are extremely compelling and easy to relate to. The book has a very good message about following one's dreams and making tough choices. I enjoyed it very much. It's well worth a read. (By the way, Defying Gravity from the Wicked soundtrack is an awesome accompaniment to the book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD-1Qs...).
April 4, 2020
Like Ida, the main character, this book was strong and inspiring.
At first, reading about Ida's life on her family's strawberry farm was a little dull, but I was immediately engrossed when she arrived on the base, when her soon-to-be best friends Patsy and Lily were introduced. I love books that illustrates strong friendships (like my last read, The Serpent King). Ida, Patsy, and Lily had extremely different personalities, but they were all united by one goal - to become a WASP - which brought them together.
Speaking of which, I noticed that Ida never told Patsy and Lily her true race. Though I don't think this matters, because Ida could pass for a white girl and a colored girl so easily, it was as if race didn't matter. Ida had the same goal as all the others, and race didn't stop her.
This story also presented a side of World War II that isn't mentioned often - the female side. All too often, we think of men as military heroes, but what about women? They aren't just Rosie the Riveters! It surprises me that it wasn't until the 1970s that the WASP program was finally approved. After overlooking race, people still couldn't look past gender?
Overall, this was an empowering read. Definitely recommend!
At first, reading about Ida's life on her family's strawberry farm was a little dull, but I was immediately engrossed when she arrived on the base, when her soon-to-be best friends Patsy and Lily were introduced. I love books that illustrates strong friendships (like my last read, The Serpent King). Ida, Patsy, and Lily had extremely different personalities, but they were all united by one goal - to become a WASP - which brought them together.
Speaking of which, I noticed that Ida never told Patsy and Lily her true race. Though I don't think this matters, because Ida could pass for a white girl and a colored girl so easily, it was as if race didn't matter. Ida had the same goal as all the others, and race didn't stop her.
This story also presented a side of World War II that isn't mentioned often - the female side. All too often, we think of men as military heroes, but what about women? They aren't just Rosie the Riveters! It surprises me that it wasn't until the 1970s that the WASP program was finally approved. After overlooking race, people still couldn't look past gender?
Overall, this was an empowering read. Definitely recommend!
Read
February 2, 2017Graded By: Jennie
Cover Story: Big Face, Pilot Edition
BFF Charm: Yay
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: WASP
Bonus Factor: Trampling the Patriarchy
Relationship Status: Co-Pilot
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Big Face, Pilot Edition
BFF Charm: Yay
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: WASP
Bonus Factor: Trampling the Patriarchy
Relationship Status: Co-Pilot
Read the full book report here.
January 31, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, a lot. It was a very interesting story that continued to hold my interest from start to finish.
December 6, 2017
LOVE IT!!!!!1
December 24, 2018
All around excellent.
I loved Ida Mae's voice, and I felt her pain every time she faced a hurdle. Despite entering the story knowing the history of the WASP, I couldn't help holding my breath for every opportunity she hoped for. Sherri L. Smith made it feel so very real.
I loved Ida Mae's voice, and I felt her pain every time she faced a hurdle. Despite entering the story knowing the history of the WASP, I couldn't help holding my breath for every opportunity she hoped for. Sherri L. Smith made it feel so very real.
December 10, 2018
I received an ARC of Flygirl ages ago and let it sit idly on my bookshelf. I procrastinated reading it thinking it was going to be a trite, stereotypically emotional book pounding its message into my head at the expense of good writing and good storytelling. Once I finally picked up the book and started reading, I was dismayed that I'd waited so long to read this book.
In some ways, the story and plot were what I expected to find. A black girl living in the south in mid-1900s…trying to find her own identity while having it constantly defined by those around her (by both whites and blacks). As the title and synopsis indicate, she finds her strongest sense of identity defined by her absolute passion for flying…and especially for the freedom and exhilaration it brings to her.
