Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared To Dream

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared To Dream

By: Tanya Lee Stone

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009. Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared To Dream. Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763645028

PLOT/SUMMARY

This photo essay book lays the backdrop for the NASA program and details the struggle that women had in becoming a part of it. Here is the story of Randolph Lovelace’s Project WISE (Women In Space Earliest), during which 13 talented female pilots went through the same rigorous physical and mental challenges as their male counterparts. Though they would perform as well as or better than the men, they were ultimately denied the honor of being an astronaut due to the sexism and prejudice of the people who were in charge. Though the Mercury 13, themselves, did not reach the title of astronaut, they did begin the conversation about allowing female astronauts and inspire countless women to reach beyond what was expected of them for the time into what they truly aspired to be.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author has crafted an exceptionally inspiring book that inspires and infuriates at the same time. Organized to focus primarily on the Lovelace Project and the ensuing debate, the author then completes the book by highlighting how women have since progressed and broken boundaries in all forms of aviation and space exploration. From the first female Thunderbird pilot (Nicole Malachowski) to the first female commander of a space shuttle crew (Eileen Collins), the author ends the informational book on a high and uplifting note. The design of the book makes for an easy read, and a page-turning one at that. The chapters are short and concise, with friendly language that is not overly scientific in nature. The abundant pictures from the NASA vaults showing astronauts going through the various stages of testing give a highly visual explanation of what the readers are taking in. A nice touch is the fact that the older pictures are black and white and, obviously, the more recent pictures are in color. The author has certainly done her research. There are suggestions for further reading, a “webliography”, and source notes for almost every page of the book. The index makes it user-friendly for anyone looking for a specific person or topic, but the reader will gain a more privileged understanding by reading the entire work.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 2009 Honor Book Nonfiction United States
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2010 Winner United States
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, 2010 Finalist United States

Best Children's Books of the Year , 2010 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Choices, 2010 ; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2010 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2010 ; National Science Teachers Association; United States
Smithsonian Notable Book for Children, 2009 ; Smithsonian Magazine; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2010 ; International Reading Association; International
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2010 ; American Library Association; United States

Booklist Starred Review…”This dramatic, large-size photo-essay covers their stories, along with the exciting politics of the women’s liberation struggle in the 1950s and ’60s (“What is a woman’s place?”) and the breakthrough science and technology surrounding space exploration, including details of the would-be astronauts’ tests and training. The chatty, immediate style (“Picture this”) and full-page photos make for a fast read, and the crucial civil-rights history will stay with readers. The long, spacious back matter is part of the story, with detailed chapter notes and a bibliography.”

Library Media Connection Starred Review…”This is the compelling story of 13 women who set out to prove they were just as brave, strong, and smart as any man competing for the coveted role of astronaut. Tanya Lee Stone does a phenomenal job of exploring NASA from its origin to the present, noting the changes made as these 13 remarkable women persevered. The author’s use of black and white photographs presents the reader with further proof of the journey these women made and of those who followed in their footsteps. The appendix includes more facts about women who have taken part in the space program.”

National Science Teachers Association Review…”The 13 women described by the author were all accomplished pilots, many with more flight hours than the men who eventually took their positions. Regulations, media bias, and even the federal administration all worked against their success. This NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2010 provides a great way to introduce students to systemic gender bias and to begin a discussion of what it really takes to succeed in a career in science and technology. The text is supplemented by an author's note, an appendix, a "webliography," sources, and source notes.”

CONNECTIONS

*As you are reading, compile a list of requirements for astronauts during the 50’s and 60’s when events in this book were occurring. Compare a woman’s role then to a woman’s role in the present day, and make a Venn Diagram to illustrate how some requirements or perceptions have changed or stayed the same.

*Research women who were pioneers in other fields and successfully broke the gender/color barrier to participate where women were previously denied access. Make a poster or pamphlet depicting this person and share important facts regarding this woman.

*Create a timeline for the history or space travel to map what significant events have occurred over the years.

*Find the distance between the Earth and the sun or various planets. Calculate how long it would take to drive there if you are traveling at 70 miles/per hour.

*Write a persuasive letter to Vice President Johnson or Jackie Cochran that expresses your opinion on the issue of women being allowed to train as astronauts. Be sure to give at least three reasons why you feel the way that you do on the issue.