FRANCES FINKEL AND THE PASSENGER PIGEON

A talented young pilot and her homing pigeon join the war effort in this debut YA historical novel set in the 1940s.

The first time Frances Finkel flew a plane, “she knew it was where she belonged.” At the age of 17 in November 1941, she’s already logged 2,500 flight hours and is a skilled mechanic in her father’s maintenance shop at Seal Rock Airport in Oregon. After Fran’s twin brother, Danny, died and her mother left, Joel Finkel has kept a close eye on his daughter and her younger brother, Seamus. But Fran is restless, longing to make her mark as an aviator and join the community of female pilots. Women aren’t allowed to serve in the Army Air Force, but Fran—who believes in following the “laws of attraction” and manifesting your desires—doesn’t give up hope. After turning 18 in September 1942, Fran jumps at the chance to participate in a secret military project recruiting women to ferry planes from factories to air bases. She’s aided by her passenger pigeon, Easter, who can send messages for her. Fran amply proves her worth and embraces the female pilot community while also discovering more about her mother, facing loss, and finding romance. In her book, Mahoney throws light on the neglected contributions of female pilots in World War II. She conveys not just the importance of the work, but also its dangers and, often, its tremendous fun—as when an assignment in Hollywood leads to Fran’s dancing with movie star Gregory Peck. Fran’s character development nicely tracks with her growing responsibilities. Although the Law of Attraction philosophy might seem contemporary, it has roots in the 19th century, so the author’s historicity is sound.

An entertaining, well-researched aviation tale that allows its hero to soar.