In the early years of World War II, Josef Stalin issued an order that made the Soviet Union the first country in the world to allow female pilots to fly in combat. Led by Marina Raskova, these three regiments, including the 588th Night Bomber Regiment--nicknamed the "night witches"--faced intense pressure and obstacles both in the sky and on the ground. Some of these young women perished in flames. Many of them were in their teens when they went to...

"16-year-old Valya knows what it feels like to fly. She's a pilot who's always felt more at home soaring through the sky than down on earth. But since the Germans surrounded Stalingrad, Valya's been forced to stay on the ground and watch her city crumble. When her mother is killed during the siege, Valya is left with one burning desire: to join up with her older sister, a member of the famous and feared Night Witches-a brigade of young female pilots....

Students will meet a modern-day drone pilot and learn about the combat missions he performs. They will read about the history of UAVs, such as the use of pilotless balloons during the Civil War, and how these unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, are used in military operations today. Full-color photos highlight the technology behind drones and fact boxes detail how to prepare for a career as a UAV pilot.

"The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military pilots in the United States armed forces. Flying bombers and fighters, they completed over 1500 combat missions in World War II. Infographics, sidebars, and fact boxes bring the experiences of these brave military men to life"--Provided by the publisher.

The Soviet Night Witches flew over 30,000 missions in planes made of almost nothing more than plywood and canvas. Learn more about the origin of the Night Witches and the amazing women who flew these missions and were indispensable to the war effort in WWII.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American combat pilots in US military history. Ride along with these brave pilots on the dangerous military missions that changed the course of history.