Flying Fillies: The Sky's the Limit

by Christy Hui

Overview

FLYING FILLIES: The Sky's the Limit is an engaging WW2 book for kids. This entertaining and educational YA historical fiction dives into an immersive adventure story, celebrating the resilience and bravery of female aviators, known as Women Airforce Service Pilots, WASPs of WW2.

In the wake of the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor, America is thrust into World War II. Amidst this turbulent backdrop, every citizen is called to play their part-including twelve-year-old Dawn Springfield. Facing personal struggles of moving, adjusting to a new school, and losing her beloved horse, now Dawn suddenly finds herself faced with the terrifying reality of war.

Choosing courage over fear, Dawn volunteers at the nearby Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, where her Aunt Georgia is part of the groundbreaking WASP program. This pivotal yet often overlooked war initiative trains civilian women to fly military planes, thus freeing up their male counterparts to serve on the front lines. Dawn watches these fearless women, whom she affectionately terms 'The Flying Fillies.' Their stories of strength, sacrifice, and resilience in overcoming adversity inspire her deeply.

This WW2 children's book isn't just historical fiction. It weaves the thrill of a horse adventure with a coming-of-age story set in one of history's most critical periods. The result is a testament to female empowerment and self-discovery, making it a fun and educational read for kids.

Accompanied by a rich collection of archival images and a glossary of relevant terms, FLYING FILLIES is more than just a kid's historical adventure story. It's a time capsule transporting readers to the heart of the world in conflict from a unique perspective. The stories of the real WW2 female pilots are vividly brought to life, igniting a love for history in young readers. A valuable supplement to the history curriculum in the classroom, libraries, and homeschool environments, this book is a top recommendation for educators, teachers, and parents.

With its rich tapestry of adventure, self-empowerment, and positive role models, FLYING FILLIES is an excellent choice for families seeking engaging and meaningful content for their children.

Embark on this inspiring journey through WWII history with Dawn. Get your copy today and experience the fascinating world of the WASP, where dreams, courage, and the enduring spirit of adventure come together to show that the sky's the limit.

Ages 8+

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798986299815
Publisher:	Brainlush Media Inc.
Publication date:	10/05/2022
Pages:	202
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.46(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

"Glass ceilings are made to be flown through!" Her debut novel, FLYING FILLIES, is a young adult historical fiction introducing readers to the WASP-Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII-timeless heroines who defended freedom with unflinching courage. Set in Sweetwater, Texas, this WW2 kids' adventure story centers on 12-year-old Dawn Springfield, whose love for horses and the trailblazing female pilots shape her growing years.Christy grew up in China, reading every martial arts novel she could find and dreaming of becoming a martial artist. After emigrating to the States as a teenager, she became an award-winning producer and writer. Her works include the Emmy-awarded animated TV series, XIAOLIN SHOWDOWN, produced by Warner Brothers and aired on Cartoon Network worldwide. Passionate about filmmaking, history, and tea, Christy recently directed and produced 9 DRAGONS TEA, a documentary tracing tea's epic journey and how this drink changed the world. Inspired by the WASP, Christy often speaks about self-empowerment. Dedicated to preserving the WASP history, she aims to bring this overlooked chapter of World War II history to the classrooms, inspiring children to grow self-confidence and become trailblazers of tomorrow. Visit FlyingFillies.com for more information.

Editorial Reviews

2022-07-22
In this debut middle-grade novel, a tween girl in the World War II era finds inspiration in female fighter pilots.

Dawn Springfield’s family moves from Chicago to Sweetwater, Texas, to be closer to her grandfather. The 12-year-old girl is devastated by the recent losses of her grandmother and a beloved horse, and she dreads visits from her perpetually angry, always working salesman dad. But things soon look up. She makes a new friend; she gets a new horse; and she reunites with her fighter pilot aunt. Georgia Wells had flown planes for the British Royal Air Force since before America’s involvement in the war. Unfortunately, once the United States joined the conflict, her squadron of female pilots was told to “go home.” Still, the women can offer their skills in Texas, where they’ll ferry damaged, new, and repaired planes to wherever they’re needed. That’s also where Dawn becomes a volunteer for the Women Airforce Service Pilots program. While she’s already in awe of her “fearless,” adventurous aunt, Dawn befriends myriad women who fight to sit in the cockpit, despite the country’s apparent reluctance to accept female pilots. Though Hui’s novel is primarily from a tween’s perspective, there are plenty of spotlights on the historically based pilots. The varied bunch includes those who flew with Georgia in Britain and new recruits in Texas. They face obstacles not just as women grappling for their place in aviation, but as individuals with their own personal lives as well. Dawn, meanwhile, is a superb young hero who takes jerks in stride, be they bullies or her father. Her ambition and her admiration for these pilots are infectious. Sadly, this short novel neither shows the women in the pilot’s seat nor describes the feelings and sights they experience in the air. The author caps off her book with intriguing particulars about real-life WASPs who bravely handled numerous challenging and dangerous assignments in wartime.

An engrossing tale of women fighting for a chance to defend their country.

Kirkus Reviews