Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

Bibliographic Information: Stone, T.L. (2009). Almost astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream. New York: Candlewick. ISBN: 9780763645021

  

Plot Summary: N/A

Critical Evaluation: This close look at a specific chapter in women's history explores 13 amazing women who paved the way for female astronauts. These courageous women proved, through a series of strenuous physical and psychological tests, that women were just as fit, if not more so, than men to be astronauts. Unfortunately, due to the social and political climate, vice president LBJ's actions, gender expectations and general resistance from NASA, these extremely smart and passionate pilots never got to become astronauts, but they certainly paved the way for future generations of women to enter space. Full of gritty details, expert research, and a passionate approach to this interesting topic, Almost Astronauts offers a reliable example of an important aspect of civil rights and sexism. Stone writes about the topic in a very poetic and engaging manner that teens will be very drawn to.

Reader’s Annotation: Find out just how difficult it was to be a woman…and an astronaut in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Author Information: Gale’s Contemporary Authors Online states, “Tanya Lee Stone is the author of dozens of nonfiction books for young readers, including titles in the "Regional Wild America," "Wild Wild World," and "Making of America" series. "I am passionate about nonfiction," Stone told Suite 101 online interviewer Sue Reichard. "I just love coming across a little-known piece of history or an interesting topic in science and finding a way to get kids just as excited about it as I am." In 2006 Stone expanded into fiction with A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl, a young-adult novel that was described as "one of the most honest treatments of teenage sexuality to be found in YA fiction" by Kliatt contributor Claire Rosser. "I absolutely love reading and writing within this genre," the author remarked to Teri S. Lesesne in Teacher Librarian. "The urgency, passion, drama, and importance, all wrapped up in transitioning from being a kid to an adult, is the stuff of life. I love immersing myself in it." In addition to her nonfiction titles, Stone has also published picture books that include B Is for Bunny: A Springtime Alphabet Book.
Stone, whose father was also an author, developed an early interest in telling tales. "I've been writing stories since I was seven years old," she noted on the Random House Web site. "Some of them were even published--in the school newspaper." After graduating from Oberlin College with a degree in English, Stone moved to New York City, where she spent thirteen years in the publishing industry. "My editorial background has definitely been an advantage in terms of craft," she explained to Cynthia Leitich Smith on the Cynsations Web site. "I edited hundreds and hundreds of books before I wrote my first one for publication."

Genre: Non-Fiction, Space

Subjects: women’s rights, astronauts, space, NASA, discrimination

Booktalking Ideas: How are women in the sciences perceived nowadays? Has anything changed?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 10+

Challenge Issues/Defense: N/A

Reason for Selection: This is an ALA Best Book for YA’s and won the Sibert Medal. Young girls interested in careers in the sciences and aerospace will love taking a glimpse into the history of their future professions. Students with research assignments will be provided with a wealth of useful information, resources and photographs, even if this book is intended for younger audiences.