Astronomy: Cool Women in Space

Reviews

National Science Teachers Association Recommends
“Looking for a book to use in reading circles that ties together literacy and science standards? This is the book that will fit the bill perfectly. Written like a magazine with short reading areas followed by “Ask & Answer” essential questions, the book focuses on reading comprehension and reasoning skills while also teaching astronomy concepts.” Read the complete review online. 

Publisher’s Weekly Tracking Trends in the Educational Space

Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children’s Media Recommended -- Superior in style, liveliness, integrity and format.
“Who knew how many women played a critical role in uncovering mysteries in the universe? After a brief overview of the history of astronomy, biographies of three extraordinary women of diverse backgrounds, Nancy Grace Roman, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and Andrea Ghez, trace their early interest in space, obstacles they faced in their pursuit of their careers, and major contributions to the field. What distinguishes this series from other biographies is the unusual format, using QR codes to access online content, as well as the additional information dispersed in inset boxes throughout the pages. Beginning with a “How to use this book” page, readers are directed to high quality Essential Questions in “Ask & Answer” boxes, “She Says” boxes contain quotes from other women astronomers, “Cool Career” suggestions, brief biographies of other influential women astronomers, and Primary Source symbols linked to the QR codes. Back material includes a listing of all the Ask & Answer questions, timeline, glossary, additional books, websites, and places to visit, a listing of all the URL’s for the QR codes, and an index. An appealing graphic design and well-written text is only missing a few photographs of the women featured. A Recommended purchase.”

The Old Schoolhouse Product & Curriculum Reviews
“These make great extra science reading and do a good job of introducing readers to the given fields as well as to these women who have been and are succeeding in these fields.”

School Library Connection
“Each of the remarkable women featured in these well-written titles had to overcome obstacles to succeed in traditionally male careers; each is a strong STEM role model for young women today. Readable and accessible to students, the books are beautifully designed with color, graphics, comic illustrations, boxes, and short paragraphs. Teachers will be thrilled with the plentiful primary sources included as QR codes that will immediately engage their classes. “Ask and Answer” essential questions intrigue one to think more deeply and “She Says” quotations inspire young scientists to persevere. A treasure trove of discovery, this interactive series promises to influence the next generation of female science stars. Glossary. Timeline. Index.” Highly Recommended

CLEAR REVIEWS/Goodreads
“Part history of astronomy, part biography of three notable women in science, this book offers an informative read for young women interested in astronomy either as a career or for recreation. The biographies cover Nancy Grace Roman, Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Andrea Ghez and encourages young women to follow in their footsteps with interesting facts, links and pictures. I would definitely call this a pep-rally for women in the sciences.”

Children's Literature
“This book introduces young readers to three women who are setting the bar for females to achieve careers in astronomy: Nancy Roman, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and Andrea Ghez . An excellent addition for all school libraries to offer supplemental reading for science classes, and to encourage girls to pursue careers in science and technology.”

Booklist New SERIES NONFICTION SHOWCASE
“The women featured in this Girls in Science series share more than a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math. Starting at a young age all were discouraged from pursuing paths in STEM fields. These books seek to rectify this oversight by encouraging today's girls to consider special topics in science and technology. Each begins with a brief definition and historical overview of the topic before focusing on the livers, careers, successes, and influences of three distinguished women scientists or engineers. Numerous sidebars include further background information, mini profiles of more prominent females in STEM, and thought-provoking questions. A worth addition to STEM collections.”

Planetarian, December 2020
"Suggested for readers age 9-12, Anita Yasuda’s writing helps young people to understand perspective different from their own and settings and people living during a different time period. There is a wealth of information in this book about the history of astronomy and many women who contributed to our understanding of the cosmos. Overall, I would recommend this book for an avid reader who would like to learn more about women who had careers in astronomy and the challenges they faced."

Dr. Laura Trouille, Astronomer, the Adler Planetarium and Northwestern University
“An engaging and inspirational addition to a genre in significant need of quality publications for young women and girls. I will be happily recommending this book to every aspiring astronomer who visits the Adler!”

Victoria Obenchain, Science Teacher, Instructor at Sally Ride Science Camp
“This book is a testament to the fact that women are incredibly important to science and that their contributions to understanding the universe as it is known today are huge!”

Catherine Piper Shelton, Director of Curriculum and Technology, U.S. Space & Rocket Center
"I see this book sparking an interest in astronomy for any girl. It connects the science with careers, and the past with the present and future.”

Christopher Malott, Assistant Program Director, AstroCamp
“Not only is this book a great introduction to astronomy, it does a great job showing that much of the important work in astronomy, past and present, has been by women.”