N. B. Grace

Girl's Rock: Women in Space is a swift by fair recounting of the achievements of female astronauts throughout history and the world. The book is segmented into three section: The Pioneers, U.S. Women in Space and Tragedy and Triumph. The book opens with the tale of the first woman in space, a Russian cosmonaut. After qualifying that she passed the same tests as the males, the Soviet government admitted her to the space team. Seventeen years later, the US would put their first female show more astronaut, Sally Ride, into space. There is mention of the Mercury 13. The refusal of the US government to accept women into the program was stated as, "the American government wasn't really ready for the idea of sending women into space." This certainly is a gentle way to word the stance taken by NASA and the government, but the issue of gender inequity will arise once more towards the end of the book. If I were using this book in class I would definitely inquire as to what 'not ready for the idea' meant and the implications of this word choice. However, Jerrie Cobb and her story are specifically noted along with a large photograph of Cobb in a flight suit.
Chapter two goes into depth about Sally Ride and Eileen Collins, reinforcing their mini-biographies with quotes from both women. The final chapter relays some of the tragedies that occurred in the space program. Towards the end of the chapter, the narrative breaks down into bulleted "firsts," then resumes normal narrative structure. The book goes on to say that only one-tenth of people in space have been women.
Ironically, the last paragraph states "For today's girls who want to explore space, the sky is no limit." The sky may not be a limit, but lack of a space program certainly is. While there may be some very small private companies developing space flight, it is almost as if the job of astronaut is no longer a possibility. This is disheartening considering that the Russians in space totally transformed education in the United States, at least in the areas of science and mathematics, for the better. These investments in education paved the way for many women to make advances in traditionally male-dominated fields of study and careers. show less

Somewhat horrifying cover art and well researched and accessible text make this a better than average find, but as the warning inside notes "dead bodies can be gruesome, if that freaks you out, read something else!"

The Seniors are finally graduating and preparing to move up in the world but first they have to get through just one more musical. Troy is doubting his future and whether U of A is the place for him, whereas, Gabriella has had enough of goodbyes and is considering holding going to Stanford off.

This was the best out of the three. It was just slightly more enjoyable and more entertaining. It did read like the film, but there were parts that I don't remember.

It might have been better had they show more had some lyrics to the songs in it - like they did in the first one - so that you could feel more of a sense of being there.

The characters had changed from the first one and it was enjoyable watching them go from Juniors to Seniors and graduating.

Their journey from Juniors, through the summer and working to Seniors and graduating hasn't been the easiest. There were lies, deception, jealousy, fallouts, romance and more and at the end of it they all become good friends - well sort of. show less

It's the summer holidays and the Wildcat's team needs to find summer jobs - each for different reasons. When Troy receives a call telling him about their summer student programme he mentions all his friends. Little do they know that they will be working at the place owned by Sharpay and Ryan's parents. The summer starts off to an okay start but when Troy starts getting privileges he doesn't understand why his friends are annoyed.

I read some of the other reviews and they've pretty much said show more that this slightly differs from the film. I admit it's been a while since I've seen it but the book read pretty much as I remember the film.

The characters really show their true self in this book. Sharpay is even more cattier and determined to get what she wants. Ryan realises he doesn't have to be at his sister's beck and call and can enjoy himself. The wildcats are determined to stick together until one breaks ranks. show less