Informational Literature: ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: THE 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM by Tanya Lee Stone

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

By Tanya Lee Stone

 Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763645021

Summary

Long before Sally Ride and other women astronauts, there were 13 who paved the way. These women pilots were involved in a quest to prove women were capable of being astronauts, and traveling a long bumpy road to prove it. Unfortunately, they never were allowed to reach this dream, even after passing necessary tests with flying colors, their efforts eventually were rewarded with women who followed after. Though largely unknown today, these 13 women, led by the pioneering Jerrie Cobb, challenged established social norms, sacrificed, and fought during the height of the space race to further their aviation ambitions, contribute to space exploration, and be a part of history.

Critical Analysis

            Tanya Stone, who frequently writes about strong women, presents a largely unknown part of space history with abundant factual information and pictures. The lengthy source list at the end of the book is a testament to the effort to present accurate information. Further establishing credibility is the forward by the curator for the National Air and Space Museum.

            This book is presented in mostly a chronological sequence of events, though it does jump around some. Many reference aids are provided to aid readers and researchers in navigating the text, including a table of contents, source list, subheadings, and appendix.

            The dramatic cover featuring a space shuttle launch on a black background, surrounded by ghostly faces of women not only draw the reader in, but reflect the title and topic. The text is arranged in easy to read chunks, interspersed with numerous photographs. The photos are large with clear captions, adding to the learning experience. There is a distinct lack of color until the end of the book, mostly a result of the time period of the photos.  

            The author clearly demonstrates her passion for the subject and the battle these women fought. However, I felt at times this passion overpowered facts, presenting an almost biased tone, her disgust and negativity clearly felt especially in regard to NASA and the men. Though understandable in regards to the subject, it was a little off-putting.  Fortunatley, the use of questions and even the passionate presentation invite the readers to think more critically and explore further. She even provides a list of books and websites for further reading. The author’s frequent comparisons to modern day also invoke critical thinking, while making the situation more clear through contrast.

Awards, Honors, Book Lists

2010 Sibert Medal Award Winner
 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Honor
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor
NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor
Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award 
Jane Addams Honor Award 

Review Excerpts

Hazel Rochman (Booklist, Feb. 15, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 12))
Space gals. Astronettes. Astrodolls . . . Who do these women think they are?” …Nearly 20 years before the U.S. officially admitted women into the astronaut program, 13 women, known as the Mercury 13, fought for the right to soar into space. This dramatic, large-size photo-essay covers their stories

Sue Poduska (Children's Literature)

The author spends a large portion of the book describing the social and political atmosphere of the time. While this is important, the descriptions feel almost like a distraction. The achievements of these women were impressive in any situation, and their stories should be told. The book is readable and useful as a reference. The author’s research is meticulous

Connections

·       Students could choose a woman to research who fought to change something significant, were pioneers

·       Students could read further about the early days of the space program, the tests astronauts must go through and how they qualify then and now