Flygirl author Sherri L. Smith visited CGLA to discuss her book and host a writing workshop.
Flygirl is a historical fiction work that chronicles the journey of a young female protagonist named Ida Mae Jones who is determined to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a pilot. As a young black woman coming of age in the 1930s, her dream seemed almost impossible until America entered World War II and the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) was formed. The WASP gave Ida a chance to make her wildest dream come true, but at the high cost of denying her identity and family.
As an educator and advocate for female empowerment, Katherine Warrick was taken with Flygirl and the message within it. “The story emphasizes the importance of courage and commitment: two characteristics that can be tied into our girls’ daily coursework and lives” said Ms. Warrick.
According to the educator, she happened to be doing some research when she noticed that Ms. Smith was going to be in Chattanooga. “I decided to send her an email and invite her to the school” said Ms. Warrick. “I was thrilled when she said she could make it.”
Ms. Warrick, who teaches sixth grade English Language Arts at CGLA, felt the protagonist’s story was one that students could relate to and really enjoy. All middle school students enrolled at the academy spent the first three weeks of the school year reading and discussing the book. As a class, Ms. Warwick’s students, identified the five “big ideas” they found within the novel and prepared questions for Ms. Smith’s visit.
Each sixth through eighth grade class got to spend one hour with Ms. Smith in CGLA’s Lecture Hall. During their time together, students asked the author questions about the book and her journey to becoming a writer and shared their adoration for her and her work. At the conclusion of each hour, the students presented Ms. Smith with “thank you” cards and notes for her visit.
Following the Q&A sessions, Ms. Smith hosted a workshop for 30 of the middle schoolers. Students were invited to participate based on their relationship with literature. “She asked for us to select some students who are avid readers and writers and others who are more reluctant” said Ms. Warrick.
Ms. Smith’s work made an impact on the girls and motivated eight grader Cuzziah to “do something girls don’t usually do.”