The lift-off of any NASA space shuttle is always a huge event, but on July 23, 1999, it was particularly emotional for a group of women whose nickname was the "Mercury 13". On that day, Eileen Collins became the first woman to command a space shuttle ever.
Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream is a photo essay book that tells the story of thirteen female pilots, known as the "Mercury 13", who attempted to join NASA's astronaut program in the 1960s, when there was an unspoken rule in America: you had to be a man if you wanted to be an astronaut.
They participated in the Women in Space program, in which they not only completed the tests but also surpassed the results of male astronauts. However, their ambition, courage, and achievements were ignored by NASA and other government figures, involving Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, who was in favor of prohibiting women from being astronauts.
Of course, those 13 women never made it to space, but they continued to push for female pilots to be admitted to the space program. Because of their courageous struggle, later generations succeeded.
Younger female readers will enjoy reading these stories about women who overcame criticism, prejudice and injustice and dared to achieve more than the roles society wished them to play. Not only are these women excellent role models for our girls, they are also a good reminder of how hard women once fought for us, so we can enjoy the relative equality today. I would recommend this book to any young woman, especially one in high school who is ready to take on the world on her own, one who may be questioning where she will take her life and definitely one who may be dreaming bigger than most people think is appropriate.
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