Literary Merit: Written by a journalist, these well researched stories of five women and the hurdles they had to overcome to be able to become pilots, and participate in the dangerous sport of airplane racing are little known parts of our history. Everyone has heard of Amelia Earhart but other women were proving themselves in a “man’s” field, many needing to earn money during the Depression. The first years of aviation were extremely dangerous and expensive. Many sponsors didn’t want to ‘waste’ money by hiring a woman pilot, but many went on to work in aviation jobs and open the door for other women to get their pilot’s license. Includes glossary, tons of source notes with quotations, photo credits, and index.
Characterization: Fiction-like story telling but with quotes, letters, articles to round out the characters.
Audience: Middle Graders, Teens, Adults who have an interest in aviation or daring women.
Recommended: Yes **** ( )