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z0diackiller's review against another edition
4.0
For a picture book, it was sweet, inspirational, and super interesting. However, I left with more questions than answers. How/why did she learn fluent Russian? Why did she have periods of work in chemical engineering and medicine?
celtic_oracle's review against another edition
2.0
The story was just a little too simple for the many impressive things Mae Jemison did. The more complete biographical sketch at the end was the best part of the book.
bickie's review against another edition
Great read aloud for K especially. Nice to talk about students' dreams, why the teacher thought Mae should become a nurse instead of an astronaut. After reading ,I showed a real-life picture of Dr. Jemison and shared a few facts about her such as how she became a doctor then an astronaut. Also showed real-life pictures of Earth from space. Be prepared with space books.
dwdillydally's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
How can such simple character illustrations be so darn expressive?! Lovely story about determination despite people who doubt you. But I have two quibbles but your mileage may vary:
1. One page has a twist that, I think, leans hard into despair, yet this twist has little to no effect 2 pages later. Why go so far as to say, "...nothing was the way it used to be," when it has so little impact on the rest of the story? I had expected some greater struggle in the following pages, when it turned out to be simple to solve. This doesn't deter me from enthusiastically recommending the book, but on rereading, it's so jarring for me that I have mention it.
2. This is inspired by the life of Mae Jemison, the first African American astronaut. While this is not meant to be a literal biography, where are photographs of Mae - either as a child or in her astronaut suit?? NONE are included with the mini-bio on the last page. A missed opportunity in an otherwise visually-stunning story.
1. One page has a twist that, I think, leans hard into despair, yet this twist has little to no effect 2 pages later. Why go so far as to say, "...nothing was the way it used to be," when it has so little impact on the rest of the story? I had expected some greater struggle in the following pages, when it turned out to be simple to solve. This doesn't deter me from enthusiastically recommending the book, but on rereading, it's so jarring for me that I have mention it.
2. This is inspired by the life of Mae Jemison, the first African American astronaut. While this is not meant to be a literal biography, where are photographs of Mae - either as a child or in her astronaut suit?? NONE are included with the mini-bio on the last page. A missed opportunity in an otherwise visually-stunning story.
jaij7's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic illustrations. Loved the belief Mae's family had in her abilities and dreams. What an amazing woman. Definitely adding this one to my classroom biographies.
xsleepyshadows's review against another edition
3.0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dda7FsjVd0g
Watched this in ASL!
Watched this in ASL!
staciam's review against another edition
3.0
I wish the part with the teacher putting down her career goals was better (or further) explained.
pacifickle's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful nonfiction perfect for primary grades- what a rarity.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
5.0
We've read Rocket Says Look Up (below) quite a few times, and Trent always has me look up Mae Jemison because Rocket mentions her, so when I found out about this picture book about her as a young child, I knew Trent was going to love it, and I was right. It shows that if you dream it and work hard, you can do it!
Spoiler
One particular part made me so mad and led to some great conversation: Mae says at school she wants to be an astronaut, and her teacher redirects her and asks her if nurse may be better. Trent and I were so mad at this! But it also gave us a chance to talk. Why did the teacher say this? That answer is a hard and long one, but he and I talked about it.kiralovesreading's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0