The True Story of the Mercury 13 Women

This book received the prestigious Robert F. Sibert medal for nonfiction and the Orbis Pictus honor. It is a chapter book that chronicles the fascinating story of 13 women who submitted themselves to strenuous physical and psychological testing to become a part of the Mercury 13 Space program.They often exceeded the endurance, academic knowledge, and skill of their male counterparts, yet were denied the opportunity to be astronauts. The book begins with the 1999 launch of the first time a woman was commander of a space shuttle. Eight women are a part of the throng of spectators—eight women, who 40 years earlier, found themselves relegated to being only ‘almost astronauts.’ The book then returns to the story of these Almost Astronauts. The story unfolds in chronological order and includes numerous primary source photos, posters, cartoons, interviews, and letters. Teachers will need to find a way to introduce this book to students so they have opportunity to see how compelling the details are and will be willing to engage in the deep thinking that makes this book so remarkable. The author note outlines the research and writing process Stone engaged in as she wrote. This note will be a good source for teaching mini lessons on living like a writer of research.

Stone’s work includes literary nonfiction picture books, chapter books, and poetry. Her books reveal little-known stories of history, many about women or people of color. Stone is also a poet and finds ways to include poetry in many of her books. She has received numerous awards for nonfiction, including the prestigious Robert F. Sibert medal for nonfiction and the Orbis Pictus honor for nonfiction.  After writing her first children’s book she became hooked and has continued to write with over 100 books being published.

Teaching Points: Astronauts, Prejudice, Perseverance, Womenheroes, Text features, Writing/Research process, Living like a writer

Pathways Themes: Social Issues & Culture, Yesterday,Heroes

Reviewed by Krystal Bishop, EdD

Professor of Education

Southern Adventist University

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