Reach for the Sky, a fast-paced novel by James Scott, covers a fascinating period of our nation’s history from 1929 to just beyond 1942.

When Shannon Donnelly, fifteen, buries her parents she’s not only left an orphan, she’s on the run from the McClarys, the result of a long-standing feud between the two families. Shannon finds refuge with a young pilot, Drew Patterson. While at his hanger, she is introduced to the world of flight which sets the tone for the rest of her life.

After some rough experiences, Shannon is taken in by the loving Pearson family. She thrives on their care and security, but never forgets her early exposure and fascination of airplanes. While still in her teens she qualifies for a student pilot license.

In the meantime, the country is in the midst of the raging Great Depression. Times are tough, but undeterred, Shannon continues to pursue her dream of flying and acquires her unrestricted pilot’s license. Together with a friend, they embark on an air-delivery service. Along the way, two men vie for Shannon’s love. She’s torn by her affection for them, but still it’s the freedom of flying that is foremost in her life.

World War II offers additional flying challenges when Shannon is accepted into the U.S. Army Air Force Ferrying Command, which also brings extreme danger involving a daring rescue mission.

Reach for the Sky is a well-developed story filled with fascinating aviation history. Women pilots were essential in the war effort, but they often suffered resentment from male pilots, at times in the form of vandalism and sabotage. Scott’s characters bring life to the page and his knowledge of aviation is impressive. At the end of the novel, the “Author’s Notes” adds additional information about the history of women aviators and the vital role they played in World War II.