Dorothy the brave

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.

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

A North Carolina farm girl becomes a World War II pilot. Teenage Dorothy Lucas leaves her childhood home for Washington, D.C., to live with her aunt and uncle and attend high school. After Pearl Harbor is attacked and her brothers enlist, Dorothy, now a young woman, wonders what she can do for the war effort. She becomes a clerk at the Pentagon but wants to contribute more by doing something important and brave. When she learns about a recruitment plan for the new Women Airforce Service Pilots program, she's intrigued, and though the young White woman didn't have the privileged upbringing of other female pilots ("Many others who had proven themselves were daughters of wealth"), with a loan from her mother, she completes a training program, is accepted by WASP, and goes through more training in Texas before finally being assigned her own airplane transport missions. This is a straightforward, inspiring story of independence, determination, and courage despite risk, accompanied by soft gouache, watercolor, and colored pencil illustrations. A lengthy author's note, which includes black-and-white photos of Dorothy and her fellow pilots, provides more explanation of Dorothy's career and the development of the WASP program. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A stirring account of a resolute woman who soared. (recommended reading) (Picture-book biography. 7-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.