Flygirl

Name: Flygirl
Brand: Blackstone Audiobooks
Availability: InStock
Author: Sherri L. Smith
ISBN: 9781538547496

Author: Sherri L. Smith

Narrator: Bahni Turpin

Unabridged: 8 hr 36 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Published: 04/24/2018

Categories: Young Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction, United States, Children's Fiction, Historical Stories, Girls & Women

Synopsis

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.

About Sherri L. Smith

Sherri L. Smith is the author of several novels for young adults, including the critically acclaimed Flygirl, Orleans, and The Toymaker’s Apprentice. She lives in Los Angeles.

About Bahni Turpin

Bahni Turpin has guest starred in many television series, including NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Six Feet Under, and Cold Case. Her film credits include Brokedown Palace and Crossroads. She has won numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and three prestigious Audie Awards.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Tamora on 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 pea......more

Goodreads review by Lauren on 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 r......more

Goodreads review by Anne on 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 doi......more

Quotes

“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