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Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

(2009, Non-Fiction - Biography, Written by Tanya Lee Stone)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    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?
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