Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

Gr 5-7. Stone adopts a tone of righteous indignation in chronicling the quixotic efforts of 13 women to win admission into NASA's initial astronaut training program in the early 1960s. The women were all pilots (one, Jerrie Cobb, had more hours in the air than John Glenn or Scott Carpenter), earned high scores in preliminary tests, and even counted a senator's wife among their number. But resistance came from all directions including NASA regulations, which were weighted toward men; media coverage that reflected contemporary gender expectations; political maneuvering by then vice president LBJ and other officials; and the crushing opposition expressed by renowned aviatrix Jackie Cochran in a 1962 Congressional hearing. Properly noting, however, that losing "depends on where you draw the finish line," the author closes with chapters on how women did ultimately win their way into space not only as mission specialists, but also as pilots and commanders. Illustrated with sheaves of photos, and based on published sources, recently discovered documents, and original interviews with surviving members of the "Mercury 13," this passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women. John Peters, New York Public Library Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Enlivened by numerous b&w and color photographs, this thorough book takes readers back to the early 1960s to tell the story of 13 women who underwent a battery of physical endurance tests (including hours spent in a deprivation tank) and psychological analysis to determine their readiness to travel in space. A gripping narrative surfaces in Stone's text, as the women are repeatedly thwarted by NASA, discriminated against and patronized by society (Gene Nora Stumbough's boss said she couldn't have time off. So she quit. Sarah Gorelick had the same problem.... So "she "quit). Readers with an interest in history and in women's struggle for equality will undoubtedly be moved. Ages 10up. "(Feb.)" Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Stone's carefully researched book makes the point that in the 1950s and '60s there were '13 women who... had the Right Stuff' - but were the wrong sex at the wrong time.
—New York Times Book Review

This passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Fascinating, dramatic story...The author offers great insight into how deeply ingrained sexism was in merican society and its institutions. Handsomely illustrated with photographs, this empowering, impassioned story will leave readers inspired.
—Kirkus (starred review)

Stone presents the full story of early-sixties public discourse about women's capabilities and clearly shows the personal, political, and physical risks taken by the women in pursuit of their dream.
—The Horn Book (starred review)

The chatty, immediate style ("Picture this") and full-page photos make for a fast read, and the crucial civil-rights history will stay with readers.
—Booklist

An inspiring if heartbreaking true story of grit, persistence, and determination.
—ForeWord magazine