A Girls in Space Book List Curated by Author Roxanne Troup
The Children’s Book Review
Humans have been exploring space since the late 1950s, and while history has done a good job honoring some of the men involved in that process, it has not always acknowledged the women and people of color who contributed to NASA and other space agencies’ success—until recently. Today, our bookshelves and libraries are filled with stories about these “hidden figures.” Some detail the lives of women scientists, explorers, and change-makers that history forgot. Others are fictional, inspiring the next generation of girls to “reach for the stars.”
Here are some favorite recent picture books starring girls in space:
The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars are Made Of
Written by Kirsten W. Larson
Illustrated by Katherine Roy
Ages: 6+ | 48 Pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (2023) | ISBN-13: 978-1452172873
With multiple starred reviews and other awards, this nonfiction picture book tells the story of Cecilia Payne, a groundbreaking female scientist whose natural curiosity (and propensity for questions) changed how we view stars and opened the door to more questions and discoveries. Brilliantly told and beautifully illustrated as a dual narrative, Larson and Roy parallel Cecilia’s life with the birth of a star. Highly recommended!
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Mae Among the Stars
Written by Roda Ahmed
Illustrated by Stasia Burrington
Ages: 3+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (2018) | ISBN-13: 978-0062651730
Inspired by Astronaut Mae Jemison, this fictional look at Mae’s early life inspires readers to dream big and pursue those dreams with determination. (It simultaneously inspires parents to encourage their children’s dreams—no matter how out-of-this-world they may seem.)
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Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
Written by Helaine Becker
Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
Ages: 5+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt (2018) | ISBN-13: 978-1250137524
Another multi-award-winner, this nonfiction picture book tells the story of one of NASA’s “hidden figures—a mathematician named Katherine Johnson. Tightly focused on Katherine’s love of numbers yet delicately illustrated, Counting on Katherine conveys both the analytical and creative sides of this extraordinary woman’s brain. It is a modern classic.
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The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa
Written by Julia Finley Mosca
Illustrated by Daniel Rieley
Ages: 5+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Innovation Press (2019) | ISBN-13: 978-1943147632
Told in rhyming verse, this picture book is part of a series that shares inspiring stories about modern scientists. In this installment, Mosca and Rieley focus on flutist Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut in space. Ochoa (who loved both art and science) eventually became the director of the Johnson Space Center.
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Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer
Written by Laura Gehl
Illustrated by Louise Pigott and Alex Oxton
Ages: 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman (2019) | ISBN-13: 978-0807502969
Representing another series—this one focused on a woman who made history—Always Looking Up tells the story of Nancy Grace Roman, the team lead in building the Hubble Space Telescope.
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The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney
Written by Alice B. McGinty
Illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle
Ages: 4+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (2019) | ISBN-13: 978-1524768317
A fascinating read about a schoolgirl in 1930s England who suggested the name “Pluto” for a newly discovered planet. Inspired by Greek mythology and all she had learned about the solar system, this title proves that you don’t have to wait to become an adult to make your mark on the world.
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Reaching for the Stars: A Mission to Space
Written by Roxanne Troup
Illustrated by Amanda Lenz
Ages: 4+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Schiffer Kids (2024) | ISBN-13: 978-0764368172
A bit of a departure from the other titles on this list, Reaching for the Stars is an inspiring, forward-looking story inspired by NASA’s new Artemis program. This rhyming picture book follows a young girl’s fictional journey to explore the moon, stars, and far reaches of outer space. And while I might be a bit biased about this one (I wrote it), I absolutely love what illustrator Amanda Lenz did with the art! By showcasing young explorers and collaging actual photos of space (courtesy of the James Webb Telescope) into her whimsical illustrations, Amanda highlighted the aspirational nature of the story while making space exploration feel attainable to young imaginations.
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About the Booklist Curator
Award-winning author Roxanne Troup writes picture books that inspire wonder and celebrate family. With a background in education, she also writes engaging nonfiction for all ages. Roxanne lives in the mountains of Colorado and enjoys hiking with her family, gazing at stars, and exploring our incredible world through stories. She loves visiting schools to water the seeds of literacy and inspire the next generation of explorers, storytellers, and scientists.
Learn more at www.roxannetroup.com.
Header image from Reaching for the Stars: A Mission to Space written by Roxanne Troup, published by Schiffer Kids (2024).
