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Mae Jemison
Blast off into space and get to know Mae Jemison—the first African-American woman to ever go to space—with this fascinating, nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a new series of biographies about people “you should meet.”
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!
A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus a fun timeline filled with interesting trivia facts about space! With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so much fun!
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!
A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus a fun timeline filled with interesting trivia facts about space! With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so much fun!
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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May 5, 2021For my transitional book, I chose You Should Meet: Mae Jemison written by Laurie Calkhoven and illustrated by Monique Dong. This book follows the journey and influential story of Mae Jemison, who became the first African-American female astronaut. Mae also held many other influential roles such as a scientist, a dancer, a doctor, an author, teacher, and a Peace Corps volunteer in her life. The language used in the book is modern and it contains useful information and facts about Mae’s many accomplishments in life. I really enjoyed this look into Mae Jemison’s life and felt that the text was able to inform readers about her many talents and successes. I enjoyed the book’s illustrations of Mae Jemison and I think that they were able to capture her identity and influence very well, leaving room to inspire young readers. I think that this book would be best used in a read aloud activity in a 1st or 2nd grade classroom.
September 30, 2025
Published in 2016, this book's terminology is potentially dated; on page 19 Calkhoven uses the term "underdeveloped countries" which made me cringe. Calkhoven writes that Mae "remembered an early dream- a dream to fly into space" after working in the Peace Corps, which I felt was a bit misleading, as if Mae had forgotten her space-related dreams. I did appreciate that Calkhoven tells readers about a poster and a statue that Mae took on the shuttle with her and Calkhoven tells readers that Mae studied tadpoles in space which is a detail that I have not heard in any of the other picture books about Mae.
December 11, 2018
First through second graders could read this book.
The book is about the life and impact of Mae Jemison, the first black woman astronaut.
The book's illustration is wonderful and gives a concise overview of Mae Jemison in a way that captures students. The language is simple and provides a wonderful way to talk about black history in an almost recent way.
I'd use the book to discuss black history and also go into a science lesson about space. You could also have students have to pick out major events from key details in the text.
The book is about the life and impact of Mae Jemison, the first black woman astronaut.
The book's illustration is wonderful and gives a concise overview of Mae Jemison in a way that captures students. The language is simple and provides a wonderful way to talk about black history in an almost recent way.
I'd use the book to discuss black history and also go into a science lesson about space. You could also have students have to pick out major events from key details in the text.
July 13, 2022
Me gustó este libro sobre la primera astronauta afrodescendiente de la NASA, las ilustraciones son bonitas y me gusta el mensaje de que no tienes que especializarte en una sola rama del conocimiento, pero, como suelen ser estos libros, es demasiado "inspirador", lanzando el mensaje de que si te esfuerzas puedes lograr cualquier cosa que te propongas, restando importancia a las dificultades que se viven por cuestiones de discriminación, pobreza y género.
June 20, 2020
What a great way to end a day of discussion of African American lives in our family. While basic, this book really impressed my son. It focused more on what Mae accomplished than the struggles she faced in life. I'd like to learn more about what she overcame to become who she did. But my son's takeaway? You can follow your dreams, even if it means studying tadpoles in outer space.
March 30, 2022
48 pgs. This is a great biography detailing the life a Mae Jemison, the first African-American women to venture into space. She worked as a physician before becomming an astronaut for NASA. I learned a lot about her. This is an inspiring book for young people who are trying to decide on their future careers. Highly recommended for Grades 3-5.
March 5, 2025
I read this to and with my students for a Mae Jemison project. They loved her story and the fun illustrations. This book about an incredible woman and her journey is perfectly accessible for young ages.
February 6, 2018
This is a great introduction to an amazing American, and a very inspirational story, told for young readers to appreciate her accomplishments and attitudes.
April 10, 2018
Really good information and a great lesson to all students to follow their dreams.
April 24, 2018
the 7 year old loved it. she was very impressed.
March 27, 2019
Mae Jemison is my son’s 3rd grade biography subject, and she has been an inspiration to our whole family. This was his favorite and most useful book of four books from our library.
January 14, 2020
I've read other books about Mae Jemison, but learned a lot from this book. Very cool information. Great journey for students to see.
April 18, 2021
I love reading these books with my daughters! Girl power!! Her story is such an amazing inspiration, scientist, dancer, doctor, Peace Corp volunteer and astronaut!!!
