ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM BY TANYA LEE STONE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009. ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN-10: 0763636118
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This social history of the fight for equal rights for women chronicles the struggle of women to be included in the space program. Stone introduces many readers to the “Mercury 13”, a diverse group of women pilots who included flight instructors and a senator’s wife. This book introduces many to the women who dared to believe, and who proved without a doubt, that they were equally capable of becoming astronauts.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Stone tells the story of the “Mercury 13” and in doing so demonstrates how much our society has changed in regards to the opportunities available to women today. Also, she does an admirable job illustrating the dedication and commitment of the women who took on the prejudices that existed toward the female sex in our recent history. Many young readers may not be aware of the level of discrimination there existed toward women in regards to professions. In this detailed account, Stone shares the personal stories of individuals who believed that women had the same right to pursue their dreams as men. Included in this account and a key player in the story is Dr. Randolph Lovelace, the NASA physician for the “Mercury 7” men, who believed women had the same physical and psychological capabilities to withstand the rigors of space travel. He, with other colleagues, decided to give women the opportunity to undergo the same grueling tests that had been administered to the males in the space program. Stone gives a detailed account of many of the tests the women underwent, including their performance and their personal memories.
The spearhead of the “Mercury 13” was a “soft-spoken” pilot by the name of Jerri Cobb who “ferried military aircraft all over the world and set the world altitude record, as well as a world light-plane speed record.” In Ms. Cobb, Stone portrays an excellent role-model for young girls who have big dreams. Throughout the struggle, Cobb demonstrated her competency and ability to the task at hand admirably and exhibited that she had both the discipline and perseverance to take on the male-dominated establishment. Although Ms. Cobb never made it into space, she was a pioneer in opening the doors for others who came after her, as were the other women who accepted the same challenge.
Stone includes many photographs and personal accounts that document this remarkable story. Also, newspaper and magazine article of the time are valuable in helping readers of today to understand the social stance toward women attempting to enter into “male-dominated” careers at that time in our history.
Stone has written an excellent account of a historical event that occurred in our recent past. Although this social history centers on the space program, it’s impact was far-reaching because it showed the American public that women were physically and psychologically able to withstand the same amount of stress as men. This message is still relevant today. In a media world that often depicts young girls as sex objects, it encourages young readers to see themselves in a different light, as having equal competency and ability as male counterparts. The book ends by featuring the women who have become astronauts, including Eileen Collins, “the first woman to pilot a space shuttle and to serve as a space shuttle commander.”
4. AWARDS AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal: “…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.”
Booklist: “Nearly 20 years before the U.S. officially admitted women into the astronaut program, 13 women, known as the Mercury 13, fought for the right to soar into space.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Readers who enjoyed this book may also enjoy the following books:
Bridges, Ruby. 1999. THROUGH MY EYES. ISBN-10: 0590189239
Parks, Rosa & Haskins, John. 1992. ROSA PARKS: MY STORY. ISBN-10: 0803706731
Rochelle, Belinda. WITNESSES TO FREEDOM: YOUNG PEOPLE WHO FOUGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS. ISBN-10: 0140384324