Women in Space    On June 16, 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to enter space. Two decades later, the Americans had their first woman in space-Sally Ride. The following books focus on the women who made their mark in the male-dominated realm of space exploration, breaking barriers which now allow all girls to see their dreams of walking in space become a true possibility. Visit our Themed Reviews section for more space books! Reviews Amelia Earhart Jill C. Wheeler    Besides being the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean she was an inspiration to other women, encouraging them to take on challenges of their choosing. Her early childhood was not the typical one. She didn't wear dresses, play with dolls, or spend time learning to sew and keep house. She and her sister, Muriel, wore pants, played baseball, went fishing, and built a roller coaster. Her first exposure to airplanes was at State Fairs and Air Shows. When Amelia took a short ten-minute ride in an open-cockpit biplane she knew she was hooked. After she received her pilots license leaps and bounds were being made in the field of aviation. Charles Lindbergh had become the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The focus then turned to finding a woman who could do the same thing. Amelia jumped to it. On her first flight across the Atlantic, she was only a passenger and not the actual pilot. Regardless, this venture made her the first woman to fly across the Atlantic as either a pilot or passenger. She became a celebrity but she felt uncomfortable because she was not the one who actually flew the plane. She eventually flew solo across the Atlantic, the Pacific and was on a trip around the world when she mysteriously disappeared. The mystery still remains as to what happen to her, but her legacy as a woman of courage still stands. 2002, ABDO & Daughters, $24.21. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Leila Toledo ISBN: 1-5776-5318-1 Bessie Coleman: First Black Woman Pilot Connie Plantz    The sky is the only place where there is no prejudice. Up there...everyone is free," said Bessie Coleman, a black woman who longed to fly airplanes. Born in 1892, however, Bessie discovered multiple barriers to her dream. At a time when blacks were lynched in America and women were second-class citizens, American flight schools would not allow her to enroll. So in 1920, Bessie traveled to France to earn her international license, a prestigious award that Amelia Earhart didn't receive until 1923. Unfortunately, when Bessie returned to America no one would hire her; they wouldn't even sell her a plane. She pursued her dream anyway, buying a plane in France and becoming a stunt pilot in order to raise money to begin her own aviation school. Despite exceptional piloting skills, Coleman enjoyed embellishing her accomplishments and charming reporters with her "good looks, sense of theater, and eloquence." A puzzling but apparently accidental airplane crash ended her life at the age of 34, but her example inspired the creation of flight schools for African-Americans. Plantz captures all the drama, pride and hardship of Bessie's eventful and inspirational life in this absorbing addition to the "African-American Biographies" series. 2001, Enslow, $20.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Betty Hicks ISBN: 0-7660-1545-9 Christa McAuliffe: A Space Biography Laura S. Jeffrey   The shocking moment when onlookers and television viewers watched as the space shuttle Challenger exploded seventy-three seconds after launch is described in the first chapter of this book, and additional details of the disaster and investigation are included in a subsequent chapter. The body of the book, part of the "Countdown to Space" series, is devoted to the life story of schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe who was chosen as the first citizen passenger in the space program. Sharon Christa Corrigan was born in 1948 and as a young child and teenager was active in her school and community. In 1970, after graduating from college, she married Steve McAuliffe and began teaching. She continued to teach after the birth of their two children and in 1982 started working at Concord High School in Concord, New Hampshire. A popular and admired teacher, she created a course focusing on ordinary people in American history. At that time she had no idea that she would be chosen, as an ordinary American, to do the extraordinary. Photos of McAuliffe training for the launch are included along with childhood and family pictures. 1998, Enslow, Ages 9 to 12, $18.95. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford Ellen Ochoa Pamela Walker    Part of the "Welcome Books Real People" series, Ellen Ochoa is one of six titles that introduces the youngest readers to biographies. This is a nicely designed series and this book features the first Hispanic female astronaut. The 24-page format and small, square trim size make the books easy for little hands to hold. The text is consistently placed. One or two sentences in large, plain type face the bleed-to-the-edge photographs or full-color art. The illustrations reinforce the narrative, rather than enhance. Emergent readers can choose from a variety of multicultural personalities or historical figures. Each title has seven sections. The first three are devoted to the subject's life. "New Words" defines words outside the controlled vocabulary. "To Find Out More" lists further reading and web sites. The last page consists of the index and professional references. The "Real People" series has one flaw. Readers who can decode words like "astronaut" deserve meatier material than, for example, "she worked hard, but she had fun." 2001, Children's Press, $13.50. