Books with author Sarah Byrn Rickman

World War II brought to young women an unprecedented opportunity to fly military aircraft for their country and make an important contribution to the outcome of the war. In the summer of 1939, Congress approved the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPT). The government offered to pay for flight instruction for students on selected college campuses. One student out of every ten could be a female. Many of the young women who later flew for the United States during WWII came from the more than 2,000 who learned to fly through CPT. One such young woman was Barbara Jane Erickson of Seattle, Washington.

World War II brought to young women an unprecedented opportunity to fly military aircraft for their country and make an important contribution to the outcome of the war. In the summer of 1939, Congress approved the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPT). The government offered to pay for flight instruction for students on selected college campuses. One student out of every ten could be a female. Many of the young women who later flew for the United States during WWII came from the more than 2,000 who learned to fly through CPT. One such young woman was Barbara Jane Erickson of Seattle, Washington.“Personal stories like the one told by Sarah Byrn Rickman in BJ Erickson: WASP Pilot offer us a window into the WASP, the inner workings within the Army Air Forces, and World War II. Sarah has done us all a service by writing this engaging book that brings flying to life and offers a valuable resource for historical research.”—Michelle D. Johnson, Lieutenant General, USAF Retired.Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, 2013-2017.“What a wonderful book! Sarah Byrn Rickman tells this story of courage and determination with engaging simplicity and a passion that will inspire young readers to dare beyond their dreams. A well-written, deeply researched biography that belongs in every school library in the country.”—Susan Wittig Albert, author of A Wilder Rose, the story of the writing of the Little House books.“Sarah Rickman recounts the daring and dedication of BJ Erickson for young adult readers in another remarkably thorough story about women pilots of WWII.”—Kim Senft-Paras Director, Washington-Centerville Public Library.“BJ Erickson blazed a trail for the women of my generation. I know, I was part of the 1980 US Air Force Academy Class, the first to graduate women! BJ Erickson: WASP Pilot is an amazing story that will challenge today’s young women to blaze new trails as BJ did, no matter the obstacles.”— Margaret Peggy Dennis Carnahan, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF Retired.

Nancy Harkness Love (1914-1976) earned her pilot’s license at age 16 and worked as a test pilot and air racer in the 1930s. During World War II she convinced General William Tunner to set up a group of female pilots to ferry aircraft from factories to air bases. Her proposal was approved as the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS). Nancy commanded this unit and later all ferrying operations in the newly formed Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). She was awarded the Air Medal and was appointed lieutenant colonel in the US Air Force Reserve in 1948.“Sarah has a gift for telling compelling stories about the WASP, the women pilots of World War II. Young readers will enthusiastically absorb her love for and fascination for this area of U.S. history.”—Erin MillerAuthor of Final Flight Final Fight, chronicling the fight to have her WASP grandmother buried at Arlington Cemetery“In Nancy Love: WASP Pilot, author/historian Sarah Byrn Rickman records Love’s unique contributions on behalf of women pilots in World War II and how her efforts paved the way for today’s women pilots.”—Iris Cummings CritchellWASP ferry pilot, WWII

Nancy Harkness Love (1914-1976) earned her pilot’s license at age 16 and worked as a test pilot and air racer in the 1930s. During World War II she convinced General William Tunner to set up a group of female pilots to ferry aircraft from factories to air bases. Her proposal was approved as the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS). Nancy commanded this unit and later all ferrying operations in the newly formed Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). She was awarded the Air Medal and was appointed lieutenant colonel in the US Air Force Reserve in 1948.“Sarah has a gift for telling compelling stories about the WASP, the women pilots of World War II. Young readers will enthusiastically absorb her love for and fascination for this area of U.S. history.”—Erin MillerAuthor of Final Flight Final Fight, chronicling the fight to have her WASP grandmother buried at Arlington Cemetery“In Nancy Love: WASP Pilot, author/historian Sarah Byrn Rickman records Love’s unique contributions on behalf of women pilots in World War II and how her efforts paved the way for today’s women pilots.”—Iris Cummings CritchellWASP ferry pilot, WWII