Almost Astronauts: Diversity Title #2

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Title: Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

Author: Tanya Lee Stone

Illustrator: N/A

Year Published: 2009

Publisher: Candlewick Press
Awards: Silbert Medal (2010), YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction, Horn Book Honor

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Tanya Lee Stone's book, Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream, is a heroic tale of a group of women space pioneers dubbed the "Mercury 13".  Although they never achieved astronaut status, these women were among the brightest space minds of their time.  They were met with NASA "regulations", political pushbacks, and stereotypical gender roles.   This book is an easy-to-read nonfiction title, complete with authentic pictures, quotes, and extensive history.

My favorite detail of the book is the plot line.  I was not familiar with the Mercury 13 before reading this book and their story was inspiring.  Their courage in the face of a male-dominated career field shows true character and is an inspiration to all.  I also enjoyed the inclusion of artifacts from this time period.  These items added to the authenticity of the story.

This title has additional research resources and information about later female astronauts.

This book is appropriate for intermediate and middle school readers.  Younger readers can look at the pictures, but the vocabulary will be too advanced for them.  It can be used to teach perseverance, American history, space history, and gender roles.

Why should this title be in every classroom/library collection?

This title shows diversity by comparing gender roles and expectations in a male-dominated career.  These women had insurmountable obstacles in their way, but they did not back down.  Although their final goal was not achieved, this book can be an example to both females and males on how to break through preset expectations.  I can see many students being inspired by this story.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

Most of Stone's other titles involve strong female American historical figures, such as Amelia Earhart and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.  She also writes about America in general, including about national monuments, animals, and traditions.  In addition to these titles, Stone has a series of color books.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Chapter books do not have to be paperback and picture-less.  Including pictures of artifacts is a good way to add to the authenticity of a title.  All stories do not have to have a resolved conflict.

Other titles by this author include:

Amelia Earhart (DK Biography)

Elizabeth Leads the Way

Living in a World of... (series)

Bad News for Outlaws: Diversity Title #1

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Title: Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall

Author: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie

Year Published: 2009

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Awards: Coretta Scott King Award (2010)

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson's book, Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall, is a tale of the noble U.S. Deputy Marshall, Bass Reeves.  Reeves was born into slavery and, following the Civil War, earned his freedom.  He was hired as a Deputy Marshall and became one of the most respected lawmen of his time.  Reeves often donned disguises to capture criminals and served for over 30 years.

My favorite detail of the book is Reeves' character.  He was a noble man and his story should be told.  Reeves loved what he did and stuck to his morals, even when it meant arresting his own son.  I also enjoyed the illustrations.  Christie's realistic use of color brought the West to life.

This book includes a timeline, additional research resources, a Western vocabulary list, and an author's note about the story.

This book is appropriate for intermediate readers.  Younger readers can look at the pictures, but the vocabulary will be too advanced for them.  It can be used to teach African-American history, civil affairs, and American history.  Some readers may be uncomfortable with the casual way death is dealt with in this story, but it does not overwhelm the plot.

Why should this title be in every classroom/library collection?

This title shows a different side of the Old West than readers are used to.  Many times, cowboys are portrayed as middle aged, white men.  However, Reeves breaks the mold as an African-American lawman near the time of the Civil War.  This lesson in diversity is an important one for young readers to learn.  Showing diverse characters in authority positions helps reinforce dreams for young diverse readers.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

Nelson's other titles always include African-American children as characters.  She writes with strong themes of family, celebration, and traditions.  Her books also tend to have a historical slant, such as this one discussing the Old West.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Diverse historical figures can make for strong, authentic characters.  Life lessons can be learned from these titles, especially character traits such as nobility and honor.

Other titles by this author include:

Almost to Freedom

Beyond Mayfield

Who Will I Be, Lord?