The synopsis explains that this story is about Ida Mae Jones and what happens when she decides to join the WASP (Women's Airforce Service Pilots). However, the first third of the book is about her life in Slidell, Louisiana. We meet her friends, her family and see a bit of her interactions around town. We also learn about Ida Mae's passion to be a pilot. The writing is smooth and believable and really draws you into what it might have been like to be a young black girl in Louisiana in 1941.
Before long, we are given historical notes about America entering the war and about the sacrifices that people had to make. Finally, we learn about the WASP program and see Ida Mae grapple with the difficult decision of what she should do. As you know from the synopsis, she decides to try out for WASP and she ends up being accepted into the program. But in order to do so, she finds herself needing to "pass" as a white woman. She never explicitly says to anyone that she is white…but she doesn't have to. By dressing herself more "white" and by moving into white circles, she is essentially silently telling people she is no longer "black."
I loved that this book was written in first person. By having it in first person it allowed us to get very close to Ida Mae and to feel her anxieties, her regrets, her successes and her fears. I was very worried for her safety many times through her training and missions…not just because of the military aspect, but because her "passing" would have gotten her into a lot of trouble.
I found this book not only very entertaining but very interesting and educational. It was clear that the author did a lot of research on the era, on the war, on the WASP program and on most everything she shared with us in this novel. I really felt like I was reading about true moments from 1940s America.
My only real problem with the book was how it ended…not that it ended bad, but the position in which it ended. The end of the book leaves Ida Mae with a difficult decision about what to do with her future. And while I felt the author handled the ending very well and had Ida Mae make the decision that best fit her character and her life, I really wanted to know what happened next…in the following months, years, etc. Granted, that sort of speculation would be a hard ending to make and would result in a lot of problems for a writer and a reader. So it's probably best that we're left not knowing what happened next and we're thus left having to assume what happened based on what's presented in our novel and our own knowledge of the history of the times.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick but very engaging read. The history, descriptions, characters, and actions were all vivid, entertaining and thought provoking. While not an action packed war novel, you did feel the anxiety of being in America during World War II as well as the stress and worry of Ida Mae as she struggled to find part of her identity while hiding another part. Even though this is a "young adult" novel due to its young characters and simpler writing/plot style, I found this to be a great read and could recommend it to teens or adults without problem. If you have any interest at all in WWII, black-white relations in the mid-1900s or aviation/air-force and women's place in it, then you'll enjoy this book. And if you don't have much/any interest in those things, I dare say this book may spark some interest for you. It's well written and very accessible even if you know nothing about those topics…and it's interesting enough that you may just find yourself wanting to know more.
****
3.5 out of 5 stars
In some ways, the story and plot were what I expected to find. A black girl living in the south in mid-1900s…trying to find her own identity while having it constantly defined by those around her (by both whites and blacks). As the title and synopsis indicate, she finds her strongest sense of identity defined by her absolute passion for flying…and especially for the freedom and exhilaration it brings to her.
The synopsis explains that this story is about Ida Mae Jones and what happens when she decides to join the WASP (Women's Airforce Service Pilots). However, the first third of the book is about her life in Slidell, Louisiana. We meet her friends, her family and see a bit of her interactions around town. We also learn about Ida Mae's passion to be a pilot. The writing is smooth and believable and really draws you into what it might have been like to be a young black girl in Louisiana in 1941.
Before long, we are given historical notes about America entering the war and about the sacrifices that people had to make. Finally, we learn about the WASP program and see Ida Mae grapple with the difficult decision of what she should do. As you know from the synopsis, she decides to try out for WASP and she ends up being accepted into the program. But in order to do so, she finds herself needing to "pass" as a white woman. She never explicitly says to anyone that she is white…but she doesn't have to. By dressing herself more "white" and by moving into white circles, she is essentially silently telling people she is no longer "black."
I loved that this book was written in first person. By having it in first person it allowed us to get very close to Ida Mae and to feel her anxieties, her regrets, her successes and her fears. I was very worried for her safety many times through her training and missions…not just because of the military aspect, but because her "passing" would have gotten her into a lot of trouble.
I found this book not only very entertaining but very interesting and educational. It was clear that the author did a lot of research on the era, on the war, on the WASP program and on most everything she shared with us in this novel. I really felt like I was reading about true moments from 1940s America.
