Families who loved Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child expresses frustration with unfair rules or feels discouraged by others' low expectations. This gripping non-fiction account reveals the hidden history of thirteen skilled female pilots who passed the same rigorous physical and psychological tests as the Mercury 7 astronauts, only to be barred from space because of their gender. It is a powerful exploration of systemic bias and the resilience required to challenge it. While the book documents a historical injustice, its focus on the women's excellence and persistence makes it deeply empowering. Best for middle schoolers, it provides essential context for modern STEM achievements and serves as a roadmap for advocating for oneself and others in the face of prejudice. Parents will appreciate the way it frames 'failure' not as a lack of talent, but as a catalyst for future change.
