Our Mothers’ War: American Women at Home and at the Front During World War II by Emily Yellin
This book is an excellent, comprehensive look at the roles American women played in bringing about the Allied victory in World War II. Learn about the Women’s United States Naval Reserve (WAVES), the United States Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (SPARS), Women’s Army Corps (WACs), and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), through terrific true stories of valor, bravery, and good old-fashioned hard work. Yellin describes women on the home front, operating in various military service branches, industries, and locations around the U.S. The book recounts the stories of the WASPs who played a vital role in training male aviators and aerial gunners, at times by sacrificing their very lives during deadly air combat exercises. Yellin describes the importance of key figures both real and symbolic like the illustrious Eleanor Roosevelt and the iconic Rosie the Riveter. Discussion of the internment of Japanese Americans in the U.S. is brought to light as well as the critical role of African American women in the wartime efforts. This all-round look at WWII is about our American sisters, aunts, mothers, and grandmothers, both famous and unknown, who helped to deliver the one-two punches that were essential in toppling the fascist Axis powers.
-Peter A.
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