Tonya Bolden is the author of several books for young readers including Rock of Ages, The Champ, Cause: Reconstruction America, 1863-1877, and Maritcha, an ALA Notable Book, and Coretta Scott King Honor Book. She lives in New York City

The 1940's was a time when society thought it improper for women to make a sax wail or let loose hot licks on skins, but with the advent of World War II and many men away fighting the war, women finally got their chance to strut their stuff on the bandstand. These all-girl bands kept morale high on the homefront and on USO tours of miltary bases across the globe while also helping to establish America's legacy in jazz music.
"Take-off?" Oh, yeah. Several all-girl bands did.
This book includes a hip swing CD.