Astronaut Annie, by Suzanne Slade, Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

In Suzanne Slade's Astronaut Annie, Annie is excited about career day and keeps her family guessing about what she's going to choose.  Of course, we know what she has in mind because we know the title of the book!  As she gathers supplies from around the house, we see hints of her ambitions: the space-themed cereal, the models of planets hanging in her bedroom, and the moon hanging in the sky.

Everyone is surprised at career night when Annie tells her story and models the space suit she has cobbled together.  It may be surprising to some that an African-American girl dreams of being an astronaut, but Slade adds the stories of four real-life women who became astronauts.  It is not too far-fetched for a bright, determined girl like Annie to fulfill her dreams of going into space.

Slade's story, along with Nicole Tadgell's warm and timeless illustrations, will surely inspire some little girl somewhere to think bigger and aim higher.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!