While Kathy Sullivan was not the first woman in space, she WAS the first to walk in space. Carmella Van Vleet’s style of writing Kathy Sullivan’s story is perfection. I love how she flips from her childhood to adulthood with parallels drawn from specific experience. The story is not linear and yet it is complete. Likewise, Nicole Wong’s illustrations bring to life what doesn’t need to be stated in the text. For example “Years later Kathy studies another instrument panel.” And the accompanying illustration shows the panel within a rocket. Because Kathy Sullivan helped co-write the story, a bibliography is not included. As a teacher, I think of this book as an opportunity to highlight nonfiction with primary source usage. Kathy herself! She also includes a note that I found inspirational and Carmella Van Vleet includes further information about Kathy and highlights other firsts for women in space. Overall, this book is the total package, a good text for young and older readers alike and can be the springboard for discussions or further research on space travel.
Title: To The Stars: The First American Woman To Walk in Space
Author: Carmella Van Vleet and Dr. Kathy Sullivan
Illustrator: Nicole Wong
Published 2016 by Charlesbridge
ISBN: 978-1-58089-644-3
This copy was received from the publisher for review.
I loved the interesting way this book was structured. And such an inspiring story!
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