My only real problem with the book was how it ended…not that it ended bad, but the position in which it ended. The end of the book leaves Ida Mae with a difficult decision about what to do with her future. And while I felt the author handled the ending very well and had Ida Mae make the decision that best fit her character and her life, I really wanted to know what happened next…in the following months, years, etc. Granted, that sort of speculation would be a hard ending to make and would result in a lot of problems for a writer and a reader. So it's probably best that we're left not knowing what happened next and we're thus left having to assume what happened based on what's presented in our novel and our own knowledge of the history of the times.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick but very engaging read. The history, descriptions, characters, and actions were all vivid, entertaining and thought provoking. While not an action packed war novel, you did feel the anxiety of being in America during World War II as well as the stress and worry of Ida Mae as she struggled to find part of her identity while hiding another part. Even though this is a "young adult" novel due to its young characters and simpler writing/plot style, I found this to be a great read and could recommend it to teens or adults without problem. If you have any interest at all in WWII, black-white relations in the mid-1900s or aviation/air-force and women's place in it, then you'll enjoy this book. And if you don't have much/any interest in those things, I dare say this book may spark some interest for you. It's well written and very accessible even if you know nothing about those topics…and it's interesting enough that you may just find yourself wanting to know more.
****
3.5 out of 5 stars
March 20, 2020
"If you're colored, you get the short end of the stick. If you're a woman, you get the short end of the stick. So what do we get for being colored and women?"
Jolene sighs. "Beat hard with both ends of a short stick."
1941
Ida Mae Jones is a young woman. A black young woman. A black young woman with a colour of skin that could pass as white. Her job is cleaning and washing for the wealthy whites but she loves to fly. When the opportunity comes to fly and to help with the war with WASP, she had to do it, even if she had to pretend not to be a coloured person.
My grandfather told me that war is about sacrifice. We don't get any medals for the things we do. We don't get a parade when we go home. That's for the boys. And I'm sure they'll deserve it. My brother deserves it and then some. But what my granddad didn't know is that women sacrifice all the time.
1944
She's made a couple of close friends even if she couldn't tell them (yet) that she's a Negro. She's determined to finish the war in WASP and will tell them after the war. She's worked hard. She's proved her worth. Yet it matters not for she's still got that extra letter in her gender.
Life isn't black and white. It's black or white. Anything else is just a mess.
Flygirl is a rather short & straight-forward book. It has a particular message in mind and that's that. The author has noted that while it was not based on any particular historical personage, many things are inspired by history. I do like WW2 stories especially when they are about women and their courage & resilience and while these women did not actually go to the battlefield, they serve & sacrifice as much as they could. I particularly enjoyed the friendships, the family, and the ladies' sassiness in this novel.
Jolene sighs. "Beat hard with both ends of a short stick."
1941
Ida Mae Jones is a young woman. A black young woman. A black young woman with a colour of skin that could pass as white. Her job is cleaning and washing for the wealthy whites but she loves to fly. When the opportunity comes to fly and to help with the war with WASP, she had to do it, even if she had to pretend not to be a coloured person.
My grandfather told me that war is about sacrifice. We don't get any medals for the things we do. We don't get a parade when we go home. That's for the boys. And I'm sure they'll deserve it. My brother deserves it and then some. But what my granddad didn't know is that women sacrifice all the time.
1944
She's made a couple of close friends even if she couldn't tell them (yet) that she's a Negro. She's determined to finish the war in WASP and will tell them after the war. She's worked hard. She's proved her worth. Yet it matters not for she's still got that extra letter in her gender.
Life isn't black and white. It's black or white. Anything else is just a mess.
Flygirl is a rather short & straight-forward book. It has a particular message in mind and that's that. The author has noted that while it was not based on any particular historical personage, many things are inspired by history. I do like WW2 stories especially when they are about women and their courage & resilience and while these women did not actually go to the battlefield, they serve & sacrifice as much as they could. I particularly enjoyed the friendships, the family, and the ladies' sassiness in this novel.
