Written by: Caroline Moss
Illustrated by: Sinem Erkas
For ages: 8-12 years
Language: English
Topics Covered: Women in STEM, Historical Figure, Biography, Astronauts, Trailblazer, Black Culture & Identity, Dancers.
Summary:
If you think we’re ever going to stop posting books about Mae Jemison, you would be sorely mistaken. This badass speaks 4 languages, and was the first Black woman in space. How could we not continue to heap love upon her at every opportunity?!
This is another fantastic addition to the Work It, Girl! series, and this one is the perfect next step for the slightly older elementary reader that is fascinated by space and Mae herself. This book is similar to the picture books that introduce Mae and her astronomical achievements, but goes into much greater detail about her childhood and the drive she had to achieve her goals. Mae not only became an astronaut, but a medical doctor and accomplished dancer as well. Seriously Mae, leave some trails for us to blaze!
For real though, this book talks about how getting a splinter was the catalyst for Mae’s fascination for science and the strength her parents instilled in her to ignore naysayers and go after exactly what she wanted. The beautiful paper cutouts illustrate the text in a brightly colored and creative way. We are thrilled that this series is featuring Black women that achieved great things and continued on to help others, as well as inspire readers to do the same. Like the Michell Obama volume, this one has life lessons to learn from Mae and self-reflection questions for the reader to answer. Honor the people you love, stay motivated and passionate, but remember it’s ok to take breaks too!
This awesome book is out tomorrow, March 3rd! It was sent to us by our friends at Quarto, but all opinions are our own.
About the Author & the Illustrator:
Caroline Moss began her writing career as a technology and culture reporter at Business Insider, where she rose the ranks to deputy editor over two and a half years at the company. Caroline covered viral content, YouTube and social media stars, and internet trends before leaving to write “HEY LADIES!” with Michelle Markowitz, a book based on their popular series at The Toast. A few years later she joined BuzzFeed News to help produce their morning show, AM to DM, and it was there that Caroline wrote the first two books in the “Work It, Girl!” series.
In between, she has written for The New York Times, New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, The Hairpin, Racked, VICE, and more. Caroline’s books have appeared in The New York Times, Refinery29, Bustle, and more.
Sinem Erkas is a graphic illustrator and art director with an appetite for experimentation and a good sense of fun.
Her practice ranges from digital artworks to 3D photo-illustrations and her favourite projects involve creating playful and bold imagery that make you look twice.
Based in London, she graduated from CSM in 2008 and has since acquired numerous design awards and clients that include Profile Books, Elle Decoration, Hachette Publishers, Google, SHOWstudio and Warp Records amongst many others.
Sinem’s first illustrated book The Girl Guide has been published in 16+ languages and she is currently working on a series of illustrated biographies Work It, Girl.