Over 1,000 American women served as WASPs—Women Air Force Service Pilots—during World War II. This compelling account relates the history of the organization, from initial resistance by military leadership to the eventual assignment of noncombat flying jobs to female pilots. Personal stories of several of the WASPs draw on a repeated theme of brave, skilled women who flew despite facing many obstacles. Although the pilots were required to comply with all military rules and regulations, the women didn’t have military status so had to buy their own uniforms and pay for their food and housing. They worked without health benefits and were unable to receive honors for exemplary performance or when they died in duty. Regularly harassed and faced with dismissive sexist attitudes by their male commanders and peers, the women showed dedication to their jobs and a willingness to take on any task, all while turning in well-documented high levels of performance. An epilogue describes the changing role of female military pilots since WWII, including a 1977 bill giving WASPS military status, and is followed by an extensive bibliography, notes, and time line. (Age 11 and older)

“A truly inspiring read.” —Booklist (starred review)

“A solid account of women’s contributions as aviators during World War II.” —Kirkus Reviews

In the tradition of Hidden Figures, debut author Patricia Pearson offers a beautifully written account of the remarkable but often forgotten group of female fighter pilots who answered their country’s call in its time of need during World War II.

At the height of World War II, the US Army Airforce faced a desperate need for skilled pilots—but only men were allowed in military airplanes, even if the expert pilots who were training them to fly were women. Through grit and pure determination, 1,100 of these female pilots—who had to prove their worth time and time again—were finally allowed to ferry planes from factories to bases, to tow targets for live ammunition artillery training, to test repaired planes and new equipment, and more.

Though the Women Airforce Service Pilots lived on military bases, trained as military pilots, wore uniforms, marched in review, and sometimes died violently in the line of duty, they were civilian employees and received less pay than men doing the same jobs and no military benefits, not even for burials.

Their story is one of patriotism, the power of positive attitudes, the love of flying, and the willingness to serve others with no concern for personal gain.