Blast off into a reading adventure as you learn about the inspiring life of Mae Jemison―the first female African American astronaut. Follow along from her time as a child with big dreams to her exploration in space. This leveled book engages 1st―3rd graders through new vocabulary and high-interest topics like space exploration. 6-10 years
Mae Among the Stars
By Roda Ahmed, Illustrated by Stasia Burrington
When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering.
She wanted to be an astronaut.
Her mom told her, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”
Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space. 3-8 years
Mae Jemison (You Should Meet)
By Laurie Calkhoven, Illustrated by Monique Dong
Meet Mae Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut! Did you know before Mae was an astronaut, she went to medical school and joined the Peace Corps? But she never forgot her childhood dream to travel to outer space. So, in 1985, she applied to NASA’s astronaut training program. On September 12, 1992, Mae flew into space with six other astronauts aboard the space shuttle Endeavour and made history—just like you can if you follow your dreams! 6-8 years
Mae Jemison
By Jodie Shepherd
Meet Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space. Mae was a bright child who was always fascinated by science. The top student and gifted dancer ignored naysayers and worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor and an astronaut. 6-8 years
Mae Jemison: A Kid’s Book About Reaching Your Dream
By Mary Nhin, Illustrated by Yuliia Zolotava
In the new Mini Movers and Shakers children’s book series comes a cast of characters who have failed, yet succeeded despite overwhelming obstacles. In the third volume, we meet Mae Jemison.
Find out what happens in this kid’s book about flying to space.
Sometimes, we are faced with challenges that seem insurmountable. But with grit and hard work, one can achieve great things! Baby-12 years
Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison
By Caroline Moss, Illustrated by Sinem Erkas
When Mae Jemison was a little girl, she loved science, dancing, and dinosaurs. She watched the Apollo moon landings and wondered why none of the astronauts were women – and she just didn’t buy the answers she was given…
Discover how Mae Jemison became the first African American woman in space, in this true story of her life. Then, learn ten key lessons from her work you can apply to your own life.
Featuring inspiring quotes and mantras, this is a book for all kids wanting to forge their own career path in the field of STEM. 8-12 years
Mae Jemison: Trailblazing Astronaut, Doctor, and Teacher
By Linda Barghoorn
“The first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison has broken barriers in science and medicine to become one of the most admired women worldwide. This book describes how Jemison refused to let anyone stand in the way of her dreams. She became a doctor and worked in the Peace Corps until NASA invited her to join the astronaut program. Today, she is an important advocate for science in education–especially for girls and women. Jemison also continues to push scientific research to improve life in developing countries.” 7-10 years
VIP: Dr. Mae Jemison, Brave Rocketeer
By Heather Alexander, Illustrated by Jennifer Bricking
Soar to the stars with Dr. Mae Jemison in this middle grade nonfiction biography. The books in the VIP series tell the true—and amazing—stories of some of history’s greatest trailblazers. Meet the VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE who changed the world!
Mae Jemison is the first African American woman to travel to space. She’s also a medical doctor who once joined the Peace Corps. And a trained dancer, too! Experience all the exciting moments in Dr. Jemison’s thrillinglife in this exciting biography, packed with two-color illustrations and fun facts, including the secrets of NASA. 8-12 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
