Yankee Doodle Gals: Women Pilots Of World War II

by Amy Nathan, Eileen Collins (Foreword)

Here is the fascinating story of the first women to fly U.S. military aircraft—the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II. Although these pioneers were never allowed to fly in combat, they did fly in many essential wartime missions—some that the men didn't even want to take on.

Through firsthand accounts, these women share their experiences as they test-fly newly repaired aircraft, drag banners behind their planes so male trainees can practice shooting moving targets (!), and ferry all kinds of aircraft from factories to military bases. Their courage, determination, and lively camaraderie make every page inspiring and surprising.

Yankee Doodle Gals will give today's young people a new look at World War II and show them just how dramatically society has changed since then.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Aviation, Childrens, Military History, American History

89 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

My books cover a wide range of topics, from women's history to dance to allowances to how to make practicing a musical instrument — or doing homework — less of a hassle.

However, all my books have something in common: They introduce you to amazing people whose stories have inspired me and, I hope, will spur you to keep following your dreams, no matter what kinds of obstacles may pop up from time to time that may seem to block your way. These people found ways around the obstacles they encountered. They all have fascinating stories to tell. I'm glad to have had a chance to get to know them so I can share their stories and ideas with you through my books.

With many of the people I write about, I was lucky enough to be able to interview them. I love interviewing people, speaking with them to find out more about what they like to do, how they've handled the different challenges they've faced in their lives, and what advice they have for kids today. I also love reading about people who lived long ago, something I did for COUNT ON US, which tells the story of women who pitched in to defend the nation from the Revolutionary War on. As a kid growing up in Baltimore, my favorite books were biographies and historical fiction. I remember walking down to my neighborhood branch library every week during the summers after fifth, sixth and seventh grades, to check out yet another biography. I also enjoyed seeing plays as a kid, and acting in them too sometimes, which is another great way to see the world from another person’s point of view.

I've learned so much from the people I've written about in my books. I hope their stories — and the advice they have for young people — will help you with challenges you might face. Such people as:

** Astonishing dancers from top ballet and modern dance companies, several of whom didn’t have the stereotypical classical ballet body type, but who still managed to find their way to in the world of dance (you can find out about them in MEET THE DANCERS);
** Outstanding musicians of the New York Philharmonic who, amazingly enough, didn't always like to practice when they were kids and have advice for kids today who may feel that way, too (MEET THE MUSICIANS);
** Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and other classical and jazz soloists, many of whom took a while as kids to get into the groove of regular practicing until they discovered for themselves the joy and the fun of music-making (THE YOUNG MUSICIAN'S SURVIVAL GUIDE);
** Gutsy female pilots who flew fighter planes for the Army in World War II when that was definitely not something most people thought a woman should do (YANKEE DOODLE GALS & COUNT ON US);
** A courageous young woman who stood up for her rights at a lonely bus stop in North Carolina back in the summer of 1952, doing her part in the face of grave danger to help bring about the end of the Jim Crow era (TAKE A SEAT-MAKE A STAND);
** Some mighty clever kids who found ways to make homework less of a chore and uncovered the secret to getting a raise in their allowance THE KIDS' ALLOWANCE BOOK & SURVIVING HOMEWORK).

Reviews

[Roxy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geared toward young adults, this is informative and easily read. Much of the history of the WASP I already knew, but the photos are priceless.

[Erin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book targeted at middle school level readers, but also a wonderful read for adults as an introduction to the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II. My grandmother was Elaine Harmon, one of the WASP, and this was her favorite book about the topic, I think because it is easily accessible for readers of all levels and has great photos - the fact that she is quoted and referenced in the book probably didn't hurt either ;)
The author also attended my grandmother's funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

National Geographic overview written as a simple summary of the WASP experience. Good history.

[Kiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic history of American women pilots in WWII (WASPs). Although I found this book in the "juvenile" section of my library, it is eminently readable by adults. There are a few glossing-over moments, but they don't detract from the stories. There are women who flew planes from where they were made to where they would head overseas (ferry pilots), women who dragged canvas targets behind planes so soldiers on the ground could practice shooting at them (!), and women who tested repaired planes to ensure they were ready to go back into service. The book is rich with photographs and quotes from letters and diaries.

Great read about a slice of history I previously knew nothing about! And inspiring to a pilot-in-training. :)

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone needed to know about WASPS and the tremendous role they carried out during WW2 will find this book a treasure. Filled with great photographs and done in easy-to-read writing style, this book is a definite for any library's collection. Starting with a great introduction on how the program started, it takes you through the various stages of the ladies becoming pilots and the numerous duties they carried out for their country. Ending with the unfair disbanding of the program, it also takes you to the start of when the military again started to realize that women can fly planes just as well as men. A great resource book!

[Maggie Mattmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this book out from the library, but this is definitely one that I will buy for my (someday) daughter's library.

I had never heard of the WASP girls, but I am so glad I know about them now, and I will tell others about them now! These are brave, strong women who made a difference! And to think after all the hard work, Congress put a quick end to the program! Still, these women are heroes. The pictures, the information... I'm just so happy I found this book!

Boys will enjoy learning about them as well, but buy this for a young girl in your life!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great add to my middle school shelves. Not only is our mascot the Aviators, my 5th and 6th graders are fascinated with WWII. I also love it because students today have very little knowledge about women's rights and the changes that have occurred within the last century. Amazing piece of US history!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book for hair/costuming purposes, but ended up reading it. It's a juvenile book, but well written. The women who flew during WWII sound strong and interesting and I was impressed by their stories.

[Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides]

Cool concept, but the style is too clearly targeted at the juvenile age group. Has a pretty good bibliography.

[Misti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up at my library because I got interested in women and the war after reading Code Name Verity. It's written for children but still has some interesting things.

[Katharine Ott · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Yankee Doodle Gals: Women Pilots of World War II" - written by Amy Nathan and published in 2001 by National Geographic Children's Books. Lots of interesting details and photographs.

[Harla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great JUV non-fiction for adults! Just enough information to satisfy my need to know without me having to read a 400 page book. I love it. The story of these women is amazing!