Tools for this page
Print

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

(2009, Non-Fiction - Biography, Written by Tanya Lee Stone)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Women pilots fight for a chance to go to the moon.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The women show determination and pride in the face of discrimination. They are willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals. On the negative side, there are many appalling examples of sexist and racist attitudes and behavior. According to the book, then-Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson told Cobb the reason he couldn't allow women in the space program because "we'd have to let blacks in. We'd have to let Mexican-Americans in, and Chinese-Americans. We'd have to let every minority in, and we just can't do it."
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

Parents need to know there is no bad language, sex, or violence in the book. Children may be shocked or confused by the 1960s-era sexism and racism.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the current state of women's representation in the sciences. As the book notes, "women hold only 25 percent of technology, science, and engineering jobs." Why do families think that gender discrepancy still exists? The author cites a 2006 CNN interview where Miles O'Brien asked women crew members about their children and hobbies, but focused on male astronauts' career achievements and skills. Is it surprising this is still the case in the media now?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name