Part of a series of biographies from the publisher, the book is geared towards newly independent readers and thus fairly simple and straightforward, but covers the highlights of Ride’s life well, with bold illustrations enhancing the narrative. We learn of Ride’s childhood and her desire to study science despite the lack of women scientists; her acceptance into NASA’s astronaut program; the difficult training, and her record-making space shuttle ride to become the first American woman in space. Later, she became a professor.
Her partner Tam supported her “all along the way,” and together, they wrote books and started a company to help spark kids’ love of science. “The two were in love,” the book also tells us, “but they didn’t talk about it much.” The book never explains why, though; I understand the need for simplification in a book of this length, but given that the book mentions the sexism she faced, a brief mention of the homophobia would have been useful, too.
Nevertheless, the book is clear and positive about Sally and Tam’s relationship. We learn that after Sally’s death, Tam continued their work and accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom on her behalf. “With Tam by her side, Sally led the way,” the book concludes, showing girls that “they could touch the sky.”
Backmatter includes a timeline, glossary, discussion questions, and suggested activity (drawing an invention for the space shuttle).
