Amy Nathan

"Yankee Doodle Gals really sparkles when Nathan tells the stories of individual WASPs. Dozens of memorable black-and-white photographs showing the WASPs at work and play help round out this absorbing look at a group of gutsy women who were ahead of their time." Washington Post

“The book is filled with fantastic quotes from the women as well as personal glimpses, private jokes, chronicles of friendships and encouraging songs, about the women who weren’t afraid to follow their dream.” Peoria Journal Star

“…a well-researched and presented work. . . would be excellent for a social studies report. Many adults will also find the book about the WASPs -- Women Airforce Service Pilots fascinating.” Detroit Free Press

“Despite the gut-wrenching uncertainties we feel ourselves, we must soothe our children's fears. Look to books for perspective, for comfort, for relief. . . . books that show young readers our country's past and . . . demonstrate bravery and strength. . . . Amy Nathan writes of the daring young women in the 1940s who formed the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II.” Houston Chronicle

“Amy Nathan has done an outstanding service by telling the WASP story in a clear and very readable book. It should inspire young women to enter the field of aviation and help fill the upcoming need for pilots.” Donald S. Lopez, National Air and Space Museum

“We're just now beginning to fully appreciate the vital role of women in the World War II effort and the daring, gifted women of the WASP program were absolutely critical to the success of air warfare. I still marvel at their contribution.” Tom Brokaw, The Greatest Generation

In the 1940s, a group of daring young women did something women weren’t expected to do back then: They flew fighter planes, bombers, and every other kind of military aircraft the Army had. They were WASPs — Women Airforce Service Pilots — the first women to fly on a wide range of missions for the United States armed forces.

Some were teenagers, right out of high school or just starting college. Others were teachers, librarians, flight instructors, or offices workers. They stopped what they were doing for the chance to fly fantastic planes and help their country win the war. These 1,102 women weren’t allowed to fly in combat, but for two glorious years they put their lives on the line every day flying important, and often risky, stateside missions. They flew well and proved that a woman’s place could very well be inside a military cockpit.

Then suddenly, their adventure ended. In December 1944, as the war was going better for the U.S., the Army closed down the WASPs, even though the program had been a great success. The women were heartbroken. It would be nearly 30 years before women were allowed to fly for the military again.

This book tells the story of these World War II pioneers, from the first squadron formed in the fall of 1942 — called WAFS — 28 highly experienced pilots who began delivering planes for the Army right away, while a training program for other female pilots started in Texas. In the summer of 1943, both groups (WAFS and the training program)combined into one unit: the WASPs.

You’ll meet several of these women who were interviewed specially for this book. A Resource Guide offers tips on becoming a pilot, with suggestions from today’s women pilots, including NASA astronaut Eileen Collins, who, in the Foreword, explains how grateful she is to the WASPs for helping to open the skies for women.