January 19, 2009
Ida Mae loves to fly and dreams of being a licensed pilot. But she has two big obstacles living in the American south in the 1940’s – she’s a woman and she’s black. When the US enters World War II and Ida Mae reads about the Women Airforce Service Pilots program, she decides to apply. Because she knows she has no chance to be admitted into the program as a black, she decides to try to pass as white (which she can thanks to her light skin), even though her family is against it.
This is a solid and inspiring novel about following your dreams no matter the risks (and what rules you have to break). Ida Mae doesn’t want to hurt her family by passing as white, and to allay her mother’s fears that she is turning her back on her heritage she says:
“I wasn’t hiding anything when I went into that room and face-to-face with an actual woman Army Air Forces pilot. And do you know what she saw? Not a negro woman, not a white woman, not a high yellow. But a pilot, Mama. A good pilot they need. Don’t you see? This is what daddy used to fly for. The chance to be everything other than the color of his skin.”
The race element is a theme which adds tension throughout, as once Ida Mae is accepted, she lives in fear of being found out. But we also learn a lot about what women went through to prove themselves as pilots and get to know the kinds of women who would take such a challenge on. It reminded me in tone and story a bit of “A League of their Own”, the movie about women who were allowed to play professional baseball while all the men were off to war, but who were unfortunately never going to be taken seriously outside wartime. It educates while it entertains, which is something I always look for in a historical novel.
This is a solid and inspiring novel about following your dreams no matter the risks (and what rules you have to break). Ida Mae doesn’t want to hurt her family by passing as white, and to allay her mother’s fears that she is turning her back on her heritage she says:
“I wasn’t hiding anything when I went into that room and face-to-face with an actual woman Army Air Forces pilot. And do you know what she saw? Not a negro woman, not a white woman, not a high yellow. But a pilot, Mama. A good pilot they need. Don’t you see? This is what daddy used to fly for. The chance to be everything other than the color of his skin.”
The race element is a theme which adds tension throughout, as once Ida Mae is accepted, she lives in fear of being found out. But we also learn a lot about what women went through to prove themselves as pilots and get to know the kinds of women who would take such a challenge on. It reminded me in tone and story a bit of “A League of their Own”, the movie about women who were allowed to play professional baseball while all the men were off to war, but who were unfortunately never going to be taken seriously outside wartime. It educates while it entertains, which is something I always look for in a historical novel.
April 28, 2017
Well, I've always wanted to fly an airplane myself, so I could relate to Ida Mae's ambitions very well in this story. I was fascinated particularly by the double prejudice against her-- being female and being black. I just can't understand the attitude of thinking of someone lesser than you because their skin color is different. It just doesn't make sense. And yet, that's how it was back during World War II. Ida Mae's successful attempt to "pass" as a white person seemed so unnecessary to me, and yet, that's how it was back then. I didn't realize, however, that once you crossed over into another social stratum you could never cross back to your roots. I was also very interested in the way the military then had a double standard for black soldiers and white, and for men as opposed to women. I can't understand how rational people would think that way. Another thing I liked about the book was the way Smith depicted life back home, and how some people felt that saving scrap metal and nylon for the military just wasn't enough.
This book was fascinating--I read it in one sitting. It's sure to provoke discussion if used in a classroom setting. Highly recommended!
This book was fascinating--I read it in one sitting. It's sure to provoke discussion if used in a classroom setting. Highly recommended!
July 28, 2013
Fictionalized accounts of the Women Airforce Service Pilots are rare, and one about an African-American trying to make her way into the group is unique. As a young-adult book, this is a wonderful introduction into an obscure part of American history. Ida Mae demonstrates that she not only can do what caucasian men can do, but that she can think on her feet and find somewhat "creative" ways around the restrictions. Whether this could be construed as fraud or whether she is merely doing what she had to do under unfair circumstances might be topic for discussion.
