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Almost Astronauts

 

(Picture from Goodreads.com)

1.       Bibliography
Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009. ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM. Somerville, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 978-0-7636-3611-1

2.       Plot Summary

Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut? Can you meet all the expectations? The requirements are flying, courage, intelligence, resistance to stress, top physical shape… and being a man. Or, those were the requirements in the 1960s. This book details the true story of the “Mercury 13” women, who fought against prejudice, jealousy, and politicians. Despite meeting all the requirements of the time (many do better than male competitors), these women were denied entrance into the space program at NASA. Although they were unable to experience the dream for themselves, they paved the path for young women in the future.

3.       Critical Analysis

Stone’s story of the “Mercury 13” is a literary page turner, making the reader hopeful that these women will successfully reach their dreams. The reality is obvious once you realize this was the 1960s; these women will be denied and must succumb to the standards of their time. Although these women paved the way for women in the future, their dreams were crushed by men who were unable to see past their own prejudices and put-up barriers making it impossible for a woman astronaut to exist.

 

Between tales of the process and time these women took to prove their worth, events during this time period are also noted. Pictures can be found on almost every page giving a visual to the people, places, and experiences. Historical documents and primary sources are also pictured, showing headlines, and giving proof to what the women struggled against.

Back matter includes an author’s note detailing why she was able to make this book a picture book, as was her initial intent. There was just too much important information! She does include a link to the poems she created about the 13 that she wanted to publish, but they just did not fit into the narrative. Stone visited airfields, talked to pilots, took lessons in a two-seater Cessna 152, explored F-16 jets, and learned how to strap into a pressure suit. Of course, she explored articles, scientific papers, audio recordings and videotapes from the time but also spent hours talking with museum curators, female aviators, and scientist. She even found her way to one of the 13, getting a firsthand perspective into the women’s experience.

 

Following the note is an appendix, further reading, a bibliography, sources, source notes, and an index. A great resource for further explanation and material on this topic for those that want to know more!

 

4.       Awards/Reviews

Stone presents the full story of early-sixties public discourse about women’s capabilities and clearly shows the personal, political, and physical risks taken by the women in pursuit of their dream.
—The Horn Book (starred review)

Readers with an interest in history and in women's struggle for equality will undoubtedly be moved.
—Publishers Weekly

This passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

·       Robert F. Sibert Medal WINNER.

·       NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies SELECTION.

·       Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book HONOR.

·       NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children HONOR.

 

5.       Connections

·       This book would be great for students interested in women’s rights and women’s studies. Specifically for young girls interested in being an astronaut or pilot.

Other books about people who paved a path for future generations:

·       Clinton, Chelsea. 2017. SHE PERSISTED: 13 AMERCAN WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD. Ill Alexandra Boiger. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 978-1524741723

·       Poelman, Heidi. 2018. COURAGEOUS PEOPLE WHO CHANGED THE WORLD. Ill. Kyle Kershner. Sanger, CA: Familius. ISBN 978-1945547751

·       Shetterly, Margot. 2018. HIDDEN FIGURES: THE TRUE STORY OF FOUR BLACK WOMEN AND THE SPACE RACE. Ill Laura Freeman. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0062742469

·       Stone, Tanya. 2013. COURAGE HAS NO COLOR, THE TRUE STORY OF THE TRIPLE NICKLES. Sommerville, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 978-0-7636-6548-7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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