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Flying Fillies: The Sky's the Limit
FLYING
The Sky's the Limit
is an engaging WW2 book for kids. This entertaining and educational YA historical fiction dives into an immersive adventure story, celebrating the resilience and bravery of female aviators, known as Women Airforce Service Pilots, WASPs of WW2.
In the wake of the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor, America is thrust into World War II. Amidst this turbulent backdrop, every citizen is called to play their part—including twelve-year-old Dawn Springfield. Facing personal struggles of moving, adjusting to a new school, and losing her beloved horse, now Dawn suddenly finds herself faced with the terrifying reality of war.
Choosing courage over fear, Dawn volunteers at the nearby Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, where her Aunt Georgia is part of the groundbreaking WASP program. This pivotal yet often overlooked war initiative trains civilian women to fly military planes, thus freeing up their male counterparts to serve on the front lines. Dawn watches these fearless women, whom she affectionately terms 'The Flying Fillies.' Their stories of strength, sacrifice, and resilience in overcoming adversity inspire her deeply.
This WW2 children's book isn't just historical fiction. It weaves the thrill of a horse adventure with a coming-of-age story set in one of history's most critical periods. The result is a testament to female empowerment and self-discovery, making it a fun and educational read for kids.
Accompanied by a rich collection of archival images and a glossary of relevant terms, FLYING FILLIES is more than just a kid's historical adventure story. It's a time capsule transporting readers to the heart of the world in conflict from a unique perspective. The stories of the real WW2 female pilots are vividly brought to life, igniting a love for history in young readers. A valuable supplement to the history curriculum in the classroom, libraries, and homeschool environments, this book is a top recommendation for educators, teachers, and parents.
With its rich tapestry of adventure, self-empowerment, and positive role models, FLYING FILLIES is an excellent choice for families seeking engaging and meaningful content for their children.
Embark on this inspiring journey through WWII history with Dawn. Get your copy today and experience the fascinating world of the WASP, where dreams, courage, and the enduring spirit of adventure come together to show that the sky's the limit.
Ages 8+
In the wake of the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor, America is thrust into World War II. Amidst this turbulent backdrop, every citizen is called to play their part—including twelve-year-old Dawn Springfield. Facing personal struggles of moving, adjusting to a new school, and losing her beloved horse, now Dawn suddenly finds herself faced with the terrifying reality of war.
Choosing courage over fear, Dawn volunteers at the nearby Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, where her Aunt Georgia is part of the groundbreaking WASP program. This pivotal yet often overlooked war initiative trains civilian women to fly military planes, thus freeing up their male counterparts to serve on the front lines. Dawn watches these fearless women, whom she affectionately terms 'The Flying Fillies.' Their stories of strength, sacrifice, and resilience in overcoming adversity inspire her deeply.
This WW2 children's book isn't just historical fiction. It weaves the thrill of a horse adventure with a coming-of-age story set in one of history's most critical periods. The result is a testament to female empowerment and self-discovery, making it a fun and educational read for kids.
Accompanied by a rich collection of archival images and a glossary of relevant terms, FLYING FILLIES is more than just a kid's historical adventure story. It's a time capsule transporting readers to the heart of the world in conflict from a unique perspective. The stories of the real WW2 female pilots are vividly brought to life, igniting a love for history in young readers. A valuable supplement to the history curriculum in the classroom, libraries, and homeschool environments, this book is a top recommendation for educators, teachers, and parents.
With its rich tapestry of adventure, self-empowerment, and positive role models, FLYING FILLIES is an excellent choice for families seeking engaging and meaningful content for their children.
Embark on this inspiring journey through WWII history with Dawn. Get your copy today and experience the fascinating world of the WASP, where dreams, courage, and the enduring spirit of adventure come together to show that the sky's the limit.
Ages 8+
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2022
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 7, 2022
I am rounding up to a three because I think most [if not all] readers will not be reading it through as-critical eyes.
First sentence: "How can anyone be pleased about leaving Chicago?" asked Samantha. She was still shocked even though she'd known about the move for weeks.
Premise/plot: Dawn, our protagonist, is super excited to be leaving Chicago for Sweetwater, Texas. Her grandfather lives in Sweetwater and has a horse ranch. She's always wanted to learn to ride horses. Her aunt, a female aviator, will coincidentally soon find herself in Sweetwater as well training to be a WASP. Women Airforce Service Pilots. The setting is historical; this one is set in 1942. The United States is preparing to fight in the war. [War has already been declared].
The plot is two-fold: Dawn loves horses; Dawn loves planes. She pesters her way into being an assistant of sorts [earning herself the nickname Froggy] at the air field. She makes friends with some of the trainees.
My thoughts: BE ye warned ahead of time. A horse will die super-super-super early on. And that's just the start of what may be uncomfortable reading for those with a sensitive nature.
This one is historical fiction. Though the WASP were real. The author has changed ALL the names--though not the name of the training field. I was expecting the names of the trainees to be fictional. I wasn't expecting the names of the women who created/formed/founded the program to be changed as well. That was a little disorienting. For the average reader who wouldn't recognize the names anyway, well, it might not matter in the slightest. But for me, well, it was odd. Historical fiction can include actual, real historical figures too.
While I know that the majority of readers will not be annoyed in the slightest by a 'major'-to-me inaccuracy, it bothered me a good deal. WASP is always, always, always, repeat with me, always WASP. Never in any circumstance WASPS. There's never a good reason for that "s" on the end. It just does not belong. If you wouldn't use the word PILOTSS, you shouldn't use the word WASPS.
