To the Stars! Let's here it for WOMEN in Space!

 

Charlesbridge, 2021

Young Kathy Sullivan (co-author of this picture book and star of the story) was intrigued with planes, travel, and adventure from her earliest years. Despite dismissive attitudes about what girls could or couldn't, should or shouldn't do, she grew up to follow her own compass. That spirit and her pursuit of scientific, technological, adventuresome studies eventually led her to becoming the first American woman to walk in space.

Here's what others have had to say about TO THE STARS! The First American Woman to Walk in Space, written by Carmella Van Vleet and Dr. Kathy Sullivan, illustrated by Nicole Wong. 

"A wonderful and inspiring addition to biography and space collections."

-School Library Journal

 "In 1978, she became one of the first six women selected to join NASA, and she was the first American woman to walk in space, in 1984. Notes, each a full page long, from the author and Sullivan herself encompass her adventurous spirit and encourage girls to "set big goals." Concluding thumbnail biographies profile 13 other woman astronauts, including Sally Ride, Kalpana Chawla, Mae Jemison, and Ellen Ochoa. This welcome addition to the field of female fliers will be informative as well as inspirational for girls."

-Kirkus Reviews

On a side note, I want to add a few thoughts about "theme months", as I often do. (Early post  HERE.) I've been deeply drenched in research for a nonfiction writing project involving the early days of NASA and human space travel. It is painfully obvious that the characters and pronouns are all male. That is NOT the point of the project, but I remain appalled that even a flicker of possibility that a woman could have been involved in those years was beyond absurd. That's why this is one of many important and necessary books about women in space, in STEM, in research and innovation, EVERY MONTH of the year, not just in March, Women's History Month. It is also why June, PRIDE MONTH, is SO essential, and why the books featuring these stories are even more essential ALL YEAR LONG. The Kirkus review listed women space pioneers. Sally Ride is the one name among them  that most Americans could recognize. Sadly, she lived her entire lesbian life closeted because that was the only way she could pursue and succeed in  her chosen professional career, especially in the public eye. 

That would not be true today, but the backlash and ongoing trolling of those who are labeled any version  of "other" continues. From the WHITE HOUSE to our own homes, we must all stand together, speak up, and proclaim support as allies for ALL others, during PRIDE MONTH and EVERY month.