Book Review: Almost Astronauts by Tanya Lee Stone

Bibliography: 
Stone, Tanya Lee. (2009). Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream. Somerville, MS: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763636111.


Summary: 
This book discusses the "Mercury 13" and the trials they go through. From tedious testing to disappointing turn-downs, these 13 ladies show perseverance and never give up on their dreams. The book follows the Mercury 13 from their earliest dreams of flight to 1999 when the first woman to serve as space shuttle commander blasts into space. Sadly, none of the Mercury 13 ever became astronauts, but they always had  their passion and dreams at the forefront of their lives.


Critical Analysis: 
This unique informational text was very moving. The book is accurate and hosts pages of sources and credits in the back. The book presents itself in mostly sequential order (except for the first chapter). The timeline of the events is helpful in understanding the trials that each of the Mercury 13 went up against while fighting to get into a space shuttle. The photos in the book not only put a face to a name in the book, but also show the devices and technology used in space flight and testing.

This book is a great way to encourage girls in the fields of science. It would be an interesting read for anyone interested in space, NASA, equality between genders, and/or the roles of women in space and flight. The testimonials and stories in this book are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. While the subject matter could be appropriate for any level, and would make a great read aloud, the essence of the book should be saved for 4th grade and above.  These women were marked as "ahead of their time." These were the pioneers who broke records and barriers in flight! These women also broke records in astronaut training tests.

Overall, it is a book to recommend to grades 4 and above, especially to young girls interested in space, flight, or science. The authors website (cited below) has several materials that could be helpful in sharing this book with a class.


Awards:
2010 Sibert Medal Award
YALSA Excellence in Nonficton Honor
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor
NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor
Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award
Jane Addams Honor
Outstanding Science Trade Book
Kirkus Best YA Books 2009
Smithsonian Magazine Best Books of 2009

"...Passionately written account." -School Library Journal


"A fast read....the crucial civil-rights history will stay with readers...long, spacious back matter is part of the story." -Booklist


"Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. Even after thirty years of flying, the "Mercury 13" still inspire me!" -Eileen Collins, Colonel, U.S. Air Force (retired) and first female Space Shuttle Commander


Connections: 
Physical Education Connection: Discuss the tests used to test the strength and agility of potential astronauts. Have students test their own strength in some of the areas.
Science Connection: Discuss space and what astronauts mission in space can be before, during and after a mission.
Career Connection: Study the strong female role models in this book and in other books with strong females.
History Study: Study the feminist movement and the civil rights movement and discuss injustice to women during these times.
Author Study: Other books by Tanya Lee Stone - Up Close: Ella Fitzgerald, Wild America series, The House That Jane Built. See http://www.tanyastone.com for a full list.

Source: 
Tanya Lee Stone. Retrieved on April 1, 2012 from http://www.tanyastone.com/