Mae Among the Stars

The book fosters the idea of perseverance and grit as she realizes her dreams and achieves them. It lacks scientific accuracy about space and ideas about it. Rather, it challenges the reader to think about science and space differently than the dominant narrative.

• Author: Roda Ahmed
• Illustrator: Stasia Burrington
• Year Published: 2018
• ISBN: 0062651730

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

Mae Among the Stars describes the journey of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison. Her parents support her as she shares her dreams with them even with push back from her teachers and those around her.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: High
• Accuracy: Low
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book fosters the idea of perseverance and grit as she realizes her dreams and achieves them. It lacks scientific accuracy about space and ideas about it. Rather, it challenges the reader to think about science and space differently than the dominant narrative.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

It allows student to think through their experiences and whether or not their dreams are being realized. It's a narrative, so it speaks of science in more of a story approach.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

It tells the story of accomplishment. If the teacher were to have it so that the read-aloud allows students to think for themselves, then I think that allows. However, I think there needs to be scaffolding for this book.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

The science topic is addressed through the genre and theme: a woman in space. This book could be used as an introductory book to space and astronauts.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

The content is based on Mae's life. It is not a book about space and facts.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

It does not distinguish clearly between the two. It is a biography so the book itself is a non-fiction book. However, it does not list facts.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes. The illustrations are rich and colorful. The illustrations with science are not accurate because it depicts space in the view of Mae as a child.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

It is written for younger grades in elementary school. Because of the richness of the story, it could be used in all of elementary school.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

The book itself is all about defying stereotypes and her parents supporting her even though the world told her no.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes. The book is about the first black girl who becomes an astronaut. It approaches the theme of gender biases and conquers it through her perseverance.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

The book does not show science and writing or science and reading and so on. However, I do think it has real life application in terms of mindset and growth. It could be used as an SEL book.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

Yes. The book presents a positive attitude towards science and technology. It shows that science is a field that all women, no matter the color, can be a part of and succeed in.