Skyward - by Sally Deng (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The year is 1927, and in America, England and Russia, three young girls share a dream: to fly. But in an age when men still rule the skies, the odds are stacked against them ... As the grim shadow of war falls once again upon the west, Hazel, Lilya and Marlene leap at the chance to fly for their countries. In the face of doubt, racism and constant peril, they fearlessly pursue their passions for aviation like no woman before."--Page 4 of cover.

Book Synopsis

The year is 1927, and in America, England and Russia, three young girls share the dream of becoming pilots. Against the odds, these ambitious young trailblazers follow their hearts, enrolling in pilot school (some in secret) and eventually flying for their countries in World War II.

"There's excitement and bravery in each thread of the story, so beautifully told, against the historical backdrop of WWII and introduces us to the heroic stories of the real pilots who've inspired the story."
--Association of Illustrators

"A fascinating read in terms of untold history - especially the heroic women of color, who were flying life-threatening missions as well as combating racism on the ground."
--Book Trust

"The book provides important context for kids to understand the lengths that women had to go to in order to gain acceptance in the military."
--American Scientist

"Risking their lives countless times in feats of incredible bravery, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of the Second World War are honored in this beautifully illustrated and inherently fascinating story based on actual events and real people. Skyward is unreservedly recommended for family, school, and community library collections."
--Midwest Book Review

"Deng's graphics vary from striking compositions reminiscent of WWII-era posters to dramatic views of soaring planes under enemy fire."
--Publishers Weekly

Follow the adventures of these young female pioneers as they battle not only enemies in the skies but sexism and inequality in their own teams, and encounter legends like Jackie "Speed Queen" Cochran. Risking their lives countless times in feats of incredible bravery, the Women Airforce Service Pilots--WASPs--of the Second World War are honored in this beautiful story based on actual events, illustrated in Sally Deng's raw, dynamic style.

Review Quotes

Winner, 2019 Outstanding Work of Creative Non-Fiction
Children's Literature Council of Southern California

"There's excitement and bravery in each thread of the story, so beautifully told, against the historical backdrop of WWII and introduces us to the heroic stories of the real pilots who've inspired the story."
--Association of Illustrators

"Deng's graphics vary from striking compositions reminiscent of WWII-era posters to dramatic views of soaring planes under enemy fire."
--Publishers Weekly

"A fascinating read in terms of untold history - especially the heroic women of colour, who were flying life-threatening missions as well as combating racism on the ground."
--Book Trust

"The book provides important context for kids to understand the lengths that women had to go to in order to gain acceptance in the military."
--American Scientist

"Risking their lives countless times in feats of incredible bravery, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of the Second World War are honored in this beautifully illustrated and inherently fascinating story based on actual events and real people. Skyward is unreservedly recommended for family, school, and community library collections."
--Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Sally Deng is an artist based in Los Angeles. She recently graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena with a BFA, and has exhibited widely in both solo and group shows in California, Illinois and Texas. She won the American Illustration Award in 2016 and 2017.

Sally Deng is an artist based in Los Angeles. She recently graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena with a BFA, and has exhibited widely in both solo and group shows in California, Illinois and Texas. She won the American Illustration Award in 2016 and 2017.