Review by Booklist Review
After an unspoken tragedy forces May to move in with Grama, the two become inseparable. They stargaze and bird-watch, and as May ages depicted through a clever series of her first-place Space Fair projects, year after year her enthusiasm for aeronautics gradually distracts from her love for Grama. As May departs for sixth-grade space camp, she nearly forgets their traditional goodbye hug, and a month later, she returns with the news that she is going to be the world's youngest astronaut. On launch day, her excitement again sweeps her away from Grama, but as the countdown begins, May stops the proceedings: I am not leaving without a hug! This incredibly tender story packs a lifetime's worth of emotion into 40 pages, from the subtly tragic opening to the buoyant love between May and Grama to the heart-wrenching and ultimately happy ending. Nielander understands the simple power of storytelling, letting her narrative do the work and avoiding getting too sentimental. Her clean illustrations play like a montage, skimming through the beautiful moments of growing up with Grama, and developing the characters along the way. An excellent choice for a grandparent-grandchild read-along, as kids will find inspiration in the dream of being a tween in space, while elders will relish seeing their selfless love mirrored on the page.--Ronny Khuri Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
When bespectacled May goes to live permanently with her Grama (the reason is not explained, though a child's drawing shows her with people who might be her parents), the two become "inseparable," writes Nielander (The Ladybug Race). They never part without a hug. May grows, and her fascination with birds and flight, encouraged by her doting grandmother, turns into an aspiration to become an astronaut. When May gets to go to space camp, she's so excited that she almost forgets to hug Grama goodbye. Then an even bigger opportunity comes along (involving a real-life space center), and May realizes that more than ever, she needs that hug. The story is fitfully told, with an unsettling moment in which Grama seems almost panicked without the child's farewell embrace. But there is much loveliness in this intergenerational relationship, which hints at change's effect on both child and caretaker. In one of the best spreads, Grama and May cycle past a magnificently leafy hedge, each reveling in a flying fantasy of their own. Wherever these characters go, readers will know that they adore each other heart and soul. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--May and her Grama live together and are practically inseparable. When they do have to part, it is never first without a hug. May and Grama love birds, flight, and space and they work together imagining ways they can engage in flight opportunities. As May moves through the grades at school, she enters and wins the yearly Space Fair competition. One year, after a month at space camp, May becomes the youngest astronaut invited to travel to space. Grama is thrilled. The separation will be hard, but Grama and May find comfort in one last hug before her great adventure. There are two overarching themes in this picture book for elementary students. First, being a story of love, family, and perseverance, this book touches a chord about life, loss, and moving forward. Second, May has a passion that is unwavering and supported by her grandmother and they work together through trial and error to help May's biggest dreams become a reality. The theme of stick-to-itiveness and innovation could promote thoughtful discussions on growth mindset. The digital artwork is happy and rich and expertly conveys the loving nuances of the family dynamic expressed in the text. VERDICT This engaging story is a testament to the fact that anything is possible when one has dogged determination and the dedicated support of loved ones.--Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
With the support of her grandmother, a young girl strives for her astronaut dreams.May and Grama, whom May lives with, are a team. On her first day of school, May is nervous and asks for more hugs, which get her through the transition. Through the seasons, they watch the birds together, and May wants to "soar just like them." Together they craft bird wings and pretend they are flying, which sparks May's interest in going to space. Each year May prepares for the Space Fair contest, and Grama is always eager to help. Each year May's hard work pays off, eventually landing her the opportunity to be an astronaut. May seems ready to leave without looking back, but Grama hopes for one more hug. Nielander creates a lovely story focused on a girl in STEM and the family who supports her. The story holds meaning for both children and adults, reminding adults to cherish the little moments that are so special and also encouraging children to work toward their dreams. The illustrations add so much detail, such as the plans and testing of her different Space Fair projects. The interactions between May and Grama are sweet, and the emotions illustrated bring their relationship to life. May and Grama have beige skin, and May has black hair. There is diversity among the other people in the book.Heartwarming and encouraging for both children and adults. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
