It’s Her Story: Mae Jemison

Gr 2-5–The inspirational, true story of the life of the first African American woman to travel into space. Her career as an astronaut is a tale of persistence and hard work. As if one career was not enough, readers learn about her passion for teaching, which propelled her to new heights as an entrepreneur and educator. The colorful illustrations enhance the reading experience and help tell Jemison’s story in a clear and understandable way. Just reading about some of Jemison’s struggles is compelling, but seeing emotions vividly portrayed in illustrations makes her story come alive. Jemison’s experiences as a child will capture the attention of readers and help them understand her personality. They will be rooting for her through every step of her journey and in her many different pursuits, including her dedication to dance. Her interest in science and work as a researcher are presented in very accessibly and will help readers see a path for themselves into STEM careers. This book would be an excellent choice for teachers who like to teach history through biographies as well as science and math teachers. It would also be a great tool for STEM classes or summer camps. Art and dance instructors will also appreciate Jemison’s devotion to movement and her commitment to the belief in the interconnected worlds of art and science.