Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee by Marissa Moss; Illustrated by Carl Angel


Moss, M. (2009). Sky high: The true story of Maggie Gee (C. Angel, Illustrator). Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press.


Summary: Maggie always dreamed of flying. Like her family, she wanted to create and experience her own life stories and adventures. She is given that opportunity during the outbreak of WWII when she joins the Women Airforce Service Pilots. She has adventures flying as a Chinese American pilot.

Review: This is a beautiful biography picture book of a strong, determined young woman of color.

Diversity: Maggie Gee is Chinese American; she is confused at one point as a Japanese during her time as a pilot.

Suggestions for Teachers: Use this book when you teach biography.

Reading Level:

  1. Quantitative: Lexile 740-1010L, ATOS Book Level 4.97-7.03, Flesh-Kincaid 4.51-7.72, 5.42-7.92 RMM
  2. Qualitative: This text is moderately complex. It is organized chronologically although there are some flashbacks. Most of the vocabulary is familiar. Students will be able to make meaning of Maggie's story; those who are familiar with a basic understanding of WWII will be able to access this book more easily. The illustrations are beautiful and help describe Maggie's experiences.
Content Areas: Language Arts, Social Studies

Common Core State Standards:


CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2
Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.6
Compare and contrast a firsthand and secondhand account of the same event or topic; describe the differences in focus and the information provided.
Relevant Links: Teaching Books

Subjects/Themes: biography, Chinese American, WWII


Awards: N/A

Series Information: N/A

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