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A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space
From small steps to giant leaps, A Galaxy of Her Own tells fifty stories of inspirational women who have been fundamental to the story of humans in space, from scientists to astronauts to some surprising roles in between.
From Ada Lovelace in the nineteenth century, to the women behind the Apollo missions, from the astronauts breaking records on the International Space Station to those blazing the way in the race to get to Mars, A Galaxy of Her Own reveals extraordinary stories, champions unsung heroes and celebrates remarkable achievements from around the world.
Written by Libby Jackson, a leading UK expert in human space flight, and illustrated with bold and beautiful artwork from the students of London College of Communication, this is a book to delight and inspire trailblazers of all ages.
Packed full of both amazing female role models and mind-blowing secrets of space travel, A Galaxy of Her Own is guaranteed to make any reader reach for the stars.
From Ada Lovelace in the nineteenth century, to the women behind the Apollo missions, from the astronauts breaking records on the International Space Station to those blazing the way in the race to get to Mars, A Galaxy of Her Own reveals extraordinary stories, champions unsung heroes and celebrates remarkable achievements from around the world.
Written by Libby Jackson, a leading UK expert in human space flight, and illustrated with bold and beautiful artwork from the students of London College of Communication, this is a book to delight and inspire trailblazers of all ages.
Packed full of both amazing female role models and mind-blowing secrets of space travel, A Galaxy of Her Own is guaranteed to make any reader reach for the stars.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published November 27, 2017
46 people are currently reading
1060 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
June 15, 2018
Zobacz PRAWDZIWE kosmiczne dziewczyny na YT! http://bit.ly/kosmicznedziewczyny
+ przywołanie sylwetek niedocenianych postaci kobiet, które wniosły wiele do przemysłu kosmicznego
+ prosta i zachęcająca forma książki
+ piękne wydanie
+ nawiązania (więcej w filmie)
+ inspirująca treść która ma ogromną wartość
December 5, 2017
This is an interesting book, even if it probably tries to be too many things to too many people. I wondered from the cover design whether it was a children's book, but the publisher's website (and the back of the book) resolutely refuse to categorise it as such. The back copy doesn't help by saying that it will 'inspire trailblazers and pioneers of all ages.' As I belong to the set 'all ages' I thought I'd give it a go.
Inside are featured the 'stories of fifty inspirational women who have been fundamental to the story of humans in space.' So, in some ways, A Galaxy of Her Own presents the other side of the coin to Angela Saini's excellent Inferior. But, inevitably, given the format, it can hardly provide the same level of discourse.
Despite that 'all ages' comment and the lack of children's book labelling we get a bit of a hint when we get to a bookplate page in the form of a Galaxy Pioneers security pass (with the rather worryingly militaristic job title Commander) to fill in your name. Then, however, the opposing pages to a four page timeline of space travel is an introduction where Libby Jackson explains her own background and describes how, despite the UK not being hot on space travel, she still managed to become involved in the space business. This would work equally well for adults and echoes the underlying message, that you should aim for you dreams, however unlikely they may seem.
We then get 50 double page spreads with a page of text on the left and a whole page illustration of the woman in question on the right. For an adult audience it might have been better to dedicate the whole two pages with just a small illustration, but this format is quite popular even in adult gift book non-fiction, so I suppose we should go with the flow. The text, though does make it clear that Jackson is writing with a young audience in mind when we see opening sentences such as 'Valentina Tereshkova wanted to be a train driver.' and 'Jacqueline Cochran loved clothes and makeup, and dreamt of a glamorous lifestyle.'
Probably the weakest section is the first one where we get pre-1957 figures. I can see why this was done - but it does lead to some distinct exaggeration of the roles of the earliest women featured, because, of course, their main contributions had nothing to do with space travel. So, for instance, the opener is Émilie du Châtelet. It's all going well through the basic bio, but when we get the justification for her being here, we're told 'Émilie's heroic efforts laid the foundations of science and space for generations.' I think it's hard to justify that statement based on having written a translation of Newton's Principia into French as Jackson does - it's not that du Chatalet's work was insignificant, but this seems an exaggerated claim.
We then get the inevitable bugbear of historians of science, Ada Lovelace, labelled 'the first published computer programmer'. Again, most of the biographical description is fine, but the claims for the significance of what she did seem unnecessarily distorted. Surely the likes of Caroline Herschel and Henrietta Swan Leavitt would have been more appropriate than Lovelace? Once we get those two out of the way, though, I'm pleased to say that even the historical figures get a lot more interesting, partly because they aren't already over-hyped like Lovelace, but also because we're into the 20th century and their work starts to have a more direct relevance to space.
It's once we get into these section where an adult book particularly could do with more nuance. So, for example, when hearing the genuinely fascinating story of Mary Sherman Morgan's contribution to rocket science we just get a passing line that 'the American team led by Wernher von Braun developed a rocket to launch their own satellite' without pointing out that von Braun's technology was largely initially developed from the Nazi V weapons he had developed. Even in a children's book, perhaps there could be a little balance to the unrelenting positivism - but it the end, this is a book with a mission and it's a mission I wholeheartedly support.
The stories of often unfamiliar names keep on coming with some excellent stories. For every Valentia Tereshkova we've all heard of (I hope) there are several entries such as Jerrie Cobb, a female pilot who with a handful of other women was given the same tests as the recruits for the Mercury space programme. Reflecting the bias of the times, despite often doing better than the men, the testing regime never led to a woman having a role in space and was quietly dropped.
There is no doubt that we need more role model material for women in science to help girls at school make better decisions and boys to avoid thinking that STEM is just for them - I think this is an excellent book to do this. I just wish it had been more clearly aimed at a particular age group, as this isn't a genre where crossover works as well as it can with, for example, in fantasy fiction. The fourth star I've given it is provisional on limiting it to a 10-16 audience.
Inside are featured the 'stories of fifty inspirational women who have been fundamental to the story of humans in space.' So, in some ways, A Galaxy of Her Own presents the other side of the coin to Angela Saini's excellent Inferior. But, inevitably, given the format, it can hardly provide the same level of discourse.
Despite that 'all ages' comment and the lack of children's book labelling we get a bit of a hint when we get to a bookplate page in the form of a Galaxy Pioneers security pass (with the rather worryingly militaristic job title Commander) to fill in your name. Then, however, the opposing pages to a four page timeline of space travel is an introduction where Libby Jackson explains her own background and describes how, despite the UK not being hot on space travel, she still managed to become involved in the space business. This would work equally well for adults and echoes the underlying message, that you should aim for you dreams, however unlikely they may seem.
We then get 50 double page spreads with a page of text on the left and a whole page illustration of the woman in question on the right. For an adult audience it might have been better to dedicate the whole two pages with just a small illustration, but this format is quite popular even in adult gift book non-fiction, so I suppose we should go with the flow. The text, though does make it clear that Jackson is writing with a young audience in mind when we see opening sentences such as 'Valentina Tereshkova wanted to be a train driver.' and 'Jacqueline Cochran loved clothes and makeup, and dreamt of a glamorous lifestyle.'
Probably the weakest section is the first one where we get pre-1957 figures. I can see why this was done - but it does lead to some distinct exaggeration of the roles of the earliest women featured, because, of course, their main contributions had nothing to do with space travel. So, for instance, the opener is Émilie du Châtelet. It's all going well through the basic bio, but when we get the justification for her being here, we're told 'Émilie's heroic efforts laid the foundations of science and space for generations.' I think it's hard to justify that statement based on having written a translation of Newton's Principia into French as Jackson does - it's not that du Chatalet's work was insignificant, but this seems an exaggerated claim.
We then get the inevitable bugbear of historians of science, Ada Lovelace, labelled 'the first published computer programmer'. Again, most of the biographical description is fine, but the claims for the significance of what she did seem unnecessarily distorted. Surely the likes of Caroline Herschel and Henrietta Swan Leavitt would have been more appropriate than Lovelace? Once we get those two out of the way, though, I'm pleased to say that even the historical figures get a lot more interesting, partly because they aren't already over-hyped like Lovelace, but also because we're into the 20th century and their work starts to have a more direct relevance to space.
It's once we get into these section where an adult book particularly could do with more nuance. So, for example, when hearing the genuinely fascinating story of Mary Sherman Morgan's contribution to rocket science we just get a passing line that 'the American team led by Wernher von Braun developed a rocket to launch their own satellite' without pointing out that von Braun's technology was largely initially developed from the Nazi V weapons he had developed. Even in a children's book, perhaps there could be a little balance to the unrelenting positivism - but it the end, this is a book with a mission and it's a mission I wholeheartedly support.
The stories of often unfamiliar names keep on coming with some excellent stories. For every Valentia Tereshkova we've all heard of (I hope) there are several entries such as Jerrie Cobb, a female pilot who with a handful of other women was given the same tests as the recruits for the Mercury space programme. Reflecting the bias of the times, despite often doing better than the men, the testing regime never led to a woman having a role in space and was quietly dropped.
There is no doubt that we need more role model material for women in science to help girls at school make better decisions and boys to avoid thinking that STEM is just for them - I think this is an excellent book to do this. I just wish it had been more clearly aimed at a particular age group, as this isn't a genre where crossover works as well as it can with, for example, in fantasy fiction. The fourth star I've given it is provisional on limiting it to a 10-16 audience.
January 30, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! Written by physicist and engineer for the UK Space Agency Libby Jackson and beautifully illustrated by students of the London College of Communication, this is a selection of 50 women who have been central in the history of human space exploration, including a wide range of women astronauts, pilots, scientists (physicists, mathematicians, chemists, geologists,...), engineers, doctors, nurses, psychologists, teachers, lawyers, politicians, actresses, entrepeneuses, seamstresses,...An engaging, enjoyable, refreshing and empowering book that visibilizes remarkable women in history and does a great representation job in the still male-dominated world of space exploration. 10/10 would recommend.
The language used throughout the book is also refreshingly inclusive and non-sexist, with 'human(kind)', 'men and women' and 'women' replacing the invisibilizing male generic (as in 'mankind', 'manned' or 'men' used to encompass both men and women).
The language used throughout the book is also refreshingly inclusive and non-sexist, with 'human(kind)', 'men and women' and 'women' replacing the invisibilizing male generic (as in 'mankind', 'manned' or 'men' used to encompass both men and women).
May 29, 2020
Mais uma leitura maravilhosa e inspiradora. Queria muito que esse livro (e outros livros como esse) já existissem quando eu era criança.
"Never be limited by other people's limited imagination" (Mae Jemison)
"Science is not a boy's game, it's not a girl's game. It's everyone's game. It's about where we are and where we're going." (Nichelle Nichols)
"If you want to know, you ask the question. There's no such thing as a dumb question. It's dumb if you don't ask it." (Katherine Johnson)
"On Earth, men and women are taking the same risks. Why should't we be taking the same risks in space?" (Valentina Tereshkova)
Nesse livro conhecemos brevemente a história de 50 mulheres que, mesmo com todas as dificuldades e falta de incentivo, conseguiram atingir seus objetivos de trabalhar com ciência e com o espaço (ok, na verdade as primeiras mulheres apresentadas não tinham objetivos relacionados ao espaço, mas a relação delas com a ciência de alguma forma tiveram influência nessa área).
Já na introdução a autora explica que a maioria dessas mulheres são dos Estados Unidos e da Rússia por conta do grande investimento e dedicação desses países na corrida espacial, mas felizmente ela conseguiu incluir algumas mulheres de diferentes nacionalidades também.
Muitos relatos emocionantes e inspiradores (principalmente nas histórias de mulheres que fazem parte de minorias que ainda hoje sofrem infinitamente mais dificuldades que nós, mulheres brancas).
Quero muito que esse livro seja traduzido um dia pro português e que as escolas apresentem para seus alunos ainda novinhos.
Terceira leitura da Maratona Espacial 2020
"Never be limited by other people's limited imagination" (Mae Jemison)
"Science is not a boy's game, it's not a girl's game. It's everyone's game. It's about where we are and where we're going." (Nichelle Nichols)
"If you want to know, you ask the question. There's no such thing as a dumb question. It's dumb if you don't ask it." (Katherine Johnson)
"On Earth, men and women are taking the same risks. Why should't we be taking the same risks in space?" (Valentina Tereshkova)
Nesse livro conhecemos brevemente a história de 50 mulheres que, mesmo com todas as dificuldades e falta de incentivo, conseguiram atingir seus objetivos de trabalhar com ciência e com o espaço (ok, na verdade as primeiras mulheres apresentadas não tinham objetivos relacionados ao espaço, mas a relação delas com a ciência de alguma forma tiveram influência nessa área).
Já na introdução a autora explica que a maioria dessas mulheres são dos Estados Unidos e da Rússia por conta do grande investimento e dedicação desses países na corrida espacial, mas felizmente ela conseguiu incluir algumas mulheres de diferentes nacionalidades também.
Muitos relatos emocionantes e inspiradores (principalmente nas histórias de mulheres que fazem parte de minorias que ainda hoje sofrem infinitamente mais dificuldades que nós, mulheres brancas).
Quero muito que esse livro seja traduzido um dia pro português e que as escolas apresentem para seus alunos ainda novinhos.
Terceira leitura da Maratona Espacial 2020
April 30, 2021
The stories in this book are all important and informative, but the execution wasn't the best. All the stories were told the same exact way, to the point where it almost seemed as if I were reading the same story over and over at times. The writing was rather dry, and really lacked details of any kind.
I also feel like it's probably aimed at a younger audience than me, maybe like 9-14 year olds? The language is very simplistic, the illustrations seemed sort of juvenile, and the passages that were directly speaking to the reader definitely felt as if they had a young person in mind.
In short, I didn't really like this very much, but it's still very important.
I also feel like it's probably aimed at a younger audience than me, maybe like 9-14 year olds? The language is very simplistic, the illustrations seemed sort of juvenile, and the passages that were directly speaking to the reader definitely felt as if they had a young person in mind.
In short, I didn't really like this very much, but it's still very important.
June 10, 2021
This book just gave me so much inspiration from women icons around the world that remained hidden for so long. It also shows the difference in the time from Ada Lovelace to Katherine Johnson. Everyone in the book went through a different path with many obstacles such has being a girl, being told that following your dreams is nonsense and many more. I recommend that every household owns one copy of this book.
June 22, 2018
This was an awesome book about amazing women who have done amazing things for our knowledge about space! Plus the illustrations are simply wonderful.
October 31, 2018
As a self-confessed space nerd, I'm embarrassed to say I only knew a handful of these women's stories before picking up this book. The author doesn't just limit her coverage to astronauts, like heroic Soviet worker girl parachutist-turned-Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova - the first woman in space - but looks at those with a wider involvement such as Star Trek actor Nichelle Nichols, who campaigned for years to increase the number of BME applicants to the space programme; Mary Sherman Morgan, who invented the fuel that got NASA into orbit, and even spares a thought for the seamstresses who painstakingly built the suits in which the astronauts would venture out into the dark void of space.
It's a fascinating read, and beautifully illustrated to boot.
It's a fascinating read, and beautifully illustrated to boot.
October 19, 2020
I highly recommend this book for young people interested in space. This book provides a solid one-page biography for many incredible women who have contributed to human spaceflight or space science. Their backgrounds vary from scientists, engineers, pilots, doctors, lawyers, business leaders, etc. as well as astronauts.
Read
January 18, 2020Get your mind ready for blastoff!
Who helped us reach the stars? Telling tales of history's forgotten heroes, A Galaxy of Her Own shed light on the lives and accomplishments of fifty incredible women who changed the game. Throughout history women have been making amazing discoveries in and for space. These are a few of their stories.
A collection of fifty women who not only change the world, but everything far, far above us. A book that remembers some of the most remarkable women in space exploration.
Humankind has always been looking up. Thanks to many men and women, we eventually began planning and actually touching the skies. However, our cultures and educational systems predominantly present only the male space heroes. This anthology highlights the brilliance of Ada Lovelace's mathematical achievements, the ingeniousness of Mary Sherman Morgan as she invented the fuel that got us into space, the medical expertise of Chiaki Mukai as she studied the effects of microgravity on the human body, and the talents of many more powerful women. From female astronauts to teachers, from mathematicians to politicians, from chemists to seamstresses, a whole host of geniuses like these women have pushed us into the future.
Like many of us, Libby Jackson spent nights looking up to the stars, falling in love with space. Briefly chronicling her journey from stargazer to physicist and engineer for the UK Space Agency, the introduction let us meet the woman who is helping the world to remember some of the overlooked ladies in space and science. Reading her personal story made my experience even better, knowing the time and thought she put into creating this collection, making sure it was inclusive and correct, was moving. Her work along with the accomplished women in these pages will inspire generations to come.
Whenever the world has got you down, look up, or even better look at this book. Beginning with a timeline of important events in space exploration, this book contained comprehensive biographies of fifty inspiring women. Adorned with a quote and artwork done by students at the London College of Communication, these summaries enlighten us all to the vast number of contributions these ladies made to humankind. Not only does A Galaxy of Her Own ignite the minds of readers of all ages, it's empowering overtones remind us that all dreams are possible. Beautiful and informative, the messages of feminism and hope flowing through these pages made this title an absolute treat.
A Galaxy of Her Own is a compendium of stories about women who were and are brighter than shooting stars.
Who helped us reach the stars? Telling tales of history's forgotten heroes, A Galaxy of Her Own shed light on the lives and accomplishments of fifty incredible women who changed the game. Throughout history women have been making amazing discoveries in and for space. These are a few of their stories.
A collection of fifty women who not only change the world, but everything far, far above us. A book that remembers some of the most remarkable women in space exploration.
Humankind has always been looking up. Thanks to many men and women, we eventually began planning and actually touching the skies. However, our cultures and educational systems predominantly present only the male space heroes. This anthology highlights the brilliance of Ada Lovelace's mathematical achievements, the ingeniousness of Mary Sherman Morgan as she invented the fuel that got us into space, the medical expertise of Chiaki Mukai as she studied the effects of microgravity on the human body, and the talents of many more powerful women. From female astronauts to teachers, from mathematicians to politicians, from chemists to seamstresses, a whole host of geniuses like these women have pushed us into the future.
Like many of us, Libby Jackson spent nights looking up to the stars, falling in love with space. Briefly chronicling her journey from stargazer to physicist and engineer for the UK Space Agency, the introduction let us meet the woman who is helping the world to remember some of the overlooked ladies in space and science. Reading her personal story made my experience even better, knowing the time and thought she put into creating this collection, making sure it was inclusive and correct, was moving. Her work along with the accomplished women in these pages will inspire generations to come.
Whenever the world has got you down, look up, or even better look at this book. Beginning with a timeline of important events in space exploration, this book contained comprehensive biographies of fifty inspiring women. Adorned with a quote and artwork done by students at the London College of Communication, these summaries enlighten us all to the vast number of contributions these ladies made to humankind. Not only does A Galaxy of Her Own ignite the minds of readers of all ages, it's empowering overtones remind us that all dreams are possible. Beautiful and informative, the messages of feminism and hope flowing through these pages made this title an absolute treat.
A Galaxy of Her Own is a compendium of stories about women who were and are brighter than shooting stars.
December 30, 2018
I read a ton of anthologies (normally about women) so I was ready for a bit of a change with this one. Jackson specifically dedicated her anthology to women who have contributed to space exploration and travel, in one way or another. I loved the way she integrated a history of space exploration as a whole, and gave credit where it was due throughout the entire process. The one page summaries, paired with great art from students in London, made reading this a supremely enjoyable experience. This book is obviously geared towards a younger crowd, and it's honestly a great read for kids or those who know they're somewhat interested in STEM fields. The use of quotes from each of the women highlighted in the book, plus an encouraging message at the end really drives home the fact that ANYONE can go to space despite any barriers or setbacks that might stand in their way.
December 6, 2022
This was very interesting though I did notice some small errors (like saying someone was born in 1937 when that was 1927 otherwise she would have been 11 when recruited by NASA).
The art was a bit hit/miss. Some I found absolutely stunning (like Patricia Cowing's portrait) and some were just not my thing (like Svetlana Savitskaya's portrait).
Longer review to come~Feeling a bit too sick to write much. Just want to read + maybe play some Genshin.
The art was a bit hit/miss. Some I found absolutely stunning (like Patricia Cowing's portrait) and some were just not my thing (like Svetlana Savitskaya's portrait).
Longer review to come~Feeling a bit too sick to write much. Just want to read + maybe play some Genshin.
June 23, 2018
I learned so much about the history of space travel and was so inspired by these brilliant women's stories.
July 11, 2019
Written simply without pretense or complexity for a YA audience but beautiful illustrations and perfect editing make this a great read for all audiences. Inspiring and educational.
July 24, 2019
Amazing read. Appropriate for all ages.
July 21, 2018
This book was so inspiring and empowering. I never knew about nearly anyone in this book, and it was very informative without ever being boring! I never realized that working at a space agency actually could be a reality, thank you for that!
June 20, 2018
Tekst pochodzi z bloga: https://amandaasays.blogspot.com/2018...
KOSMICZNE DZIEWCZYNY
Przyznam wprost - książka głównie skierowana jest w moim odczuciu do młodych dziewczynek, by od małego pokazywać im, że nie istnieją limity, a marzenia są po to, by je spełniać. Nie wyklucza to jednak faktu, że dorośli również mogą z zaciekawieniem pochłaniać tę cieniutką książkę. W moim przypadku tak było! Poznałam całe mnóstwo ciekawostek, o których wcześniej nie miałam nawet pojęcia. Co najbardziej mnie zainteresowało? Prawdopodobnie historia skafandrów i tego, kto je stworzył, a także inne rozwinięcie skrótu LOL. Czego żałuję? Że głównie pojawia się tam flaga USA, jednak (jak wspomniała zresztą sama autorka), największe osiągnięcia w tej dziedzinie należą do Stanów Zjednoczonych i Rosji, więc nie ma się co dziwić. Ale kto wie, może kiedyś pojawi się tam więcej polskich nazwisk? ;-)
Nie będę się rozpisywała, ani opisywała każdej z kobiet, których sylwetki przybliżono w powyższej książce, bo mijałoby się to z celem, jednak podrzucam kilka zdjęć ze środka, abyście mieli przedsmak tego, jak pięknie jest wydana ta książka. Każdej z kobiet poświęcono dwie strony - jedna to notka biograficzna, druga to ilustracja z podobizną. Bywa również, iż pojawiają się grupy kobiet, jak jest to w przypadku żon astronautów bądź wspomnianych już wcześniej pań od skrótu LOL. Wszystko jest zgrabnie uporządkowane, dzięki czemu lektura jest istną przyjemnością.
STRUKTURA
Książka podzielona jest na pięć głównych części, które poprzedzone zostały wstępem, w którym autorka wyjaśnia między innymi cel powstania książki oraz jej własną historię z kosmosem w roli głównej. W ramach każdej z części mamy krótkie biografie naszych kosmicznych dziewczyn, którym towarzyszą przepiękne ilustracje z ich podobiznami. Książka skierowana jest głównie do młodych dziewcząt, stąd prosty język i brak przekombinowania, czy przerostu formy nad treścią. Wszystko jest przedstawione w zgrabny i estetyczny sposób, dzięki czemu niejedna dziewczynka zachwyci się tym tytułem. Na końcu pojawia się również miejsce na zapiski czytelniczki - jej imię, narodowość, przemyślenia z lektury oraz profesje, które szczególnie ją zainteresowały. Książka uczy i angażuje, a liczne ciekawostki sprawią, że podczas lektury nie będzie dało się nudzić!
PODSUMOWUJĄC
Kosmiczne dziewczyny to książka, która zachwyci dziewczynki - nie tylko te małe! To zdecydowane must have dla miłośniczek kosmosu oraz osób doceniających estetyczne wydania. Garść ciekawostek i historii potwierdzających, że marzenia nie mają płci, a kobiety dorównują mężczyznom (A nawet bywają o wiele lepsze!). Pozwól zabrać się na podbój kosmosu razem z kobietami, dzięki którym historia wcale nie będzie taka nudna! ;-)
KOSMICZNE DZIEWCZYNY
Przyznam wprost - książka głównie skierowana jest w moim odczuciu do młodych dziewczynek, by od małego pokazywać im, że nie istnieją limity, a marzenia są po to, by je spełniać. Nie wyklucza to jednak faktu, że dorośli również mogą z zaciekawieniem pochłaniać tę cieniutką książkę. W moim przypadku tak było! Poznałam całe mnóstwo ciekawostek, o których wcześniej nie miałam nawet pojęcia. Co najbardziej mnie zainteresowało? Prawdopodobnie historia skafandrów i tego, kto je stworzył, a także inne rozwinięcie skrótu LOL. Czego żałuję? Że głównie pojawia się tam flaga USA, jednak (jak wspomniała zresztą sama autorka), największe osiągnięcia w tej dziedzinie należą do Stanów Zjednoczonych i Rosji, więc nie ma się co dziwić. Ale kto wie, może kiedyś pojawi się tam więcej polskich nazwisk? ;-)
Nie będę się rozpisywała, ani opisywała każdej z kobiet, których sylwetki przybliżono w powyższej książce, bo mijałoby się to z celem, jednak podrzucam kilka zdjęć ze środka, abyście mieli przedsmak tego, jak pięknie jest wydana ta książka. Każdej z kobiet poświęcono dwie strony - jedna to notka biograficzna, druga to ilustracja z podobizną. Bywa również, iż pojawiają się grupy kobiet, jak jest to w przypadku żon astronautów bądź wspomnianych już wcześniej pań od skrótu LOL. Wszystko jest zgrabnie uporządkowane, dzięki czemu lektura jest istną przyjemnością.
STRUKTURA
Książka podzielona jest na pięć głównych części, które poprzedzone zostały wstępem, w którym autorka wyjaśnia między innymi cel powstania książki oraz jej własną historię z kosmosem w roli głównej. W ramach każdej z części mamy krótkie biografie naszych kosmicznych dziewczyn, którym towarzyszą przepiękne ilustracje z ich podobiznami. Książka skierowana jest głównie do młodych dziewcząt, stąd prosty język i brak przekombinowania, czy przerostu formy nad treścią. Wszystko jest przedstawione w zgrabny i estetyczny sposób, dzięki czemu niejedna dziewczynka zachwyci się tym tytułem. Na końcu pojawia się również miejsce na zapiski czytelniczki - jej imię, narodowość, przemyślenia z lektury oraz profesje, które szczególnie ją zainteresowały. Książka uczy i angażuje, a liczne ciekawostki sprawią, że podczas lektury nie będzie dało się nudzić!
PODSUMOWUJĄC
Kosmiczne dziewczyny to książka, która zachwyci dziewczynki - nie tylko te małe! To zdecydowane must have dla miłośniczek kosmosu oraz osób doceniających estetyczne wydania. Garść ciekawostek i historii potwierdzających, że marzenia nie mają płci, a kobiety dorównują mężczyznom (A nawet bywają o wiele lepsze!). Pozwól zabrać się na podbój kosmosu razem z kobietami, dzięki którym historia wcale nie będzie taka nudna! ;-)
June 19, 2020
I’m a space nut. I remember listening to each of the Mercury flights on my transistor radio as we started exploring manned space flight. Unfortunately, then, and for many years afterwards, it was truly flights of men - no woman allowed. Recently, through movies and books, we are now learning that women were very important behind the scenes of even these earliest of flights. After the hard work of many pioneers, many of whom are featured in this book, women now have leading roles in our public and private attempts to master space flight and push into the great wonder of outer space.
Libby Jackson has written a YA book highlighting the exploits of fifty of these women. It is interesting that Jackson did not include a write-up about herself as she has a long and successful history working with the European, British, and US space agencies. Fortunately she does give us a brief autobiography in her introduction.
Jackson begins her stories of women involved with space in the 1700s with Émile du Chatelet, a woman who translated Newton’s Principia Mathematica into a French book that remains the most widely read French version to this day. She goes on to feature another forty-nine women who became computer pioneers, balloonists, test pilots, astronauts, engineers, nurses, doctors, scientists, ground crew, politicians, and company presidents. Each woman gets a page describing how she got interested in the field and what she did to get her dream job. The writing is clear, engaging, and does an amazingly good job of summarizing each person’s life into one page. This alone is quite a feat as, for some of these women, their trip through the glass ceiling literally took them into outer space.
Adjacent to each mini-biography is a drawing of the individual. Each picture was created by a different female illustrator who were selected from the students and graduates of the London College of Communication. The creativity and variety of the portraits are a wonderful addition to the book.
Jackson wrote her book to inspire girls to strive for whatever their passion is and not let people and circumstances stand in their way. As she puts it, “the whole universe is out there and it’s waiting for you.” Do yourself a favor and read this book. Even better, buy a copy and give it to a young girl that you know.
Libby Jackson has written a YA book highlighting the exploits of fifty of these women. It is interesting that Jackson did not include a write-up about herself as she has a long and successful history working with the European, British, and US space agencies. Fortunately she does give us a brief autobiography in her introduction.
Jackson begins her stories of women involved with space in the 1700s with Émile du Chatelet, a woman who translated Newton’s Principia Mathematica into a French book that remains the most widely read French version to this day. She goes on to feature another forty-nine women who became computer pioneers, balloonists, test pilots, astronauts, engineers, nurses, doctors, scientists, ground crew, politicians, and company presidents. Each woman gets a page describing how she got interested in the field and what she did to get her dream job. The writing is clear, engaging, and does an amazingly good job of summarizing each person’s life into one page. This alone is quite a feat as, for some of these women, their trip through the glass ceiling literally took them into outer space.
Adjacent to each mini-biography is a drawing of the individual. Each picture was created by a different female illustrator who were selected from the students and graduates of the London College of Communication. The creativity and variety of the portraits are a wonderful addition to the book.
Jackson wrote her book to inspire girls to strive for whatever their passion is and not let people and circumstances stand in their way. As she puts it, “the whole universe is out there and it’s waiting for you.” Do yourself a favor and read this book. Even better, buy a copy and give it to a young girl that you know.
March 4, 2020
Summary: Great book for those that are looking for a way to get involved in space as a career or just curious what other women have done in space.
Vlog Review to come Week of Mar 8 where I do a week of books on space, 2020 on Youtube @diary of a speed reader or IG @whereismayling
Key component of this book is the timeline it provides. I think that's really important in getting a sense of the trajectory of what we're doing to get humanity to move forward.
p. 8 I like this timeline of space in the front. Notice how long it takes from the first russian woman in space until the first American woman Sally ride goes to space.
p. 36 - The support group created by the Mercury 7 wives. The idea that you need a team for the responsibilities you're leaving back at home.
p. 46 - Margaret Hamilton - I didn't know about her and her contributions to programming in the early days.
p. 48 - The Waltham "little old ladies. The interesting way they weaved the binary code into copper wire. You always forget that when it comes down to it, that's what all this computing really is.
p. 94 - I like this Quote related to the story of Suni Williams (test pilot) "The types of people we look for when we select astronaut candidates [are] those who can challenge and push themselves, but who know when to stop before hurting themselves."
p. 116 - They talk about China coming into the space age in a big way.
This whole space thing is going to take a lot of global coordination.
Vlog Review to come Week of Mar 8 where I do a week of books on space, 2020 on Youtube @diary of a speed reader or IG @whereismayling
Key component of this book is the timeline it provides. I think that's really important in getting a sense of the trajectory of what we're doing to get humanity to move forward.
p. 8 I like this timeline of space in the front. Notice how long it takes from the first russian woman in space until the first American woman Sally ride goes to space.
p. 36 - The support group created by the Mercury 7 wives. The idea that you need a team for the responsibilities you're leaving back at home.
p. 46 - Margaret Hamilton - I didn't know about her and her contributions to programming in the early days.
p. 48 - The Waltham "little old ladies. The interesting way they weaved the binary code into copper wire. You always forget that when it comes down to it, that's what all this computing really is.
p. 94 - I like this Quote related to the story of Suni Williams (test pilot) "The types of people we look for when we select astronaut candidates [are] those who can challenge and push themselves, but who know when to stop before hurting themselves."
p. 116 - They talk about China coming into the space age in a big way.
This whole space thing is going to take a lot of global coordination.
March 6, 2021
Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space
By Libby Jackson
- [ ] Translated the encyclopedia Mathematica into simple French - it is now the widest read version in Europe
- [ ] Created one of my the first and still used computer languages - Adda Lovelace
- [ ] Hot air balloon pilot - her husband was doing high altitude experiments. Flew 10 miles up
- [ ] The first women to break the sound barrier in 1953?
- [ ] The women that sewed and created space suits
- [ ] They literally wove the wires into the ships
- [ ] Women were doing everything, they do do everything
- [ ] Women in space
- [ ] Women who support the women in space
- [ ] There is no limit
- [ ] Women are bad ass
- [ ] Only 12% of the people that have been to space have been women - far too few
- [ ] All of these women just did it and went forward, challenges but no limits
- [ ] We are going to Mars and women are taking us there
- [ ] I love books like this, diversity, representation, identification, inspiration, hero’s, kids, adults, science, love, humans - it has it all
- [ ] Keep going, don’t let anything stop you, they need you
By Libby Jackson
- [ ] Translated the encyclopedia Mathematica into simple French - it is now the widest read version in Europe
- [ ] Created one of my the first and still used computer languages - Adda Lovelace
- [ ] Hot air balloon pilot - her husband was doing high altitude experiments. Flew 10 miles up
- [ ] The first women to break the sound barrier in 1953?
- [ ] The women that sewed and created space suits
- [ ] They literally wove the wires into the ships
- [ ] Women were doing everything, they do do everything
- [ ] Women in space
- [ ] Women who support the women in space
- [ ] There is no limit
- [ ] Women are bad ass
- [ ] Only 12% of the people that have been to space have been women - far too few
- [ ] All of these women just did it and went forward, challenges but no limits
- [ ] We are going to Mars and women are taking us there
- [ ] I love books like this, diversity, representation, identification, inspiration, hero’s, kids, adults, science, love, humans - it has it all
- [ ] Keep going, don’t let anything stop you, they need you
July 17, 2021
Those of you who know me well, know how much I love space, from Star Trek to Becky Chambers and Andy Weir to watching space launches. This book was brilliant.
Each double page spread has a mini biography of the woman and a page of illustration about what the woman contributed to space and also an inspirational quote.
And these women really are inspirational! Here are some of the things I learnt:
🚀The first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova's flight almost ended in disaster and she got blame for it because mission control didn't want to admit their mistake. Eventually the engineer who made the error told the truth, that Valentina spotted the error herself.
🛸There are space laws and these were put together by Eilene Galloway and she created documents that founded NASA.
🪐The use of outer space shall be peaceful and for the benefit of everyone.
☄Nichelle Nicols (Lieutenant Uhura in TOS) helped NASA with their recruitment of astronauts from all walks of life. She was determines to find the best applicants who are female and from minority groups. She did astronaut training to fully understand the recruitment process.
Each double page spread has a mini biography of the woman and a page of illustration about what the woman contributed to space and also an inspirational quote.
And these women really are inspirational! Here are some of the things I learnt:
🚀The first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova's flight almost ended in disaster and she got blame for it because mission control didn't want to admit their mistake. Eventually the engineer who made the error told the truth, that Valentina spotted the error herself.
🛸There are space laws and these were put together by Eilene Galloway and she created documents that founded NASA.
🪐The use of outer space shall be peaceful and for the benefit of everyone.
☄Nichelle Nicols (Lieutenant Uhura in TOS) helped NASA with their recruitment of astronauts from all walks of life. She was determines to find the best applicants who are female and from minority groups. She did astronaut training to fully understand the recruitment process.
June 19, 2024
Galaxy Girls was a five star read for me because it was a very inspiring and encouraging read for women in science. I had no idea that so many women made such huge contributions to the space programs until I read this book. I also learned a lot behind the science that is done in space to help people on Earth. I liked all of the beautiful illustrations and the amazing cover. And, most of all, I really enjoyed hearing the author's commentary about her inspiration to write this book. She really wrote this one from the heart and I can tell that she had a lot of fun researching all of these amazing women. Space and the science that we garner from it really covers every industry and aspect of life on Earth. Maybe someone who reads this book will end up being on the team of people who will go to Mars one day.
December 19, 2018
Gratka dla fanów i fanek astronomii, astronautyki i kosmonautyki. 50 inspirujących autobiografii kobiet, które przyczyniły się do podboju przestrzeni kosmicznej. Są tu pierwsze kobiety w kosmosie w ogóle, pierwsze kobiety czarnoskóre, pracownice laboratoriów, programistki, dietetyczki, ale także szwaczki skafandrów czy żony astronautów. Bo przecież za każdym lecącym mężczyzną stała jakaś kobieta: żona, matka, córka. Te ambitne kobiety udowadniają nam, że chcieć to znaczy móc. Na końcu książki znajduje się miejsce na zaplanowanie własnej misji!
Warto dodać, że autorka książki, Libby Jackson, także pracuje w narodowej agencji kosmicznej jako kierowniczka programu lotów załogowych i mikrograwitacji.
Więcej na https://konfabula.pl/ksiazki-dla-nast...
Warto dodać, że autorka książki, Libby Jackson, także pracuje w narodowej agencji kosmicznej jako kierowniczka programu lotów załogowych i mikrograwitacji.
Więcej na https://konfabula.pl/ksiazki-dla-nast...
September 8, 2019
Isaac Newton once noted that every great scientist sees further by standing on the shoulders of giants. A Galaxy of Her Own tells fifty stories of inspirational women who have been fundamental to the story of humans in space, from scientists to astronauts. They are spread through history, from astronomers to mathematicians, engineers to astronauts, and they are vital giants indeed. Libby Jackson is a physicist and engineer for the UK Space Agency and gives each of the fifty subjects a biography and a quote, tailed with an encouraging message that anyone can achieve their dreams. It is an inspiring and empowering book, packed with beautiful artwork by London illustration students. A more informative book of stories you never knew – it’s the perfect antidote to the NASA boy’s club.
November 20, 2020
For female STEM awareness this book is excellent. Included are women who surprised me until I realized how vital their contribution was to the space program such as the women who sewed the spacesuits. It includes women worldwide so I learned of individuals I had not heard of before. Layout of the book is one page of the woman’s achievements with an illustration opposite so this would be an excellent bedtime read and discussion due to being able to start and stop using the book. The one disappointment was not having photos of the women or their contribution, however the illustrations are stylistically uniform. What confuses me is this library copy was shelved in the adult nonfiction. I strongly believe it should be in the junior or youth section to inspire the next generation.
September 23, 2018
This books celebrates a variety of Women and their impact on space exploration.
Its a shame this book isn't classified as a children's book. My library has shelved it as an adult non- fiction book. That being said I can't help but feel that it is made for children. The book doesn't go into much detail about the science and mathematics that these women contributed to the space exploration.
The illustrations are quite lovely. I knew of about 20 of the women before reading this and I was pleasantly surprised with being introduced to so many wonderful women in STEM fields.
There is an overall tone of feminism, hope, and dreams.
Its a shame this book isn't classified as a children's book. My library has shelved it as an adult non- fiction book. That being said I can't help but feel that it is made for children. The book doesn't go into much detail about the science and mathematics that these women contributed to the space exploration.
The illustrations are quite lovely. I knew of about 20 of the women before reading this and I was pleasantly surprised with being introduced to so many wonderful women in STEM fields.
There is an overall tone of feminism, hope, and dreams.
January 9, 2020
Galaxy Girls is a wonderful nonfiction offering which highlights the lives and contributions of 50 awesome women connected to the world of space exploration. This is a delightful title that I highly recommend for elementary, middle, and high school libraries alike. I really appreciated not only the deeper look into STEM opportunities for women, but also the diversity that Libby Jackson brings to the pages too. Personally, I enjoyed this one as an audio book borrowed from my local library; the narrator did a fantastic job capturing the regional accents of many of the women. With that being said, I'll also be purchasing a copy for my classroom library as well.
June 11, 2018
What a fabulous little book! I didn't realize I was picking up a children's book when this popped up on my recommended books list, but I'm glad I listened to it anyway. Of great breadth and little depth, it serves its purpose: to inspire little girls to reach for their dreams. Of course, I spent half of the book kicking myself for abandoning my own dream, but I would definitely recommend it for any young person who has yet to give up on theirs. It was a little difficult to follow along with in its audiobook form, so this is one I'd pick up in print.
June 18, 2020
A nice middle grade nonfiction book about woman connected to space. Each of the 50 woman get 1 page of text* and a full page full colour illustration representing them. It doesn't go very in-depth about anything, however as an introduction to some cool individuals to further look up it was good. Once my niece gets a little older (she's currently only 2) I plan on passing this book along to her.
*there are 3 pairs of women who together get one page, and 3 groups of women who are looked at as a collective.
*there are 3 pairs of women who together get one page, and 3 groups of women who are looked at as a collective.
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