World War I and Sherri L. Smith

During World War II, women didn’t have a say concerning the perilous event that led countries to fight and caused death that’s unforgettable. All they could do is sit back and donate necessary items that are needed while others joined the military. Even though the women never received any recognition of the hard work, they contribute for the freedom and rights like any man would which was put into many effort, sweat, and tears showing that they also play a vital role for their country. In the historical fiction book, Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith, the readers look though the eyes of a colored girl named Ida Mae Jones as she uses her light skin to pass as a white due having a fervent desire to join the Women Airforce Services Pilots (WASP). Despite the consequences that might occur throughout the two hundred and seventy five pages, Ida Mae will do anything to join WASP due to her father and the passion to help her country. Ida Mae Jones who’s a Louisiana girl always had the passion to be up in air since her father came home with a pilot license in his hand and even after his death, she still has the desire. When the Americans enter War World II, the government starts to recruit women pilots to fly non-combat missions which cause Ida to join due to the desire to fly and help her enlisted brother instead of cleaning homes during the weekends while also being helpless. The only problem that stands n her way is being colored but due to her being light skinned, the situation is solved the situation; however, the realization that a new name and outfit can’t really hide who a person really is. Throughout the book, Ida Mae Jones experiences the pain of losing a close friend physically and mentally, the burden that comes from denying one’s identity and family, and the forbid able relationship with a white man.