Flygirl by Sherri L Smith

Ida Mae Jones dreams of becoming a pilot like her father. During World War II, the army creates the WASP (Women’s Airforce Service Pilots) and Ida becomes determined to join the program, but the WASP program will not accept black women. Ida’s light skin will enable to her pass as a white woman, but to do so she must deny her family and her heritage.

Smith has created a gripping, compelling historical fiction novel that examines a lesser known aspect of American history. Ida is immensely likeable as she struggles to fulfill her dream while maintaining a sense of her identity. Friendships, romance, great flying scenes, and tragedy combine in this poignant novel.