Did you know that when she was just a girl Mae Jemison knew she’d one day go to space? Her dream seemed very audacious for someone so young and, at that time, for a girl. As we celebrate Mae’s life and prep The Audacious Astronaut for shipment, we wanted to share some of our favorite books about other audacious ladies. Check out our book recommendations below:
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Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina by Maria Tallchief
Growing up on the Osage Indian reservation, Maria Tallchief was a gifted pianist and dancer. According to Osage tradition, women are not permitted to dance, but Maria's parents recognized her gifts and allowed her to break the rule. Then when Maria reached the age of twelve, her father told her it was time to choose between her two loves. Maria chose ballet. It was a decision that would change not only the course of her life, but the face of classical ballet in America. The fascinating story of Maria Tallchief's rise to become America's prima ballerina will captivate young readers.
Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton by Meghan McCarthy
In the 1930s most girls were happy playing with dolls. But one girl, Betty Skelton, liked playing with airplanes, watching them fly around outside, and even flying airplanes herself! She lived for an adventure—in the air, the water, and on land—and nothing could stop her, especially not being a girl.
Streetcar to Justice: How Elizabeth Jennings Won the Right to Ride in New York by Amy Hill Hearth
In 1854, a young African-American woman named Elizabeth Jennings won a major victory against a New York City streetcar company, a first step in the process of desegregating public transportation in Manhattan.
Grasping Mysteries: Girls Who Loved Math by Jeannine Atkins
Learn about seven groundbreaking women in math and science. Told in vibrant, evocative poems, this stunning novel celebrates seven remarkable women who used math as their key to explore the mysteries of the universe and grew up to do innovative work that changed the world.
This November, get to know the audacious woman who inspired this list and The Audacious Astronaut crate—-Mae Jemison. Future world changers will be inspired by her audacity while exploring space as they create their own solar system mobile and blast off ‘rockets’ towards the final frontier. Subscriptions are available now through November 15 at GIRLS CAN! CRATE.