Roda Ahmed

Young Mae dreams of becoming an astronaut and visiting the stars in this lovely picture-book debut from expat Norwegian author Roda Ahmed and first-time illustrator Stasia Burrington. Her parents offer her words of encouragement, telling her that if she can dream of something, believe in something, and work hard toward something, she can do anything she wants. Hurt when her teacher tries to redirect her ambitions toward nursing - something suitable, apparently, for "someone like her" - Mae show more is once again reassured by her parents. Eventually, following their advice, she dreams big, believes in herself, works hard, and becomes the first African-American woman astronaut to reach space...

A sweetly inspirational book, one suitable for the younger picture-book audience, Mae Among the Stars is less of a biography than it is a collection of anecdotes from its subject's childhood, organized around the central theme of following your dreams and working to make them a reality. There is an author's afterword that gives more information about Mae Jemison. Having seen this one read at story-time (by the author), I can attest to the fact that it is engaging. It is also beautifully illustrated. My favorite scene, visually speaking, was the one in which Mae dreams of floating amongst the stars. Recommended to anyone looking for simple picture-books about astronaut Mae Jemison, or for children's stories about pursuing one's dreams. show less

This picture book is about Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space. The book centers on her childhood and how she dreamed of seeing the Earth from space. Her parents are very supportive, and say if she can dream it, work hard for it, then anything is possible. I really like that her parents add "working hard" because it is honest. At school, the children say what they want to be when they grow up, and Mae says an astronaut. The other kids laugh and her teacher suggests being a show more nurse instead. I really keyed in on this part, as someone who wants to be in that position. Luckily for us, Mae's parents did not let what the teacher said crush Mae's dreams. But it really made me cringe, and reminds me to take the role of teacher very seriously. There is great power in our words, and we need to use them to build children up, not tear them down.
Mae went on to Stanford, got her MD and then joined NASA. Her dream came true.
This book can be used in a unit on space and our journey into space. I also think it is important to show women, African Americans and other marginalized groups in historical and science roles. show less

Mae dreamt of the stars. She dreamt of being able to see Earth from outer space. Mae read books about science. She even made herself an astronaut costume. She was fascinated with becoming an astronaut. Her parents encouraged her, too, always telling her that she could do whatever she dreamed about and worked hard for. One day, Mae went to school and the students had to reveal what they wanted to be when they grew up. When Mae said she wanted to be an astronaut, Ms. Bell not only discouraged show more her dreams, but then offered her a suggestion. Maybe a nurse assistant would be good for "her" kind. You see, Mae was a little black girl. To some, dreams came in color. That almost derailed Mae, for she believed what her teacher said. Thank goodness for her parents. Mae put her best foot forward, and eventually put that best foot right into space. Dr. Mae Jemison became the first female African American astronaut in space on September 12, 1992. show less

Mae has a dream to one day see Earth from outer space. Her parents encourage and support her, guiding her in the ways they can help her achieve her dream. When she shares her dreams with her class, she is made fun of and told to pick something that suits her more, such as nursing. This does not discourage her and from the continued support from her family she becomes the first African American woman in space. Mae never defers from her dream, as the sotry goes on the reader sees Mae grow in show more confidence and work harder to accomplish her dream. The illustrations in the book are lively and would appeal to children. This story does a great job at addressing the issue of sexism, in a way that is simple and easy for kids to understand. I liked how the author did not just come right out and say that the kids thought she couldn’t be an astronaut because she is a girl, but more alluded to it. This is beneficial in asking kids questions and kind of gaging what they know and what personal experiences they may already have dealing with the issue. show less