5th-8th
This book has been given numerous awards and recognition: An ALA Best Book for Young Adult, An ALA Notable Book, A Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Book, An IRA Teachers' Choice, A Junior Library Guild Selection, An NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Award Winner for Outstanding Nonfiction, A New York Public Library Best Book for the Teenager, A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. The readability could be challenging for some on the younger end of this group. The topic of this text is relatable to what is being taught in the 5th-8th grade. It would also be a great reference to discussing the evolution of the economy after the great depression, as well as the power of propaganda. This book may be especially empowering to females as they see that a woman was a symbol of strength and hope in a time of need. ( )

RGG: Interesting account of what it was like on the homefront during WWII. Some of the history is compelling, but at other points the story is a bit dry. Reading Level: 10-YA, FP "Z".

I really enjoyed this book. Although I did not learn anything new, it would be very educational for young adults who may be familiar with the topic already.
This book is the history of women in the workforce as it began during World War II. Prior to the war women stayed home, for the most part, or had jobs that were "appropriate" for women such as secretaries, nurses, etc. As the war intensified women were asked to enter the traditionally male workforce in order to keep production up in a time of war. More and more supplies were needed and more and more men were being sent to war. Women were the only option. This book describes the work that they did, the challenges that they faced, and what happened to them after the war. The book displays strong women who stood up to the challenge and we should be proud of them. It also explains the advertisement and propaganda at the time, such as Rosie the Riveter, and its importance to the cause. It is very disappointing that when the war ended all of the women were laid off even if they had no desire to be. I feel that it was an important step in women's rights and freedoms but this book demonstrated that there is still a long way to go. ( )