My complaint about the book is that Smith left several strings untied. What happened to the friendship with Jolene? What happened with the love interest? What did Ida Mae do after the war? I wanted a happy ending,and Smith left the end relatively vague. On the other hand, after taking over so many occupations for men while they were away at war, I'm guessing many women felt left adrift when they were told they were no longer necessary. Perhaps Smith was intentionally creating a similar feeling with her novel.
My complaint about the book is that Smith left several strings untied. What happened to the friendship with Jolene? What happened with the love interest? What did Ida Mae do after the war? I wanted a happy ending,and Smith left the end relatively vague. On the other hand, after taking over so many occupations for men while they were away at war, I'm guessing many women felt left adrift when they were told they were no longer necessary. Perhaps Smith was intentionally creating a similar feeling with her novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2013
The book FlyGirl by Sherri L. Smith was an intriguing book. I would give it a four out of five star rating. The beginning on the book was a little slow and it took a long time to get the the main event. This book is about a light skinned african american girl named Ida Mae Jones and she wants to be a pilot for the United States military and do her best to help America in World War 2. She reads about a program where women can learn to fly, the only problem is that it is for white people. So, in order to follow her dream, she uses her light skin to pass as white. Along the way, Ida makes many friends, although none of them know her real identity. She also losses some friends while in the process of trying to make an impression to multiple American army generals. In conclusion, I would suggest reading this book if you ever need something to read because it is informative an an interesting story.
September 25, 2013
I enjoyed the experience of seeing the world through a young woman's eyes in the 1940's. And not just any woman- one who wants to do her part in the war effort by joining the "man's army" to be a pilot! The author really brings to light what it was like to live in segregation and for women to be told they can't do anything outside of being a housewife or secretary. Society truly feowned upon women having dreams to become more than a stay at home mom. It was empowering to see the main character, Ida Mae Jones, soar above it all, not just in a plane, but also as a WASP. (Women Airforce Service Pilot) I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down!
March 16, 2011
AS I mentioned earlier, this is very readable historical fiction. It would be a great addition to a collection to support WWI reads as well as Women's History. Now, I want something similar for my elementary library. I think the tone of this book is above most of my elementary upper grade readers, not inappropriate, but just "boring" to them. I'm looking for a book that relates the strength of women and their place in history. Maybe I'll write it myself, and then I'll have the book I want. :)
March 6, 2016
This book is a heck of a good story. You could really see the research behind this novell. Although I think it's missing some plot here and there, it still was a quick and fun read. Opend up to a lot of thoughts about racism, family and friends. Big plus for really littel romantic sub plot. If you like WWII story's and kick ass, you will enjoy this book.
February 6, 2019
I don't think I would have found this book if it weren't for ELA, but tbh I enjoyed it. It was a great read and definitely made me want to cry at some points. This was a great historical fiction book and I think it's definitely a worthwhile read.
July 13, 2017
Such a beautiful story.
November 29, 2023
First off, I've got to say I'm not sure why this historical fiction novel is in the children's and young adult categories, as it isn't a novel about adolescents/teenagers. Ida Mae and her peers are young but grown women.
Now, I was certainly intrigued by the book blurb, which I actually read beforehand. (Something I often don't do.) While the novel has relevant details about the WASP and WWII—and it illustrates how, in general, the war was as much of a major part of Black Americans' lives as any other Americans—the story is a "What if...?" type when it comes to the issue of Ida Mae passing to join the WASP. The author mentions afterward that there's no evidence that any Black women were in the WASP program, through passing or otherwise.
Nevertheless, the story does a pretty good job of pointing out several racial complexities and complications that would crop up in real life. (Heads-up that a couple of minor characters use the N-word.) Although I can't say the emotional and character development were that strong for me, rather serious points of conflict do arise for Ida, particularly after a certain point in the book.
However, the story comes to an abrupt, open-ended conclusion, resolving none of those points. There's a little in the epilogue for readers to guess about and to imagine Ida Mae's future however they wish. While I get that open-ended endings are an actual thing in certain novels, they aren't my thing, personally. Whether it's a happy ending, a sad ending, or a mix of both, I prefer closure at a novel's closing. Especially if the book has no sequel.
