Now a successful writer, Hodgson recounts her experience in the experimental Woman Airforce Service Pilots program beginning in 1943. She and he sister pilots learned to fly a wide range of military aircraft and provided stateside service in order to free their male counterparts for combat duty overseas. Much of the story is told in her contemporary letters to a pilot recovering from a fiery crash. No index or bibliography. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Davy Bowman’s dad looks forward to Halloween more than a kid, and Davy’s brother, Bill, flies B-17s. Davy adores these two heroes and tries his best to follow their lead, especially now. World War II has invaded Davy’s homefront boyhood. Bill has joined up, breaking their dad’s heart. It’s an intense, confusing time, and one that will spur Davy to grow up in a hurry. This is one of Richard Peck’s finest novels—a tender, unforgettable portrait of the World War II home front and a family’s enduring love.

In this Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book, Children's Literature Legacy Award-winner Nikki Grimes explores though her celebrated poetry how a supportive teacher can be the key to unlocking a dreamer's imaginative power through creative writing. Gabby's world is filled with daydreams. However, what began as an escape from her parents' arguments has now taken over her life. But with the help of a new teacher, 'Gabby the dreamer' might just become 'Gabby the writer' and the words that once carried her away might allow her to soar. Written in vivid, accessible poems, this remarkable verse novel is a celebration of imagination, of friendship, of one girl's indomitable spirit, and of a teacher's ability to reach out and change a life. Coretta Scott King Author Honor book NCTE Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts Kirkus Reviews Best Book

“With the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, women pilots went aloft to serve their nation. . . . A soaring tale in which, at long last, these daring World War II pilots gain the credit they deserve.”—Liza Mundy, New York Times bestselling author of Code Girls “A powerful story of reinvention, community and ingenuity born out of global upheaval.”—Newsday When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Cornelia Fort was already in the air. At twenty-two, Fort had escaped Nashville’s debutante scene for a fresh start as a flight instructor in Hawaii. She and her student were in the middle of their lesson when the bombs began to fall, and they barely made it back to ground that morning. Still, when the U.S. Army Air Forces put out a call for women pilots to aid the war effort, Fort was one of the first to respond. She became one of just over 1,100 women from across the nation to make it through the Army’s rigorous selection process and earn her silver wings. The brainchild of trailblazing pilots Nancy Love and Jacqueline Cochran, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) gave women like Fort a chance to serve their country—and to prove that women aviators were just as skilled as men. While not authorized to serve in combat, the WASP helped train male pilots for service abroad, and ferried bombers and pursuits across the country. Thirty-eight WASP would not survive the war. But even taking into account these tragic losses, Love and Cochran’s social experiment seemed to be a resounding success—until, with the tides of war turning, Congress clipped the women’s wings. The program was disbanded, the women sent home. But the bonds they’d forged never failed, and over the next few decades they came together to fight for recognition as the military veterans they were—and for their place in history.

Finding freedom behind the walls of San Quentin.

Beneath His Wings is the story of my life. Quoting from a bio someone else wrote: "Jenny Pruitt is revered in real estate circles and beyond as a community advocate and benefactor, and respected nationally as a visionary leader. From humble beginnings--the loss of her father, rejection by peers, helping her single mother in the post-War years as a child--to huge challenges later in her life--a bout with cancer and a lawsuit with one of the richest men in the world--she rose to unparalleled heights in the business world. She operates her company from the perspective of servant leadership and with godly practices--managing, mentoring, and encouraging others to be the best they can be while modeling those practices in her personal and professional life. Despite her numerous awards and accolades, Jenny gives all the glory for her success to God, whom she consults daily for guidance and direction. This book is a part of her rich legacy.

A touching story about being proud of who we are and embracing our differences, written by TV star Nadiya Hussain. I am a boy, and this is Rayf, my bird. Rayf is my friend. On his first day of summer camp, a little boy arrives with his bird best friend perched proudly on his shoulder, but he soon discovers that he is different from everyone else—no one else has a bird. He hides Rayf away to try and fit in but it's hard to pretend to be someone else for long. A beautiful story about finding the confidence to spread your wings and fly as your true self.