Almost Astronauts
2009 nonfiction book by Tanya Lee Stone
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Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream is a nonfiction children's book by Tanya Lee Stone, originally published February 24, 2009 by Candlewick Press, then republished September 27, 2011.[1] The book tells the story of the Mercury 13 women, who, in 1958, joined NASA and completed testing to become astronauts.
| |
| Author | Tanya Lee Stone |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Mercury 13 |
| Genre | Nonfiction |
| Publisher | Candlewick Press |
Publication date | 2009 |
| Publication place | USA |
| Media type | Print, Audio |
| Pages | 144 |
| ISBN | 9780763636111 |
The book won the Bank Street College Flora Stieglitz Straus Award and Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal.
Reception
Almost Astronauts received a starred review from Kirkus,[2] as well as positive reviews from Booklist,[3] The New York Times Book Review,[4] The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books,[5] and Publishers Weekly.[6]
Kirkus wrote, "The author offers great insight into how deeply ingrained sexism was in American society and its institutions. Handsomely illustrated with photographs, this empowering story will leave readers inspired." Publishers Weekly said, "Readers with an interest in history and in women's struggle for equality will undoubtedly be moved."[6] Speaking for The Bulletin, Elizabeth Bush said, "Readers prone to outrage over civil rights denied can plan on losing plenty of sleep over this one."[5]
The audiobook, narrated by Susan Ericksen, received a positive review from Booklist.[7]
| Year | Award/Honor | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Nonfiction | Honor | [8] |
| Smithsonian Notable Books for Children | Selection | [9] | |
| 2010 | Amelia Bloomer List | Selection | [10] |
| Bank Street College Flora Stieglitz Straus Award | Winner | [11] | |
| Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices | Selection | [12] | |
| Jane Addams Children's Book Award for Older Children | Honor | [13] | |
| NCTE Orbis Pictus Award | Honor | [14] | |
| NCSS Notable Social Studies Tradebooks for Young People | Selection | [15] | |
| NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 | Top Choice | [16] | |
| Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal | Winner | [17][18] | |
| RUSA Notable Children's Books for Older Readers | Selection | [19] | |
| YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults | Finalist | [20][21] | |
| YALSA Nonfiction and Morris Book Trailer Contest | Finalist | [22] | |
| YALSA Best Books for Young Adults | Selection | [23] |