A parent should reach for this book when their teen is frustrated by unfair rules or told they can't do something because of their gender. This riveting memoir follows Mary Jennings Hegar, a decorated Air Force helicopter pilot who served multiple tours in Afghanistan. After being wounded in action, she took on a new fight: a lawsuit against the Pentagon to overturn the policy that barred women from ground combat roles. It’s an inspiring story of resilience, bravery, and fighting for justice, perfect for teens interested in military life, social justice, or powerful female role models.
The central theme is the systemic gender discrimination Hegar faced in the military.
LanguageMild
Some occasional profanity consistent with the military setting.
Sensitive Topics
The book's approach to sensitive topics is direct and realistic, appropriate for a young adult audience. War and violence are described factually, focusing on the events and emotional impact rather than graphic detail. The core theme of systemic gender discrimination is handled directly, showing the real-world consequences of unfair policies. The resolution is hopeful, as Hegar's lawsuit was a catalyst for policy change, but it's also realistic in acknowledging that the fight for true equality continues.
Ideal Reader
A teen aged 14 to 18 who is passionate about social justice, interested in military history, or feels constrained by societal expectations. It's a perfect fit for a young person questioning gender roles or looking for a contemporary, real-life hero who broke barriers.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for conversations about war, sexism, and government policy. The combat scenes in Afghanistan (Chapters 11-14) are intense and worth previewing. The book can be read without prior context, but a brief discussion of the military's historical policies on women could enrich the reading experience. A parent overhears their teen expressing frustration, saying something like, "It's not fair, they won't let me do that just because I'm a girl!" or sees them becoming engaged with issues of inequality and wanting to make a difference.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect most with the thrilling combat stories and Hegar's personal bravery. An older teen (15-18) will better appreciate the nuances of the legal fight, the systemic nature of the discrimination, and the book's broader civil rights implications.
What Makes It Special
This book uniquely merges a gripping military memoir with a landmark social justice narrative. Unlike many war stories, it dedicates equal weight to the legal and political battle as it does to the battlefield, showing that courage takes many forms. Hegar's voice is authentic and unflinching, making it a powerful and accessible story about changing the world.
Read plot summary
This is the young readers adaptation of Major Mary Jennings Hegar's memoir. The book details her journey from a young girl dreaming of being a pilot, through her service as an Air Force combat search and rescue helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. It covers her harrowing experience of being shot down on a mission, earning a Purple Heart and a Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor Device. The second half of the book focuses on her equally challenging fight on the home front: her lawsuit against the Department of Defense to overturn the unconstitutional Combat Exclusion Policy that prevented women from officially serving in ground combat roles.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Mary Jennings Hegar faced many people who told her "no" because she was a woman. What do you think gave her the strength to keep fighting, both in her military career and later in the courtroom?
2
The book's title is "Fly Like a Girl." How does Hegar's story reclaim and redefine this phrase, which is often used as an insult?
3
Hegar's lawsuit was not just for herself, but to change the system for all women. Why is it sometimes necessary to challenge a rule or law, even when it's difficult and unpopular?
4
In Chapter 13, Hegar describes the rescue mission where her helicopter was shot down. How did her training and her relationships with her crew members help them all survive?
