There were times when I thought Tanya Lee Stone should have let the story speak for itself instead of hammering in the "message" of the book over and over again (I probably don't need to tell you the message, but I will anyway: these women were just as capable as men; they were unfairly discriminated against by NASA; the women were brave to challenge norms and pave the way for future generations). The author was pushing the message so hard that I felt inclined to question her tone.

I also found myself agreeing with John Glenn when he said that just because the 13 women passed unsanctioned physical and psychological exams, it didn't necessarily make them qualified to pilot space shuttles. It is absolutely true that the women should have been given a fair chance at applying for the space program. That line of thinking I can follow. But too much time was spent on the ways in which they surpassed the male astronauts' test performances. I don't care to debate men vs. women in terms of physical and psychological abilities. The focus should be on equal opportunities.

I can't help but compare this story to the recent Claudette Colvin biography that won the National Book Award. Both books are about women who stood up for equal rights but have largely gone unrecognized. The Claudette Colvin book was so so so much better written. ( )

An interesting and informative account of women's efforts to shatter existing norms and enter into highly non-traditional occupations in aeronautics. The struggle of these 13 women reflects the struggle of all those who have dreams out of sync with the age in which they live.

This passionate account of the e orts of 13 women, accomplished pilots all, to gain admission into NASA’s astronaut training program in the 1960s, details the gender prejudice that derailed their journeys.

This book is a history book about science and those are some of my favorite types of books. This book is about the 13 women who successfully completed the fitness test to become astronauts. This had never been done before, and was a huge step for women in this field. I would recommend this book to any child who is interested in history and space! ( )

This informational text shares numerous stories and facts about space and what it takes to go to space. It also surrounds the theme of women who proved that they are capable of what they put their minds to. This would be a great book for students to learn more about space, preparation for space, history, science, and women empowerment. This book is quite text-heavy, which would be more fitting for upper elementary to middle school students. It would also be a great book to put "in the basket" for students to read in their free time. This book is over 70 pages (a total of 144 pages). ( )