Flight of the Tiger Moth

by Mary Woodbury
Reviewed by Sarah McComb
Published by Coteau

All Jackie Waters wants to do is fly, enlist as a fighter pilot, and serve in the war alongside some of his classmates and his soon-to-be brother-in-law. But, at sixteen years old, he's two years too young, and the RCAF would never accept him due to his poor eyesight. As he stands by, helpless, his world is thrown upside down by a feud with another local family, the conflict involving a rescued puppy, and the war threatening to tear apart his family. When catastrophe strikes, though, Jackie realizes that he's not as helpless as he might think. Suddenly, it's up to him to save a friend's life.

There are some historical fiction books that rely on history, more than plot or characters, to move the story along. Not so with Mary Woodbury's Flight of the Tiger Moth, an enchanting World War II era novel filled with likeable characters who face challenges, such as the struggle for independence and coping with loss, that are still very relevant to today's youth.

Mary Woodbury paints a vivid picture of life in 1940's Saskatchewan. While some of the events are predictable, she's still created engaging characters who will keep you reading, right down to the very last word. Flight of the Tiger Moth is a unique story of Second World War heroism that does not take place on the battlefields, but at home in a small Canadian town. This is an excellent read for anyone interested in the war, specifically the Air Force or home-front aspects.

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