Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/14/2025 Gr 6 Up—This compelling narrative explores the journeys of six remarkable women astronauts: Sally Ride, Judy Resnik, Rhea Seddon, Kathy Sullivan, Shannon Lucid, and Anna Fisher. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s and 1970s, the book delves deeply into the challenges these pioneers faced, both as women in STEM and as individuals navigating societal barriers of the time. What sets this work apart is its ability to weave personal struggles with broader social themes. The formative stories of these astronauts highlight not only their frustrations in male-dominated fields but the universal obstacles faced by women striving for equality. The added layer of science and space exploration makes their experiences even more poignant, illustrating the pressure to compete rather than collaborate in an environment with so few peers who shared their unique challenges. The narrative masterfully ties these stories to cultural touchstones like Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols, offering readers relatable entry points into complex topics. This connection bridges the gap between history and modern readers, underscoring the resilience of these trailblazing women. A time line and author's note are included in back matter. VERDICT Richly detailed and deeply human, this title serves as both an inspiring tribute to its subjects and a thought-provoking examination of the ongoing journey toward gender equity in STEM.—Jessica Calaway - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2025 This is a thoroughly engaging young readers’ version of 2023’s well-received The Six, the story of the women who were members of NASA’s 1978 astronaut corps (the first class that allowed women to apply). This is a collective biography, with each candidate being introduced (family, education, burgeoning interest in space) in a separate chapter, followed by their shared experiences woven together in subsequent sections. There are memorable anecdotes and myriad examples of ingrained cultural and institutional misogyny, ranging from being assigned mundane tasks and being banned from any high-risk endeavors to dealing with derogatory media coverage. The text emphasizes how these women were professionals who made important contributions, highlighting their skills, determination, and dedication. Some names will be more familiar (Sally Ride, the first American woman in space; Judith Resnik, who died in the Challenger explosion, an event covered in detail); every woman eventually did make it into space. Useful for reports (back matter includes a time line, brief individual profiles, and sources identified in essay format), this will capture the attention of STEM-minded aspiring astronauts. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.