Under Amelia's Wing

Ginny Ross Series #2

by Heather Stemp

It's 1936, and against all odds—but not without a few stumbles—Ginny Ross has made it to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Otherwise known as the academic home of her friend and mentor, Amelia Earhart.) For Ginny, this is the next step toward her dream of becoming a pilot, but it's harder than she expected: as the only girl in her mechanical engineering program, she constantly has to prove she deserves to be there. Ginny is determined not to let the jeers of her classmates and the opinions of some backwards-thinking professors hold her back, but she is a world away from her home in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland.

When Amelia takes off in 1937 to fly around the globe, Ginny can't shake a feeling of foreboding. Aviation is still relatively new and communication between air and ground is patchy at best. Then Amelia disappears without a trace, and Ginny must figure out if she has what it takes to forge ahead without her mentor. With the threat of the Second World War looming large, Ginny will need every bit of salty east coast grit she can muster.

Featuring historical photos of Amelia's time at Purdue University (1935–37), this STEM-friendly novel will appeal to anyone who has suffered from imposter syndrome and has had to prove their worth—to others and themselves.

Genres: Historical Fiction

232 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2020

About the author

I was born Heather Ross in 1945. My father was Billy Ross, from Amelia and Me, and my mother was Peggy Waddell, a war bride from Greenock, Scotland. She and my dad met in Scotland during the Second World War.

I live in North Bay, Ontario, with my husband Don. We have two sons, four grandchildren, and two grand dogs. After 30 years of teaching, I retired and wrote Amelia and Me so my grandchildren would know their roots. I also wanted to share the rich history of Harbour Grace, Newfoundland.

My second book, Under Amelia's Wing, is the sequel to Amelia and Me was released in September 2020.Beyond Amelia, the third book in the series, is now available.

Reviews

[Karen Upper]

I found myself to be an invisible bystander as Ginny Ross experiences post secondary education in a time when young women were still considered that they should pursue household, nursing or teaching occupations.....not venturing at all into the masculine subjects like engineering!
After she convinces her mother that her chosen career path in flight is what she desires most, smooth waters are not a guarantee for Ginny as she arrives on campus of a prestigious school. Facing many harassment and prejudices, Ginny inadvertently becomes as much as a pioneer as her mentor and friend, Amelia Earhart.
This story truly captures, a special moment in time .... women’s roles regarding technology and science and World War Two..... leaving the reader wondering where Ginny’s choices will lead her!

Although this is the second book in a trilogy, there is enough of a backstory, that a reader can easily follow the story.

Five Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Highly recommended!!

Thank you to Nimbus for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Slade]

Under Amelia’s Wing, is the second book in the Ginny Ross series by Heather Stemp. Ginny is now 16 and is at Purdue University to study mechanical engineering, and following her dreams and becoming a pilot like her idol Amelia Earhart. The quote in the story:
“Most people think engineers and pilots should be men.”… “If you’re going to be a trailblazer, you have to get used to people who think differently from you.” page 109, sums up what her first year was like. While reading about Ginny’s battles with rigid gender stereotypes, I found myself cheering her on. And knowing these battles are based on true events, gets a fist pump. The visits and motivational speeches by Amelia Earhart in the story would be inspiring to any young lady reading this.
“Each of us has to find her own path and stick to it no matter what.” Page 115

Despite the fact that this was the second in a series, it could easily be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to reading the last installment in the Ginny Ross trilogy.

[Pam Withers]

This is fiction inspired by a real story, and is a valuable contribution to understanding life for girls and women in 1936. It also portrays what someone with passion and determination can do against all odds. I like that it includes historical photos, and stands by itself even though it is book No. 2 in a series. The writing moves the reader along, and many girls will enjoy this glimpse into the history of aviation.

[Randy]

The struggle that women in the 1930s, like Amelia Earhart, must have felt is brought to life in this Red Maple nominee. Through Ginny's story we learn about the period between the wars when women were fighting for their right to education and began to make their way into fields dominated by men. The support some men provided for these women is admirable and Stemp does a good job of dropping us into that world.

[avaa ᥫ᭡.]

AMAZING

[🍀Maggie🍀]

Such an interesting read; I highly recommend :)

[Vasilisa Premydrova]

2.3, loved the historical aspect of this story and the relationships of the characters. It was a good book.

[Andrew Sibbald]

Better written than the first book, this helps one understand women's higher education in North America in the 1930's and shows that the protagonist is one tough cookie--but friends really help.

[Melissa]

I enjoyed this book and find it to be great for middle school aged girls. It's inspiring and shows that girls can do whatever boys can and that they need to persevere and stand up for what they believe in.