Almost Astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream

Written by Tanya Lee Stone

Foreword by Margaret A. Weitekamp, Curator, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Bibliographic data

Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009. Almost Astronauts: 13 Women who dared to dream. Somerville: Candlewick Press.

ISBN 9780763645021

Plot Summary

This is an inspiring informational book of how 13 women almost became astronauts. In learning about these women you will experience how they proved to be tougher than the men of Mercury 7, and brave enough to take on the world.

Critical Analysis

At the beginning of the book, on the page with copyright data is also the author’s dedication and note about “Mercury 13.” On the opposing page are two quotes. One of the quotes is by Amelia Earhart and the other by Tom Wolf, about the Mercury 7 astronauts. There is also a table of contents displaying every section of information throughout the book. Next, comes the forward written by Margaret A. Weitekamp, the curator of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. In her forward she mentions how excited she is about finally having a book to recommend to people when she talks publicly about the Lovelace Woman in Space program, and the women of the 1960s who helped pave the way for women today.

A major focus in this book is the courage, struggle, and determination of women to become equals with men in the astronaut program, specifically Jerri Cobb and the “Mercury 13” women. Stone starts the book in July 1999, but flashes back to the early 1960s. With the amount of information and some complex vocabulary, this book is geared more toward ages 10 and up.

Stone has left no table unturned by providing a two page Author’s Note, Appendix, Further Reading, Webliography, Sources, Source Notes by chapter, Photography Credits, and Index and Acknowledgements at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the different display of color and black & white photographs throughout the book. Some of the photographs are the background of a page with text on top. With every photograph, Stone provides a description of whom and what is happening in the scene. I also found that the photographs along with the text help the reader understand the culture of being a woman in the 1960s. Stone’s words invite the reader to become a part of the women’s lives and allow you to put yourself in their shoes. At the beginning of chapter 3, Stone describes the experience of “The Tank.” I actually envisioned myself freaking out after a short period of time. It really gives you an amazing appreciation for what Jerri Cobb went through to try and live out her dream.

This book definitely encourages critical thinking and a want to read more about other phenomenal women who have contributed so much to the rights of women today.

Review Excerpts

• Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal 2010
• “Handsomely illustrated with photographs, this empowering, impassioned story will leave readers inspired.” Kirkus starred review
• “Readers with an interest in history and in women's struggle for equality will undoubtedly be moved.” Publishers Weekly
• “This passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women.” School Library Journal

Connections

• Have students research and present other women you have made a contribution to the equality of rights movement for women.
• Discuss other professions where women had to fight to gain the same respect as men.