(3) Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud. Little Mae loves science, but she also loves dance. “So she decided…to study them both!” Even as she becomes a doctor and then an astronaut, she never stops dancing; on the space shuttle Endeavour, she “danced through space and floated among the stars.” Paired with bright, welcoming illustrations that showcase Jemison’s joy, this lyrical biography of the first Black woman in space emphasizes Jemison’s determination and courage as she pursues both her passions.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) 4-6 Very Important People series. Illustrated by Jen Bricking. Accompanied by frequent blue- and gray-tone illustrations, this accessible biography covers a lot of ground, beginning with Jemison's childhood dream of becoming a scientist and the lack of support for a Black girl in the 1960s to even consider that dream. Jemison was "the first woman of color anywhere in the world to be chosen to be an astronaut," and, throughout her life, her belief in her abilities helped her persevere despite others' prejudice. Sidebars expand on topics in the text (e.g., "10 things women couldn't do in the 1960s and 1970s," "Important Civil Rights Protests," space shuttle facts) and introduce notable figures (Sally Ride, "The First Black Astronauts"). Back matter includes two timelines (Jemison's and "Women in Spaceflight"), brief bios of four African American women in STEM, a bibliography, and a reading list.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stasia Burrington. Young Mae Jemison's parents encourage her dreams of being an astronaut, but her teacher suggests that Mae consider becoming a nurse instead. Inspired by the childhood of the first African American woman in space, this fictionalized picture book should inspire young readers to believe in and work hard for their dreams despite obstacles. The ink and digital illustrations capture Mae's enthusiasm and determination. Author's note included.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) YA Women in Science series. These thorough biographies of pioneering women in scientific and technical fields delve deeply into their personal and professional lives. The series includes frank and balanced discussions of both the successes and challenges each woman faced, as well as the qualities and intellect that drove her significant accomplishments. Numerous photographs of the scientists and additional information about their fields are included. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Women in Science titles: Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, Mae Carol Jemison, Rosalind Franklin, Grace Hopper, and Chien-Shiung Wu.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 STEM Trailblazer Bios series. The continuation of the series, this time featuring all-female science and technology innovators from modern history, will tie in well with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum objectives. The inspiring profiles touch on childhood, education, and the subjects' breakthrough accomplishments. A colorful, easy-to-read format features photos and "tech talk" sidebars with quotes, mostly from the "trailblazers" themselves. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these STEM Trailblazer Bios titles: Nuclear Physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, Programming Pioneer Ada Lovelace, Animal Scientist and Activist Jane Goodall, Environmentalist Rachel Carson, Astronaut Mae Jemison, Mathematician and Computer Scientist Grace Hopper, Computer Scientist Jean Bartik, and Vaccine Innovators Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) K-3 Zoom In on Pioneering Explorers series. These biographies highlight the groundbreaking accomplishments of three twentieth-century adventurers: astronauts Armstrong and Jemison and oceanographer Cousteau. Aligning to Common Core Standards, the volumes contain scant information in brief, mundane statements. The accompanying archival photos highlight the subjects' bravery. Lists of quick stats and key dates are appended. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Zoom In on Pioneering Explorers titles: Jacques Cousteau, Mae Jemison, and Neil Armstrong.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Pebble Books: Great African-Americans series. Designed to introduce new readers to African American contributions and to meet Common Core requirements, these slight books meet minimum standards with simple sentences, limited vocabulary, many photos, a running timeline, and a clear trajectory. But they falter somewhat when photos don't align with text and content is more complicated than writing restrictions can encompass. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Books: Great African-Americans titles: Mae Jemison and Bessie Coleman.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science series. Beginning with a brief introduction and summary of accomplishments, each blandly written title presents a chronological biography of an influential female scientist. Captioned archival and stock photographs complement the superficial if accessible texts; challenges and controversies as well as successes are included. Reluctant readers may benefit from the high-interest, low-vocabulary approach. A follow-up activity encourages further study. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science titles: Rachel Carson, Joanne Simpson, Mae Jemison, and Antonia Novello.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Explore Space! series. Short paragraphs offer information about the accomplishments of well-known astronauts. Each spread has relevant photos on the left-hand page, while the right-hand page highlights major points in the featured person's life. An abrupt conclusion may feel awkward to early readers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Explore Space! titles: Christa McAuliffe, John Glenn, Mae Jemison, and Neil Armstrong.]

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang