  | Dorothy the brave Author: Bowne, Meghan P. | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
After the devastating news of Pearl Harbor, Dorothy decided to do her part and enlist to serve as a Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP). After hours of flight school and roaring engines, Dorothy and her fellow WASPs risked their lives to tow targets in the air for male fighter pilots in training.
| Illustrator: | Smart, Brooke |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (05/15/22)
School Library Journal (03/01/22)
Booklist (02/15/22)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/15/2022 Sisterhood, hard work, overcoming obstacles, missing home, wartime loss. The journey of Dorothy Lucas to becoming a pilot in the Women Airforce Service Pilots during WWII touches on all of these themes and more. Browne emphasizes Dorothy’s persistence, love of flying, and sense of duty to her country as she journeyed from a childhood in the country during the Great Depression through her high-school years in Washington, DC. With the arrival of WWII, Dorothy’s family helped and supported her as she finally achieved her dream of serving her country as a pilot. Brooke Smart’s stylized illustrations vividly represent the aesthetic of the 1940s, from clothing and hairstyles to airplanes and wartime symbols, adding a visual layer of history to the story. The author’s note adds historical background, as well as period photos of the real Dorothy. Although many children will likely find the story interesting, it is probably best for slightly older readers who have some context for WWII and the history of women’s rights. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
Booklist - 02/15/2022 - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 03/01/2022 Gr 2–4—A child during the Great Depression, and a young woman when Pearl Harbor was attacked, Dorothy Lucas wanted to aid the war effort like her older brothers, so she joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Dorothy and the other "fly girls" towed targets for (male) gunnery pilots. Young readers may be confused by some details (why did Dorothy need to leave home before high school?) and need context for others (women "riveted like Rosie" and "nursed like Kate"). The ending is somewhat abrupt, though an author's note provides more information. The gouache, watercolor, and colored pencil illustrations are reminiscent of Maira Kalman's style. Back matter includes an author's note, photos, and recommended reading. VERDICT Women's contributions during wartime are not a new subject, but this is a worthwhile addition.—Jenny Arch - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