November 20, 2022
First African American woman who went to space
March 16, 2017
Mae Jemison is a book every child should read!
Mae Jemison knew at the age of three she wanted to be a scientist. During the period of time when Mae Jemison was growing up not just women women were told to focus on being a teacher or nurse and though her teachers tried to damper her dreams, Miss Jemison paid them no mind and never lost her focus or passion to become the woman she wanted to become and to have the career she wanted to have.
The story is a story of perseverance and determination and lets readers know you don’t have to give up your dreams because there are those who don’t believe in you and you can accomplish anything as long as you believe in yourself. For those who are interested in pursuing a career in science might want to look into Mae Jemison’s The Earth We Share Camp http://www.jemisonfoundation.org/inte...
Mae Jemison knew at the age of three she wanted to be a scientist. During the period of time when Mae Jemison was growing up not just women women were told to focus on being a teacher or nurse and though her teachers tried to damper her dreams, Miss Jemison paid them no mind and never lost her focus or passion to become the woman she wanted to become and to have the career she wanted to have.
The story is a story of perseverance and determination and lets readers know you don’t have to give up your dreams because there are those who don’t believe in you and you can accomplish anything as long as you believe in yourself. For those who are interested in pursuing a career in science might want to look into Mae Jemison’s The Earth We Share Camp http://www.jemisonfoundation.org/inte...
February 1, 2022
"I rated this book 5 stars because it is very informational. Some of the pages are very funny!"-Phylicia Sobers
August 1, 2021
F&P Level Q. How did I not know about Mae Jamison? She’s pretty incredible. This would be a great nonfiction small group book. All about the first female African American astronaut. Highly recommend!
October 28, 2020
An early chapter book biography about Mae Jemison.
Not always great for young readers -- I got tired reading the sentence explaining the Civil Rights Movement, so I have no idea how new readers will deal.
But, did a great job of focusing on how Mae was always curious, didn't stop doing arts things because she was doing STEM, and how she dreamed big!
Not always great for young readers -- I got tired reading the sentence explaining the Civil Rights Movement, so I have no idea how new readers will deal.
But, did a great job of focusing on how Mae was always curious, didn't stop doing arts things because she was doing STEM, and how she dreamed big!
November 6, 2016
Jemison, Mae You Should Meet Mae Jemison (Level #3 Early Reader) 48 pgs. Simon, 2016 $3.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G
This is an early reader level 3 biography of the first African-American woman in space Mae Jemison. Readers learn that as a child she was into science and always very curious. She grew up to become a doctor and join the peace corps and when her chance came, she applied to the space program and became an astronaut. She has continued to educate and give back to the world through various programs and initiatives. Filled with illustrations.
This is the best biography for students of Mae Jemison I have read. Her life is so amazing and inspiring. Best of all she continues to be an ongoing role model today. There is a perfect amount of information which will be both fun and interesting for student readers. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and engaging. I would add this to my library in a heartbeat.
EL(K-3) –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
This is an early reader level 3 biography of the first African-American woman in space Mae Jemison. Readers learn that as a child she was into science and always very curious. She grew up to become a doctor and join the peace corps and when her chance came, she applied to the space program and became an astronaut. She has continued to educate and give back to the world through various programs and initiatives. Filled with illustrations.
This is the best biography for students of Mae Jemison I have read. Her life is so amazing and inspiring. Best of all she continues to be an ongoing role model today. There is a perfect amount of information which will be both fun and interesting for student readers. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and engaging. I would add this to my library in a heartbeat.
EL(K-3) –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
October 29, 2016
This easy reader biography of Mae Jemison is a winner on all levels. Jemison, who is the first African American woman to become an astronaut, is also a scientist, a dancer, a doctor, an author and a teacher. Five short chapters describe her years of learning and inspiration, often shattering expectations about what a girl, and an African American, could become. Her wide-ranging interests, from dancing to healing to Star Trek are covered in sentences just complex enough to satisfy confident early grade readers. Back matter, including a science experiment, adds to the appeal for young scientists. Whimsical jewel-toned illustrations perfectly convey the many facets of Jemison's fascinating life, show affection for the subject matter and add to the readability of the biography for the intended audience.
December 15, 2016
Brief, informational, and a window into an amazingly talented woman. Great for kids who have several dreams, since Jemison managed to pursue a wide variety of passions.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews