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President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed NASA into existence on July 29, 1958, with the National Aeronautics and Space Act. Since NASA was founded, there have been countless contributions to science made by NASA astronauts. A few trips to the library revealed a large pile of children’s books about diverse NASA astronauts, and I am so excited to share them with you!
Learn about Diverse NASA Astronauts
If you have a child in your life who loves science, space, or flying, be sure your TBR list includes these books about African American astronauts, women astronauts, and more.
And be sure to save this book list for future reference!
Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates by Chris Barton
Alton Yates is an African American retired member of the Air Force, and his story is absolutely incredible. Growing up among African American veterans of the World Wars who experienced the discriminatory responses of the G.I. Bill for veterans, he still wanted to join the Air Force.
He volunteered for dozens of experiments, the results of which helped create the knowledge used by physicists when NASA was founded in 1959 (which is why he was included in this book list). Once he was honorably discharged, he began to fight for his country in a different way – by fighting for Civil Rights.
This book is jaw-dropping. Mr. Yates is an American hero in so many ways. If you read any book this year with your children, make it this one.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African American astronaut in 1992 when she rode on the Endeavor shuttle. This book is about little Mae, growing up in Alabama and dreaming of becoming an astronaut. Her drive for learning about space led to countless hours of study and additional hours of make believe.
I love this book for kids with big dreams. Mae knew she wanted to be an astronaut and she was able to achieve that goal for herself. It took decades, but she did it, and she became the first African American astronaut.
Ron’s Big Mission by Rose Blue
Ron McNair was an accomplished and brilliant astronaut and physicist, who played his saxophone in space on one of his missions.
But before he was an astronaut, he was just a kid with a thirst for knowledge in South Carolina, who stood up to racist discrimination when he wanted to check out books from the library.
Read this story of brave little Ron McNair, who stood up to racism and his right to the library.
The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars by Julia Finley Mosca
Who was the first hispanic American female astronaut!? Why, Dr Ellen Ochoa, the professional flautist, of course! This book (written in rhyme) is a sweet introduction to the story of a determined young girl who navigated racism and sexism to follow all of her dreams. She became a flautist, an engineer, an inventor, and finally an astronaut.
And yes, she really did play the flute in space!
We loved this book and I’m sure you will too. Check it out here.
Leaders Like Us: Leland Melvin by Bruce Miller
As a huge football fan, I love learning about what the football pros do when they retire from the game. Learning about Leland Melvin, the NFL player-turned-astronaut, was fascinating.
Martin grew up with a passion for chemistry and football. After earning a Bachelor’s in chemistry, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1989. His career was cut short by repeat hamstring injuries, and he returned to school. He graduated with a Masters degree in Material Science Engineering, and went to work for NASA as an educator. He went to space twice, once in 2008 and again in 2009.
Journey to the Stars: Kalpana Chawla, Astronaut by Laurie Wallmark and Raakhee Mirchandani
Kalpana Chawla was the first Indo-American woman in space. She was born in Karnal, India, and moved to America in 1982 to earn her Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering (she eventually also earned her PhD!). She became an American citizen in 1991.
She loved flying for her entire life, and her dreams took her outside the norms of her family traditions. This is such a good book for a lesson in how to respond when people try to stop your dreams.
NASA has some amazing people! Be sure to check out the book list about Women in STEM to find more books about others who worked for NASA (but kept their feet on the ground).
