Flygirl

Smith, S. L. (2008). Flygirl. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

This is a really great piece of historical fiction.  It's the story of Ida Mae Jones, a pale African-American girl in New Orleans at the beginning of World War II.  Ida Mae's father has died, but he was a pilot, and he taught her to fly.  When the war breaks out, her older brother Thomas joins as a medic.  Soon, Ida Mae hears about the WASP program for women pilots, and wants to join, but they do not accept black women.  Ida Mae decides to "pass" for white, and joins.  She meets two wonderful friends, goes through the rigorous training, and becomes a pilot.

Throughout the story, Ida Mae faces discrimination from people because of her skin color and her gender.  She lives in fear that she will be discovered and killed for passing as white.  There are several intriguing storylines, including her brother going missing in action, a death, and a budding romance.  I think this is a fantastic story for young girls to read.