APA Citation: Stone, T. (2009). Almost Astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.Summary: Almost Astronauts tells the story about 13 women who aspired to go into space before NASA was ready to accept their calling. The book tells personal tales that the women tell as they pushed forward with their dream. These women were scrutinized by the media, dubbed as astrodolls and other various names, making a mockery of what they were trying to accomplish. Even though these women were discriminated against because of their gender, the Mercury 13 endured the same tests as men and were denied a glorious opportunity. The book is very informative and the pictures are a true step back in time. It is too bad that a book had to be written 40 years after the fact for these women to get any recognition.
Read alike: Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip M. Hoose. This book provides a great amount of historical information that is not known to a lot of people. Her story is certainly something that changed history but is not well known. The same as these women.
Discussion Questions:
There are many instances in history where women were discriminated against. Research this topic and document other instances when women were discriminated against. Discuss your findings in a small group setting.The Mercury 13 are known as pioneers in the area of space travel. Discuss what you think a pioneer is. List other people that you can think of that you would consider a pioneer.
Author Website: http://www.tanyastone.com/
I was looking for this book for the biography blog- it looked so interesting. Now that I have read your blog, I most definitely will check it out! Having 3 girls of my own, it would be a book I might want to have in our collection at home. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great book. I can see so many ways one could use it in the classroom-one could construct a unit that might focus on "unsung" heroes, or people who persevere, or even explore racism and sexism and ageism. I agree-it is too bad that it took 40 years for these women to receive their due tribute. Isn't that how it goes with a lot of history's greats? Looks like yet another "must read" for my summer list! Thanks for sharing it.
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