I think for me the best part of this one was the back matter. Yes, the back matter had its WASPs moments too. (Unfortunately) But it had some good, basic information that will provide plenty of context for this one. So many photographs. I recognized almost all of the photographs in the WASP section. It was great. The book didn't have to be so thorough in providing information and it was.
I do think the book had its moments of realism.
Personally, I could have done with a little less horses and more of a singular focus. But that's realistic too. It's realistic that people--of all ages--have multiple interests and PASSIONS. Lives are complex and complicated.
Do I recommend it? I realize that all of the things that irritate me would not irritate most readers. So I don't have a problem saying that this would be a good fit for young readers who love historical fiction.
First sentence: "How can anyone be pleased about leaving Chicago?" asked Samantha. She was still shocked even though she'd known about the move for weeks.
Premise/plot: Dawn, our protagonist, is super excited to be leaving Chicago for Sweetwater, Texas. Her grandfather lives in Sweetwater and has a horse ranch. She's always wanted to learn to ride horses. Her aunt, a female aviator, will coincidentally soon find herself in Sweetwater as well training to be a WASP. Women Airforce Service Pilots. The setting is historical; this one is set in 1942. The United States is preparing to fight in the war. [War has already been declared].
The plot is two-fold: Dawn loves horses; Dawn loves planes. She pesters her way into being an assistant of sorts [earning herself the nickname Froggy] at the air field. She makes friends with some of the trainees.
My thoughts: BE ye warned ahead of time. A horse will die super-super-super early on. And that's just the start of what may be uncomfortable reading for those with a sensitive nature.
This one is historical fiction. Though the WASP were real. The author has changed ALL the names--though not the name of the training field. I was expecting the names of the trainees to be fictional. I wasn't expecting the names of the women who created/formed/founded the program to be changed as well. That was a little disorienting. For the average reader who wouldn't recognize the names anyway, well, it might not matter in the slightest. But for me, well, it was odd. Historical fiction can include actual, real historical figures too.
While I know that the majority of readers will not be annoyed in the slightest by a 'major'-to-me inaccuracy, it bothered me a good deal. WASP is always, always, always, repeat with me, always WASP. Never in any circumstance WASPS. There's never a good reason for that "s" on the end. It just does not belong. If you wouldn't use the word PILOTSS, you shouldn't use the word WASPS.
I think for me the best part of this one was the back matter. Yes, the back matter had its WASPs moments too. (Unfortunately) But it had some good, basic information that will provide plenty of context for this one. So many photographs. I recognized almost all of the photographs in the WASP section. It was great. The book didn't have to be so thorough in providing information and it was.
I do think the book had its moments of realism.
Personally, I could have done with a little less horses and more of a singular focus. But that's realistic too. It's realistic that people--of all ages--have multiple interests and PASSIONS. Lives are complex and complicated.
Do I recommend it? I realize that all of the things that irritate me would not irritate most readers. So I don't have a problem saying that this would be a good fit for young readers who love historical fiction.
August 2, 2022
Historical fiction that explores the hardships and accomplishments of a 12 year Dawn, who's life is upended as her family moves to Texas from Chicago to be closer to her grandfather. She has to deal with bullies, death, and adjusting to life in a new place. Her grandfather trains horses for racing and it's always been her dream to have her own horse. Her aunt is transferred from England back to the US to participate in an experimental military program to train female pilots to aid in the war effort. As the base (Avenger Field) is located just a short distance from her new home, Dawn volunteers to assist however she can and becomes friends with the WASPs and integral to the operations at the base.
I love that there is an entire section at the end of the book that has historical photos of the era as well as the WASPs and Avenger Field. These days, it's very common for women and people of color to be in the military, but back in WWII times were different and women and people of color didn't have the same rights or were considered inferior and sadly, most of today's school curriculum overlooks this.
I'm a bit of a history fan when it comes to WWII, so even though this is billed as a novel for young adults, I enjoyed it because it gives a glimpse in to something that isn't covered a lot.... the role women played in the military in WWII.
I'm hoping the author continues Dawn's story, because there is a ton of potential for future novels!
I love that there is an entire section at the end of the book that has historical photos of the era as well as the WASPs and Avenger Field. These days, it's very common for women and people of color to be in the military, but back in WWII times were different and women and people of color didn't have the same rights or were considered inferior and sadly, most of today's school curriculum overlooks this.
I'm a bit of a history fan when it comes to WWII, so even though this is billed as a novel for young adults, I enjoyed it because it gives a glimpse in to something that isn't covered a lot.... the role women played in the military in WWII.
I'm hoping the author continues Dawn's story, because there is a ton of potential for future novels!
July 19, 2022
Flying Fillies is a top recommendation for libraries . . . The engrossing history and psychological pull of the story bring the era and its women to life. More so than most other accounts of World War II for young readers, it connects the dots between personal passion and higher-level thinking and life experiences … Advanced elementary to middle-grade readers receive an enlightening tale of World War II that focuses on the idea, training, and challenges of the WASP and their activities during the war. — D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
July 24, 2022
What a great story! The horses made me cry and the Wasp pilots made me cheer. Finally an historical novel that gives our children the background and history of some very amazing, courageous, and patriotic women during WWII. Dawn sees the female pilots bravery and hard work and starts to incorporate these ideas into her own life. A wonderful story of growing up with real life heroines showing her the way.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews