Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Bayport Public Library | J 940.544 NAT | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | J 940.544 NAT | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | Q J 940.54 NAT | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
Here is a new UPDATED version of this popular book that tells the fascinating story of the first women to fly U.S. military aircraft-the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II. First published a dozen years ago, Yankee Doodle Gals has now been updated to add new photos and text about the crowning honor the WASP pilots received just three years ago- the Congressional Gold Medal.
These additions, along with an updated Bibliography and Resources section, let Yankee Doodle Gals now cover the full span of the WASPs' inspiring story. Although these pioneers were never allowed to fly in combat, they flew in many essential wartime missions-some that male pilots didn't even want to take on.
Through firsthand accounts, these women share their experiences as they test-fly newly repaired aircraft, drag banners behind their planes so male trainees can practice shooting moving targets with live ammunition (!), and ferry all kinds of aircraft from factories to military bases. Their courage, determination, and lively camaraderie make every page inspiring and surprising.
Yankee Doodle Gals will give today's young people a new look at World War II and show them just how dramatically society has changed since then.
Author Notes
Amy Nathan is the author of several award-winning children's books. Nathan is a graduate of Radcliffe College and has masters degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Columbia's Teachers College. She lives with her husband and two teenage sons in New York State
Reviews (1)
Booklist Review
Gr. 6-9. In 1973, when the U.S. Navy let eight young women sign up for pilot training, they were called the first to fly U.S. military aircraft. Not so! During World War II, a group of women, later almost forgotten, flew fighters and bombers. Though not allowed in combat, they ferried planes to American airbases and tested recently repaired planes. They even played the part of enemy pilots, allowing U.S. troops to have moving targets at which to shoot. These women were the WASPs (Women's Airforce Service Pilots), and Nathan covers their fascinating story, beginning with the formation of the unit and punctuated by individual biographies. Unfortunately, the fact that two women headed up rival WASP factions sometimes makes the narrative flow confusing, but there's plenty of action to involve readers, and the women's perseverance in the face of obstacles is inspiring. Wonderful black-and-white photos extend the text, and a resource guide lists books, videos, and Web sites. A solid addition to the growing body of literature about women in flight. --Ilene Cooper
Table of Contents
| Foreword | p. 5 |
| 1 The Chance of a Lifetime | p. 7 |
| 2 Flying Fever | p. 11 |
| 3 Birth of the Wasps | p. 17 |
| 4 Ready to Sign Up | p. 23 |
| 5 Wash-Out Worries | p. 29 |
| 6 Cood Times, Fun Stuff | p. 41 |
| 7 Sky-High Delivery Service | p. 49 |
| 8 Flying Wrecks - Dodging Bullets | p. 61 |
| 9 The Biggies | p. 67 |
| 10 Sent Home too Soon | p. 75 |
| 11 Up, Up, and Away! | p. 83 |
| Appendix Tips on Becoming a Pilot Today Chronology | p. 86 |
| Resource Guide | p. 87 |
| Acknowledgments and Notes | p. 88 |
| Index | p. 89 |