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Candice Ransom ISBN: 0-516-23433-1 ISBN: 0-516-23587-7 Ellen Ochoa: The First Hispanic Woman Astronaut Maritza Romero   When Ellen Ochoa was thirteen, she was named "outstanding seventh and eighth grade student," and excelled in music and spelling-nice, but not what you'd expect from a future astronaut. But an astronaut is exactly what she became. Unfortunately, most of the kids reading this book will never find that out because they'll put it down before they get to the end. There's good information here; it's just presented in a manner that isn't at all inspiring. And while it's clearly written for early readers, the vocabulary is better suited for preschoolers. Part of the "Great Hispanics of Our Time" series. 1997, PowerKids Press, Ages 7 to 9, $13.95. Reviewer: Armin A. Brott Finding Where The Wind Goes: Moments From My Life Mae Jemison    From her earliest memories of childhood in Decatur, Alabama, through growing up in Chicago, to success at Stanford University and Cornell Medical School, Mae Jemison shares her life's story with young readers. Jemison, now in her early forties, has packed enough into life to serve as multiple role models to girls who wonder what their futures might hold. Her autobiography is written in an episodic and conversational, sometimes awkward, style that is easily accessible to youngsters. Early in the book, especially, Dr. Jemison describes growing up in a warm, protective African-American family and draws the reader in with funny, tender memories and insights. The second part of the book recounts her whirlwind progress through Stanford and Cornell, her stint as a Peace Corps medical officer in West Africa, and her crowning achievement as the first African-American woman in space. Frequent dashes of her pithily articulated philosophy add zest to the ride. The reader may, however, finally wonder whether Dr. Jemison has ever failed in anything she attempted. Nonetheless, her over-riding metaphor of following the wind with an open questing mind is an appropriate one for this impressive woman, whose life is a work-in-progress. 2001, Scholastic Press, $16.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Michele Tremaine ISBN: 0-439-13195-2 ISBN: 0-439-13196-0 Best Books: Amelia Bloomer List, 2002; American Library Association-SRRT Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States Mae Jemison Sonia W. Black    Mae Jemison is a role model by any measure. A woman of diverse interests such as dance, science, travel and social work, she most notably became the first African-American woman selected by NASA to be an astronaut in 1987. As a young girl, she dreamed of traveling to outer space while also participating on her school's cheerleading squad. After graduating from medical school, she served as a doctor in Sierra Leone and Liberia for the Peace Corps. By the time she applied to NASA's astronaut program, she had already established herself in the field of medicine, but her wanderlust took her to outer space and back. In this inspirational biography, we learn of Mae's journey from childhood that ultimately takes her on this space mission, as well as her experiences aboard the space shuttle, Endeavor. An easy yet informative read, this biography would work well in the classroom and also for pleasure. Eight pages of photos highlight the career of Mae Jemison. 2000, Mondo, $3.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Deans ISBN: 1-572-55801-6 Best Books: Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001; National Council for the Social Studies; United States Mae Jemison: The First African American Woman Astronaut Liza N. Burby   Mae Jemison dreamed of being an astronaut from the time she was a very young child in Chicago. Although she studied chemical engineering and eventually became a doctor, she never wavered in her desire to fly in space. In 1986, she was one of 2,000 people who applied to NASA for the astronaut training program. She was selected and after several years of training and working for NASA, on Sept. 2, 1992, she became the first African American woman to go out in space. This book is part of a series "Making Their Mark, Women in Science and Medicine." Mae Jemison is an excellent example; she shows children that dreams do come true. 1997, Rosen Publishing Group, Ages 5 to 8, $13.95. Reviewer: Leila Toledo Mae Jemison: A Space Biography Della A. Yannuzzi   This is a well-organized, well written account about the first African-American woman in space. It will especially appeal to children who are interested in becoming an astronaut. Organized into five chapters, the book begins with Dr. Jemison's lift off into space aboard the space shuttle. Next, a journey through her early years of school until her graduation from medical school and volunteer work with the Peace Corps. Photos of Dr. Jemison's life are interspersed. The next couple of chapters detail interesting insights into her training with NASA and finally her blast off into space. A concluding chapter describes what Dr. Jemison has accomplished since her travels into space. The book ends with a chronology of her life, a glossary of space terms, further readings on the subject of space and an index. This is a wonderful account of a positive role model for girls. Readers will learn many interesting experiences about Dr. Jemison's journey along with the hard work and dedication that it takes to become an astronaut. This is part of the "Countdown to Space" series. 1998, Enslow Publishers Inc., Ages 7 to 12, $18.95. Reviewer: Melissa A. Caudill More famous African-American Women Project Apollo Ray Spangenburg and Kit Moser    Space travel was an alien concept until 1957 when the former Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite, followed quickly by the United States' Explorer I. Then in 1961 came a challenge from President John F. Kennedy to put a man on the moon. Project Apollo is the chronology of the space program during this historical time period. Written in story form, all aspects of the space program are covered, supplemented by maps and pictures. The race between the Soviet Union and the United States to put a man on the moon, the astronauts who participated and the political implications of the program are all included. Part of the "Out Of This World" series, this well-done reference book is equally enjoyable as a storybook. There are exceptional resources listed for those interested in further study and a space travel timeline, which gives the overview of the program. This would be appropriate supplementary material in social studies or science curriculums. 