Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone

 

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared To Dream by Tanya Lee Stone

Bibliography: 

Stone, T. L., & Weitekamp, M. A. (2009). Almost astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream. Candlewick Press.

Plot Summary: 

What does it take to be an astronaut? Excellence at flying, courage, intelligence, resistance to stress, top physical shape — any checklist would include these. But when America created NASA in 1958, there was another unspoken rule: you had to be a man. Here is the tale of thirteen women who proved that they were not only as tough as the toughest man but also brave enough to challenge the government. They were blocked by prejudice, jealousy, and the scrawled note of one of the most powerful men in Washington. But even though the Mercury 13 women did not make it into space, they did not lose, for their example empowered young women to take their place in the sky, piloting jets and commanding space capsules. ALMOST ASTRONAUTS is the story of thirteen true pioneers of the space age.

Critical Analysis:

Stone offers a fascinating exploration of gender roles during this time and how these particular women were considered abnormal and misfits who could not fit into natural roles of motherhood, having dinner on the table for their husbands when they came home, etc. The media and most male astronauts didn’t help. The women were the topic of many degrading jokes, cartoons, and court testimonies that was meant to keep them in their place: at home. As the story of the thirteen women is told, the author offers a glimpse of how popular media and what shows were on television during that time. Furthermore, Stone’s first intention was to have the book include poetry she wrote about each one of the women but her editor advised her against this. However, she has these poems available online for those who are interested in further study of the topic. 

Overall, this text is a great way for teens to explore the history of the struggle for equality but also take a critical look into how far the women’s rights battle has come. After all, even today, women still earn less than men do.

Review Excerpt: 

The Horn Book (starred review)

Stone presents the full story of early-sixties public discourse about women’s capabilities and clearly shows the personal, political, and physical risks taken by the women in pursuit of their dream.

Publisher's Weekly

Readers with an interest in history and in women's struggle for equality will undoubtedly be moved.

School Library Journal (starred review)

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.

Connections:

Women's Rights - Would be good to use as a resource for March, which is World Women's Month.

SEL - Overcoming adversity of women astronauts in a male dominated field at the time.