Exceptional.
This account of women aviators during World War II is distinctive for its presentation.
This tribute to women in flight traces the dreams of three fictional, representative girls—an American woman named Hazel, an Englishwoman named Marlene, and a Russian woman named Lilya—who pursue their passion for flying against many odds. Aptly labeled “creative nonfiction,” the narrative focuses on the spirits and determination of the women and less so on plain facts. Each struggles against many inequities of gender bias, especially American and British regulations that hold women back from combat even though they have received the same training the men do—Lilya, on the other hand, is part of an all-female Soviet combat regiment. The design elements make the book soar: a larger-than-usual format, airy wash illustrations, and page composition that flows from spot art to one- and two-page spreads. Especially effective are the pages of multiple small images detailing the women in various phases of daily life. Even the paper quality stands out. This homage to the historic efforts of women determined to fly is a special addition to women’s studies that provides an unusual context and somewhat communal point of view based on actual events. While there are numerous adult and older reader titles on the subject, there are few for a younger age group.
Exceptional. (author’s note, bibliography) (Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 4, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-911171-88-1
Page Count: 88
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Review Posted Online: July 23, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Another too-little-known chapter in African-American history is revealed in this rich story of the first free black settlement to legally exist in what later became the United States. Founded in 1738 in St. Augustine in what was then Spanish Florida, Fort Mose offered sanctuary to slaves who escaped from English colonies. It would become home to approximately 100 people. Turner begins with the story of Francisco Menendez. With little historical record of his life, the author must speculate on what Menendez's life was like in West Africa before he was captured and sold into slavery in South Carolina. She does so responsibly, reminding readers of the paucity of source material and extrapolating from what is known of the slave trade at the time. In St. Augustine, Menendez became captain of the black militia that was vital to defending the settlement from English attack and the leader of the Fort Mose community. Illustrated throughout with archival images, this handsomely designed book offers an eye-opening look at a hitherto little-known community and a notable figure in Colonial American history. (glossary, source notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8109-4056-7
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: Aug. 2, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The most intriguing part of Amelia Earhart’s life is often thought to be the way it ended. A mysterious disappearance and an unsolved rescue mission is a powerful story on its own. But Fleming digs deeper and shows readers why everyone—from young girls who looked up to her to the First Lady of the United States—cared so much for this daring woman pilot. Chapters alternate between the days surrounding Earhart’s fateful crash and her growth from child to trailblazer. The narrative shifts could have been maddening, for suspense reasons alone, but a rhythm is established and the two plotlines gracefully fold into the conclusion. The author also astutely reminds readers that Earhart had a public image to uphold and “took an active role in mythologizing her own life,” so even excerpts from Earhart’s published works can never be completely trusted. Handwritten notes, photos, maps and inquisitive sidebars (What did Earhart eat during flight? Tomato juice and chocolate) complete this impeccably researched, appealing package. A stunning look at an equally stunning lady. (bibliography, Internet resources, source notes, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: Feb. 8, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-375-84198-9
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/Random
Review Posted Online: Dec. 29, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2011
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