2001, Franklin Watts, $14.95. Ages 10 to 12. Reviewer: Paulette Jackson ISBN: 0-531-11761-8 Project Mercury Ray Spangenburg and Kit Moser    Less than three months after its creation, NASA announced a program to send pilots into space--Project Mercury. From the selection of astronauts to the details of each flight, the authors present intriguing information in a conversational tone. Sidebars give further insight into the program, including the attempts of thirteen women to join the ranks of the astronauts, notes about the spacecraft, and information on the astronauts' lives after completing Project Mercury. Black and white and color photographs, mission facts, a timeline, a glossary, an excellent section of further resources, and an index make this a good choice despite the high price. Pair this with portions of the video The Right Stuff to further ignite students' interest. 2001, Franklin Watts, $32.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Cherri Jones ISBN: 0-531-11763-4 Sally Ride-A Space Biography Barbara Kramer   Part of the "Countdown to Space" series, this volume chronicles the life of Sally Ride, the first woman astronaut in the United States. It is an inspiring story about a regular kid whose special interest in space finally led her to become a very special person in space travel history. Born in California, Sally takes an unlikely route through a seemingly normal upbringing to become a household name. The book describes in detail her first journey on the spaceship Challenger, as well as Sally's subsequent accomplishments. Accompanied by actual photographs of space flight, the book emphasizes that through inspiration and hard work, anything is possible. 1998, Enslow Publishers, Ages 8 up, $18.95. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger Sky Pioneer: A Photobiography of Amelia Earhart Corinne Szabo   Amelia's childhood was filled with fun, a love of reading, and a pair of loving and fairly progressive grandparents who filled in for her peripatetic parents. During World War I, Amelia worked as a nurse's aide in a military hospital and then decided to study medicine. During her days at medical school, she was introduced to flying, and it became a passion. From then on Amelia broke the barriers for women in aviation. She was the first woman to fly the Atlantic, initially as a passenger and then as a solo pilot. She spent her all too brief years as an advocate for women's education and rights. The story is well told with wonderful quotes and black-and-white photographs of her early years and adult accomplishments. Most of us will recognize the name, and now those who read this book will know about her life and her commitment to equality for women— particularly in the aviation field. Amelia broke the ground for women who today work as commercial pilots. 1997, National Geographic, Ages 9 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster in American History Suzanne Lieurance    The United States space program, although only fifty years old, has had a number of notable triumphs and failures. Perhaps the greatest disaster was the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle, Challenger. The seven-member crew, including the first "Teacher in Space," Christa McAuliffe, were all killed, horrifying the millions of viewers gathered in eager anticipation of the launch. The author captures the drama of the shuttle's launch, including the final conversation between Mission Control and the pilot, Mike Smith. The crew included the first Japanese and the second Afro-American in space. Judith Resnick was on board and as part of a previous launch, was the second American woman in space. "Countdown to Disaster" briefly describes the crew's activities the day of the launch, the launch itself and its tragic aftermath. The history of the space program is told in fascinating detail, from its inception in 1950 when the U.S. army learned about the Soviet rocket program and decided to establish its own research center. There is a step-by-step description of the moon race between the Soviets and the United States. The last chapters of the book deal with the investigation of the Challenger tragedy and to the astronauts' legacy, along with an update of NASA's shuttle program. Adults as well as children will find Ms. Lieurance's work thrilling, informative and enjoyable. Details and anecdotes add to a story that many remember. The text is footnoted and contains a bibliography. It is part of the "In American History" series. 2001, Enslow, $20.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Ellen R. Butts ISBN: 0-7660-1419-3 Tomboy Of The Air: Daredevil Pilot Blanche Stuart Scott Julie Cummins    In 1910 when Blanche Stuart Scott became the first woman to drive an automobile cross-country, there were only 218 miles of paved roads in the U.S. (excluding the cities) and there were road maps for only certain parts of the country. During that trip, she made the statement, "Anyone poking around in the clouds in a glorified kite had to be a nut...a complete and absolute idiot!" Little did she know at the time that within months, she would become the first woman pilot in the U.S. Through daring and tenacity, "Daredevil Pilot Blanche Stuart Scott" set several aviation records for women, years before they had the right to vote. In spite of hate letters, broken bones and attempts on her life, she continued to fulfill her dream. Interesting facts and quotes from the biography are skillfully interwoven in the text and are accompanied by black-and-white photographs. Readers can see for themselves how flimsy these early planes were and how courageous she was. Not only will this fill in some gaps in our knowledge of women's history, it will also empower young women to pursue their own dreams, whatever they may be. Chronology, bibliography and index are included. 