I'm not sorry I gave this novel a go, though. And for readers who'd be interested in historical fiction presenting how Black American women actually did serve during WWII, I'd recommend checking out the novel Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson.
Now, I was certainly intrigued by the book blurb, which I actually read beforehand. (Something I often don't do.) While the novel has relevant details about the WASP and WWII—and it illustrates how, in general, the war was as much of a major part of Black Americans' lives as any other Americans—the story is a "What if...?" type when it comes to the issue of Ida Mae passing to join the WASP. The author mentions afterward that there's no evidence that any Black women were in the WASP program, through passing or otherwise.
Nevertheless, the story does a pretty good job of pointing out several racial complexities and complications that would crop up in real life. (Heads-up that a couple of minor characters use the N-word.) Although I can't say the emotional and character development were that strong for me, rather serious points of conflict do arise for Ida, particularly after a certain point in the book.
However, the story comes to an abrupt, open-ended conclusion, resolving none of those points. There's a little in the epilogue for readers to guess about and to imagine Ida Mae's future however they wish. While I get that open-ended endings are an actual thing in certain novels, they aren't my thing, personally. Whether it's a happy ending, a sad ending, or a mix of both, I prefer closure at a novel's closing. Especially if the book has no sequel.
I'm not sorry I gave this novel a go, though. And for readers who'd be interested in historical fiction presenting how Black American women actually did serve during WWII, I'd recommend checking out the novel Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson.
October 10, 2017
Ida Mae Jones is a young black girl living in Louisiana. Ever since she was a little girl and her father showed her how to fly, she has wanted to be a pilot. The only problem is it’s 1940, and discrimination against both blacks and women is very strong. When her brother goes off and joins the military, she is very upset. Then she learns about the program that the US Army has formed, called the WASP: Women Airforce Service Pilots. Ida Mae happens to have very light skin for a black girl, so she decides to try to pass as white in order to get into the program. Once she gets in, however, she realizes that it is not as glorious as she thought it would be. Written by Sherri L. Smith in 2008, I was not a huge fan of this book because I found it a bit dry at times and I also thought that it was below my reading level.
The author Sherri L. Smith has written a number of other similar books about the struggles faced by black people. Her characters were kind of developed but I felt like a lot of them were similar in the way they talked and acted. It was difficult to find a defining trait that was specific to certain characters. I found them rather relatable, but I would suggest adding some variety to some of the supporting characters so it doesn’t seem like they are all the same. However, I thought that the story was well told, and the theme of the importance of not judging people was well delivered. The plot was interesting and it held my attention for the most part, but it was a little predictable and trite at times. The story takes place in multiple places, mainly Louisiana and Texas. Although it is not exactly the same, at times this book reminded me of the movie 42 because both are about the struggles and discrimination faced by black people at this time in America. Racism is evident in this book, but it is not presented in a controversial way. This book was a higher reading level than some of her other works, like Lucy the Giant or Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet, but I still think this book would be appropriate for grades 7-10 or ages 12-15. In my opinion, girls would be more likely to enjoy this book than boys would.
The author Sherri L. Smith has written a number of other similar books about the struggles faced by black people. Her characters were kind of developed but I felt like a lot of them were similar in the way they talked and acted. It was difficult to find a defining trait that was specific to certain characters. I found them rather relatable, but I would suggest adding some variety to some of the supporting characters so it doesn’t seem like they are all the same. However, I thought that the story was well told, and the theme of the importance of not judging people was well delivered. The plot was interesting and it held my attention for the most part, but it was a little predictable and trite at times. The story takes place in multiple places, mainly Louisiana and Texas. Although it is not exactly the same, at times this book reminded me of the movie 42 because both are about the struggles and discrimination faced by black people at this time in America. Racism is evident in this book, but it is not presented in a controversial way. This book was a higher reading level than some of her other works, like Lucy the Giant or Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet, but I still think this book would be appropriate for grades 7-10 or ages 12-15. In my opinion, girls would be more likely to enjoy this book than boys would.
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