Parents need to know that "Mae Among the Stars," by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington, is a picture book biography of Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut. Since the book doesn't have much concrete information about her life or her path, it's best for the youngest kids, who'll come away with the simple and clear message that when she was young, Dr. Jemison had a dream of what she wanted to do, and her parents encouraged her, even when peers scoffed and her teacher tried to redirect her. A very short afterword gives a bit more information about Jemison's impressive scholarship and accomplishments.
WHAT'S THE STORY?
In "Mae Among the Stars," young Mae has a dream. She wants to see Earth from space. Her mom tells her she'll have to become an astronaut, says anything's possible if she believes it and works hard for it, and takes her to the library for books about space and astronauts. Both parents continue to encourage her, even when her teacher tries to redirect her career choice by saying, "Nursing would be a good profession for someone like you." Still, her parents encourage her, and when Mae finally gets to space, she "waved to her mom and dad on Earth."
IS IT ANY GOOD?
A biography of an African-American woman who triumphed in a STEM field is always welcome, though this picture book about astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison could have had a bit more substance. "Mae Among the Stars" focuses on Jemison's childhood, when "Little Mae was a dreamer" and gets the idea she wants to see Earth from space. Her mom takes her to the library where she "searched for books about space and astronauts," and Mae makes an "astronaut costume out of old orange curtains and cardboard boxes." These details help bring young Mae alive for the reader. When she asks her dad, "But how do I become an astronaut?" he answers, "If you can dream it, believe in it, and work hard for it, anything is possible." This refrain, strong on emotional encouragement but light on specifics, is repeated throughout by her supportive parents.
The art by Stasia Burrington is cute and appealing, though somewhat generic, making this portrait of a smart, determined, science-minded girl and her supportive family best for the very young.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 4 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Educational value: 3 out of 5
Positive messages: 4 out of 5
Positive role models: 5 out of 5
Violence and scariness: 0 out of 5
Language: 0 out of 5
BOOK DETAILS
Author: Roda Ahmed
Illustrator: Stasia Burrington
Genre: Picture Book
Publisher: Harper
Publication date: January 9, 2018
Number of pages: 40
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