2001, HarperCollins, $16.95 and $16.89. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-06-029138-9 ISBN: 0-06-029243-1 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers, 2002 ; National Council for the Social Studies; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Utah Children's Book Awards, 2003 ; Utah Up in the Air: The Story of Bessie Coleman Philip S. Hart    In this interesting biography, Hart describes the life of Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman to fly an airplane. The book describes Bessie's childhood in Waxahachie, Texas in the early 1900's where she often had to miss going to her segregated school. She had to stay home and watch her younger sisters while her mother went to work. Despite her difficult childhood, Bessie became fascinated with flying airplanes, and in 1920, she achieved her dream of flying. Overcoming racism and limited funds, she made a career as a barnstorming pilot. Her dream of opening a school for black aviators was cut short by a fatal accident, but many other black aviators carried on her dream. Filled with vintage photographs, this easy to read text makes Bessie Coleman and her dreams come alive for young readers. 1996. Carolrhoda, Ages 8 to 12, $21.50 and $6.95. Reviewer: Rebecca Joseph ISBN: 0-87614-949-2 ISBN: 0 87614-978-6 Who's Who in Space: The International Space Station Edition Michael Cassutt   A reference book for the millenium, this compilation offers more than 600 pages of facts about the space programs in the US, Russian and other parts of the world. The change in world politics and the development of a truly international space station has brought former rival space programs together. This revised edition brings much of the know data about the intrepid space explorers together profiling astronauts from all major programs. The first section is a list of acronyms, abbreviations and their definitions. An essential guide since the text like the programs if full of acronyms. The first part of the book is devoted to NASA which includes the background of the space program, all of the astronaut groups followed by biographies of all of the astronauts. Black and white photographs appear throughout. The same approach is used for the Russian cosmonauts and the international astronauts in subsequent sections. It offers a wonderful opportunity to get aquatinted with all of the men and women who have taken part in these programs. The appendices are not to be overlooked; they contain a chronology of manned space flights (the launch date, crews, call sign, landing data, duration and other remarks), a list of space travelers, time in space, EVA data and more, also there is an extensive index. Within the text there are fascinating tidbits such as full color reproductions of the NASA mission crew patches, personally written pieces by the astronauts about the launch process, the view of earth from space and the like. This revised edition contains 80 new entries from the previous and all entries have been updated. A resource for reports as well as anyone interested in the factual data related to the manned missions into space. 1999, Macmillan, Ages 10 up, $115.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot Women in Space Carole S. Briggs   This A & E biography takes an overview look at the space program, both Russian and U.S., and profiles the events and women who have been a part of this exploration. This would be a marvelous complement to school research papers on the space program. However, the biographical information provided on the female astronauts is not enough to sustain in-depth inquiry into any of their individual lives. Includes a glossary, illustrations, and bibliography. 1999, Lerner Publications, Ages 11 up, $18.95. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner Yankee Doodle Gals: Women Pilots of World War II Amy Nathan Foreword by Eileen Collins    Did you know that there were women pilots who flew planes during World War II? Learn all about the courageous women who were part of the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots, 1942-1944) and how they were pioneers in creating important duties that helped out the United States of America during World War II. Many of the women were teenagers and college students, and some worked full-time as librarians and even models. They quickly decided to leave their schools and jobs to follow their lifelong dream of flying airplanes. The author, Amy Nathan, has done a great job in honoring the women who were WASPs and explaining what it meant to these women to serve their country as well as their responsibilities. This book is ideal for young adult readers, especially for those who are interested in or have a passion about flying airplanes. Included are black-and-white photos that were taken during the training period and of women pilots getting reading for their flights, as well as brief biographies about various women. This book would be useful to both children and adults undertaking research about WWII. The text is easy to read and understand and gives detailed information without all of the gruesome details of negative events of the war. The book is a must-have for any history book collection. 2001, National Geographic Society, $21.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Christy Oestreich ISBN: 0-7922-8216-7 Best Books: Best Books for Young Adults, 2003 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Updated 3/1/04