00014382

Although this book was found in the "juvenile" section of my library, it is eminently readable by adults. The 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. 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.
Learn what REALLY happened to the WASPS (women’s airforce service pilots) as in before—with the early pilots and barnstormers—to the formation of the WASPS in 1941, toward post WWII and women fighting for the reorganization of their patriotism and duty.

There are a few glossing-over moments, but they don't detract from the stories. There are women who flew planes from where they were made to where they would head overseas (ferry pilots), women who dragged canvas targets behind planes so soldiers on the ground could practice shooting at them (!), and women who tested repaired planes to ensure they were ready to go back into service.

RGG: Okay accounting of this WWII history. Not the most gripping nonfiction. Reading Level: 10-YA; FP "Y"