Lauralton Hall welcomes "Fly Girl" author Sherri L. Smith

Award-winning Author of Flygirl, Sherri L. Smith is coming to Lauralton Hall as Part of the Series of Public Events Celebrating 150 Years of the Lauralton Hall Estate on November 5, 2014.

As part of the celebratory events recognizing the 150 Year Anniversary of the estate, the Lauralton Hall Social Studies Department is pleased to announce that gifted novelist, Sherri L. Smith will be appearing for a book talk and signing session on November 5, 2014 at 7 pm. Her famed, young adult novel, Flygirl has won numerous awards and nominations.

Ms. Smith is scheduled for a visit to Claven Auditorium on campus to talk about the importance of historical fiction. Her books will be available for purchase as well. Admission is free and open to all in the community. Reservations are required.

“This well-told, interesting story moves along at a good clip, as Smith paints a vivid picture of the WASPs, with the suspense of Ida Mae’s deception always lurking beneath the surface…A vibrant picture of WWII women and of Jim Crow as it was then,” states Kirkus.Book Reviews.

As a part of the Social Studies Department curriculum, Flygirl was a summer-read requirement for all girls attending Lauralton Hall. Follow-up discussions with the author will be invaluable for these girls to gain an understanding of a young woman who heroically risks everything when she realizes the conflict between her dreams and her identity. This is a unique opportunity for the girls to share their reading experiences directly with the author and to develop the attitudes of life-long learners.

The story is a vivid picture of World War II women who were part of the Women Air Force Service Pilot (WASP) group. The fictional heroine is Ida Mae, with supporting roles played by Lily and Patsy. All three exhibited courage and commitment that was so much a part of the WASP attitude. This book gives historical insight into what it was like to be a patriotic black woman yearning for the white male world of flying during World War II. Ida wanted to fly but even the WASPs wouldn’t accept her as a black woman. Seeing no other choice, she made the brave decision to pretend to be white so that she can be part of the program. She will soon come to realize that hiding her racial heritage and denying herself and her family becomes a heavy load to carry.

Awards and nominations for “Flygirl” include the 2012 Grand Canyon Reader Award, the 2011-2012 Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award, 2012 Garden State Teen Book Award and a Gold Medal for the 79th California Book Awards in the Young Adult Category. Other honors include the ALA 2010 Best Book for Young Adults and the Washington Post list of The Best Kid's Books of the Year, as well as the 2010 Amelia Bloomer Project Young Adult Fiction category.  

Lauralton Hall is located at 200 High Street, Milford. This event is free and open to the public. Sherri Smith’s books, Flygirl and Orleans will be available for purchase during the event. Please register online at www.lauraltonhall.org/flygirl or contact Sue Bonaventura, at marketing@lauraltonhall.org for more information. 

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Submitted by Milford, CT

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