Skies Over Sweetwater

We first meet Bernadette Thompson, Byrd, as her mother stands, disapproving, on the ground while Byrd and her father in the small airplane prepare to takeoff into the sky. The wind whipped at Byrd's hair in the open cockpit, looking down she could see their farm house. Byrd's father encouraged Byrd to consider becoming the next Amelia Earhart. Everything went black at the end of a dive. Julia Moberg writes Skies Over Sweetwater depicting a little known incident in the history of women pilots. A must read for those having an interest in history and those early women aviators Skies Over Sweetwater is a well written, fast paced work sure to please the upper middle grade - high school reading audience. Set before the advent of the Second World War in 1936, Iowa, at a time when airplanes and flying were much different than today; Byrd's father loved flying. When he died in the flying accident, Byrd's mother became embittered against flying and airplanes. Byrd disobeyed her mother, learned to fly and even began giving flying lessons. It was during WWII, 1944, that Byrd heard about a special school for women pilots, not really thinking she might be accepted into service she nonetheless took the entrance exam and soon, without her mother's blessing or even knowledge was on her way traveling aboard a train moving South toward Sweetwater, Texas. On board the train Byrd met Sadie, a young Oklahoma woman with whom she would form a firm friendship. The pair each looked forward to the training they would receive upon their arrival at Avenger Field. Julia Moberg writes about a little remembered fact of American history when women at home took to the skies. Testing airplanes for the Air Force, doing their part for the war effort, ferrying planes for male pilots, towing targets for gunnery drills; women pilots were an integral part in the effort to keep America safe. On their way to attend the Avenger Field WASP, Women Air Force Service Pilots, training school where the young women slept on cots, learned to share a bathroom with twelve others, and underwent rigorous training; Byrd and her new friends were dismayed to learn that the men met, and later those with whom they were training had little belief that they could even pilot an airplane and openly hoped they would fail. Byrd was eighteen when she joined that cadre of dedicated young women. Bi-weekly tests assured a girl's place at the school, however if performances were not up to standard, then the girls washed out to be sent home. Byrd and her friends loved the exhilaration of flying and were determined that no matter what; their squad would make the grade. Nothing would be allowed to come between them and their determination. Before their graduation the girls learned that it would take supreme effort to remain focused as they faced one event and then another which might, and one did, cause other girls to simply give up. Writer Moberg's novel, is filled with complex characters, a richly detailed l

Moberg's novel, although geared towards the "tween" set, is inspiring for readers of all ages. It reminded me a bit of the "American Girls" series (which I love) because of the historical setting, but this book is much more richly developed. The characters are also all well developed -- I was pleased to discover that Cornelia, who at first appears to be cast as simply "the rich snob," has in fact a much more complex background. All of the characters are engaging, and this book is definitely a wonderful way to learn about a little-known aspect of American history while enjoying a memorable story. Highly recommended.

Byrd's father loved flying and spreading the joy of flying. When he died in a flying accident, Byrd's mother refused to talk about airplanes or even let her daughter near one. Byrd disobeyed, and found herself when she flew. Soon she obtained a pilot's license and gave lessons. During WWII, she heard about a special school for women pilots to aid the war effort. She immediately took the entrance exam, never dreaming that she'd be accepted. Byrd leaves small town life and travels across the country by train to attend WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) training school. Here, the girls sleep on cots, share a bathroom with twelve other women, perform calisthenics, and enjoy excellent food during a time where rationing food swept the nation. Then the real day begins when they attend flying lessons with men who want them to fail. Bi-weekly tests secure a girl's place at the school, and if performances are not acceptable, girls wash out and go home. Byrd and her friends are determined not to let that happen to their squad. For these girls, flying is in their blood, and they feel at home in the air. Julia Moberg writes about a little known fact in American history when the women ruled the skies, testing airplanes for the Air Force, ferrying planes for male pilots, and doing their part for the war effort. Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

Julia Moberg's debut novel completely transported me to another world where I got an emotional story and a better understanding of WWII. Eighteen-year-old Byrd Thompson is a great character--a real girl with fears and boy interests, as well as a heroine her country barely recognizes. I love her nemesis, the prissy, Cornelia, another pilot in the program. The secondary characters are unusually well-developed and the action is dead-on. The climaxes are awesome and the ending is extremely satisfying as well as unpredictable. This is a must for any young reader.

This book, about a little known event in the history of women pilots is a must read for kids and families interested in both history and pioneering women aviators. Beautifully written it held my attention on each page, and I read it from start to finish in record time. This is a "do not miss" read for young women whose aspirations may be somewhat out of the ordinary. The experience (based on true events) of these women aviators is truely inspirational, and Moberg's accessible style and elegant prose makes this a title that will be read and reread for many years to come!