Book Bundles: Final Frontier

(3) K-3 She Persisted series. Illustrated by Gillian Flint. "Life would lead her down a path of hard work, luck and privilege that would eventually make her the first American woman in space." From her childhood in California where she excelled in tennis (and considered playing professionally) to earning a PhD in physics, to being selected into NASA's space program, to her pivotal role in the Challenger-disaster investigation, this entry in the chapter-book biography series (conceived by Chelsea Clinton) offers a well-rounded portrait not only of its subject but also of the obstacles faced by women in science and in astronautics. The short chapters are broken up by friendly black-and-white illustrations, making the presentation welcoming to younger elementary-age students. Back matter includes suggestions to learn more about Ride and space as well as a list of books and websites.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Very Important People series. Illustrated by Jen Bricking. Accompanied by frequent blue- and gray-tone illustrations, this accessible biography covers a lot of ground, beginning with Jemison's childhood dream of becoming a scientist and the lack of support for a Black girl in the 1960s to even consider that dream. Jemison was "the first woman of color anywhere in the world to be chosen to be an astronaut," and, throughout her life, her belief in her abilities helped her persevere despite others' prejudice. Sidebars expand on topics in the text (e.g., "10 things women couldn't do in the 1960s and 1970s," "Important Civil Rights Protests," space shuttle facts) and introduce notable figures (Sally Ride, "The First Black Astronauts"). Back matter includes two timelines (Jemison's and "Women in Spaceflight"), brief bios of four African American women in STEM, a bibliography, and a reading list.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 History Comics series. Four students and their teacher on Mars's Space Station Sagan (it's January 2386) mark the four-hundredth anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger explosion. In a graphic novel that's in turns funny, moving, elucidating, and riveting, the class takes advantage of twenty-fourth century technology in the presentations--including virtual-reality field trips, hologram appearances by the Challenger crew, and simulated space flights. Topics include space shuttle history, "the design and function of the space shuttle," crew member biographies, the launch and catastrophic aftermath, the subsequent investigation, and lessons learned. The subject is given respectful treatment in the appealing panel illustrations. "Additional Challenger Facts" and an author's note conclude the sci-fi/history offering.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn