VIP: Dr. Mae Jemison: Brave Rocketeer

VIP (Very Important People)

by Heather Alexander, Jennifer Bricking (Illustrator)

Soar to the stars with Dr. Mae Jemison in this exciting middle grade nonfiction biography. Perfect for fans of the Who Was and Little Leaders series, t he books in the VIP series tell the true—and amazing—stories of some of history's greatest trailblazers. Meet the VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE who changed the world! Mae Jemison is the first African American woman to travel to space. She’s also a medical doctor who once joined the Peace Corps. And a trained dancer, too! Experience all the exciting moments in Dr. Jemison's thrilling   life in this exciting biography, packed with two-color illustrations and fun facts, including the secrets of NASA. Short and engaging chapters are interspersed with special lists and other information made to order to engage kids, whether they're already biography fans or "have to" write a report for school. The special sections in Dr. Mae Jemison include "Answers to Some Big Questions Mae Wondered About"; "10 Things Women Couldn’t Do in the 1960s and 1970s"; and " Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Astronaut?" The VIP series features inspiring adventures and fun facts about some of history's greatest trailblazers—smart, tough, persevering innovators who will inspire today's kids. Featuring underappreciated historical figures and groups, with a focus on leaders in science and technology, the nonfiction biographies in the VIP series are fun and engaging. Just looking at the cover will make kids want to learn more about these VIPs, and once they dive in they will zoom through stories that read like adventures. Each book in the VIP series allows your middle grader to experience all the exciting moments in some very important but lesser known lives. These biographies for kids age 9-12   Lewis Engineering Wizard;  Mahalia Freedom's Voice; and   Lydia Darragh : Unexpected Spy.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 5, 2021

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is good text for elementary school kids. It does a great job of addressing intersectionality for a young audience. The illustrations are beautiful, and kids will really enjoy the interactive pieces. I question the use of the word 'dumb' to describe sexism, it just seems a poor choice, an oversimplification perhaps, and with several better alternatives. The author also uses the term 'minority' which many people do not appreciate.

I'm calling out all of the flaws, of course. Still, there was a lot of good here.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in Alabama, Mae Jamison is someone who is well known and taught about, but I was surprised by how much I DIDN’T know until reading this book.

This was a great biography from Dr. Jemison’s early life through her later years as an educator and advocate. Intermingled in the biographical story are interesting tidbits for kids including a quiz to take to see how acclimated you are to being an astronaut.

There is also a lot of great featuring of other women of color in the acknowledgements at the end. This is a great book to add to your library if you’re looking to add more diversity or if you just want to focus on a fantastic American figure of history. I really enjoyed this!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My students are big fans of Dr. Mae Jemison so I love finding new books to share with them about her. This middle grades nonfiction biography will be perfect to add to my classroom library!

The book does an excellent job covering her childhood, education/career before her time with NASA, her time with NASA and her time post-NASA. Interspersed between the chapters are interesting tidbits, discussion prompts and even a quiz to see how well you would fare as an astronaut (hint: I would not fare well!!)

With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an early copy in return for an honest review.

[A Allen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I skimmed this book rather than read it cover to cover. It was interesting to learn things about Mae Jemison that are not included in other books I have read about Mae, such as her being inspired by Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek, how much she enjoyed dance, and that she learned Swahili, Russian, and Japanese in college. I enjoyed the little illustrations in the book and the idea of having activities for readers, but I often did not like the words chosen in the book or how things were phrased.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine short biography of Dr. Mae Jemison -- I liked how well the author drew her story out -- she had an early interest in being an Astronaut, but didn't pursue it for years, and that's interesting. She also decided not to return to space at a certain point, and that's interesting and important, too. Good stuff.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, informative book. Easy to understand and nice illustrations.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 7 year old son really enjoyed this book. A good intro biography for emerging chapter book readers. Inspiring and informative.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was distracted by the extra facts / history placed in the middle of the chapters.
Overall, great content.