Review by Booklist Review
In this lovely rhyming picture book, readers take a journey through the history of women in space science. The book introduces the likes of Katherine Johnson, Christina Hammock Koch, Heather Ann Bottom, Sally Ride, and many more. After the story finishes, there are some engaging facts as well as a little exposition related to the author, and then each of the women in space mentioned in the story gets a mini bio. The digital artwork is somewhat realistic, depicting a young girl in a flight suit completing tasks while on a mission to Mars, conducting an EVA in space, and even exploring the moon. The women introduced in the story aren't just astronauts like Ellen Ochoa; they also include women who make space missions possible from right here on Earth. Most importantly, Andrus emphasizes that a girl belongs in space, on the moon, on Mars, and anywhere that she dreams she can be, whether that is on Earth or among the stars.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Hashman honors the brave and pioneering women who have made their mark on the U.S. space program. A young brown-skinned girl reads a book in her bedroom. Posters of planets and female astronauts line her walls, and her bedspread is covered in rockets. Her love of space exploration is clear. "Planets have orbits, / each star has a place, / but where do girls fit / in infinite space?" With each turn of the page, the young girl gets a close-up view of one of the diverse women who helped shape the U.S. space program. Katherine Johnson leads the way: "They count and they calculate / faster than light, // which is why girls belong / where the stars go at night." Each of the women highlighted has a unique ability that the girl observes or mimics--some have brilliant minds and strong bodies; others, like Ellen Ochoa and Eileen Collins, have superb mechanical or piloting skills. The young protagonist sees herself in every role--girls truly belong on this final frontier. The clear and concise rhyming verse is paired with deeply saturated double-page spreads that will delight those who love science, space, and exploring. Accompanied by a bright-eyed dog, the girl displays an infectious passion for space travel; readers will emerge ready to join them. Backmatter includes short biographies of the women mentioned and further resources. As the author puts it, "go forth and explore!" This mission reaches its target.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
