American Flygirl

Hazel Ying Lee is an unsung hero who volunteered to participate in a war and fought for her place as a female pilot. Though she faced discrimination her whole life, she held onto her dream of one day being able to fly. She never let anyone define who she was or who she could be, using her determination and ambition to push forward in the face of any adversary. Hazel left behind a legacy to inspire all the women who came after her.

What makes the biography unique is that it is structured as a story that takes you into her life with a format that is character-driven. This allows you to get to know Hazel rather than just read about what she did. Hazel was an incredible woman who never let anyone keep her from living her dreams. The book depicts many of her challenges but it also highlights the amazing feats she achieved, along with references to other amazing female pilots. The historical backdrop is crafted well by Ankeny to take you into this period through Hazel’s eyes.

American Fly Girl tells the story of legacy, ambition, empowerment, and dreams through the life of Hazel Lee, who dared to challenge what was expected of her.