KEEP ‘EM FLYING by Nell Branum, published by Moody Publishers is a middle grade chapter book with a bit of history, a bit of mystery, and carries the theme of Ephesians 6.10:
“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
Keep ‘Em Flying is also the first book of the Heroes of the Home Front Mysteries.
If you’re looking for a wholesome, simple, easy read to get your kids from Point A to Point B so that bickering or loudness in the car is reduced to a minimum then this is your book! Adding some mystery to it is helpful to get the brain synapses going.
Rosie Abercrombie is a sister, daughter, granddaughter, and even a great granddaughter - yes, we get to meet her entire family either in “real time” or through flashbacks. It is refreshing to read a book that includes the family. She isn’t a runaway or has a miserable family life. She is well-loved and taken care of.
Part of being well-loved she is told stories by her great grandmother about WWII and her part as one of the many Rosie the Riveters. Sprinkled throughout the book are facts about the Rosies and WWII. We also learn much from the main character’s history essay. She wins the essay contest and gets to go with her grandmother to the Heritage Festival at an aircraft museum.
This is when the mystery and the story really begins!
Branum does a great job giving us fun characters and making each very unique so you can easily keep track of each one. There is very little confusion while reading with the exception of the first couple of chapters. I found it hard to keep track of the time moving along. It wasn’t until they arrived at the Heritage Festival that I was able to really understand the setting and passage of time.
I’m glad I had the chance to read this book because I did learn a lot about the Rosies. They were much more than the poster and I did enjoy those parts of the book. Overall, there wasn’t much to “bite into”. I always say a great book is like eating your favorite meal. It’s got all the different tastes, flavors, and you are not only fully satisfied, but you can’t wait for the next favorite meal. A good book feels the same way to me.
While this book is considered middle-grade, it would be fine for those younger. Even as a read aloud, Keep ‘Em Flying would not be difficult to understand. It would be a good supplement to your WWII/what-was-happening-on-the-home-front curriculum for homeschoolers.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.