Journey to the Stars

Name: Journey to the Stars
ISBN: 9781506484693

Kalpana Chawla, Astronaut

by Laurie Wallmark, Raakhee Mirchandani

Illustrated by Maitreyi Ghosh,

Publisher

Beaming Books

Publication

Feb 13, 2024

Format

Hardback

Illustrated

Yes

Price

18.99

Dimensions

8.75 x 10.25 in

ISBN

9781506484693

Pages

Age

4 - 8 years

Rights Sold

🌍 World Wide Rights Available

Description

A powerful story of hope about a woman who fought against all odds to become the first Indian American female astronaut.

Kalpana Chawla set her sights on flight from an early age. She was told "no" many times in life: No, girls don't study aerospace. No, women don't become astronauts. No, you won't succeed in the United States. But Kalpana didn't listen--she was too busy forging her own path to the stars. And after a long journey of dedication, perseverance, and patience, she finally made it to space. Her inspiring story is a powerful reminder for girls all over the world to never, ever give up on their dreams.

Based on the true story of the first female Indian American astronaut, Journey to the Stars details the challenges and triumphs of Kalpana Chawla's life up through her first journey into space. Her story is sure to inspire educators and parents interested in encouraging curiosity and a passion for STEM in girls and boys. Backmatter includes an author's note and a timeline of Kalpana's life and awards.

Awards & Endorsements

Booklist

"An important STEM biography that promotes tenacity."

Author(s)

Laurie Wallmark

Laurie Wallmark has written picture-book biographies of women in STEM fields ranging from computer science to mathematics, astronomy to code breaking. Her books have earned multiple starred reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received awards such as Outstanding Science Trade Book, Cook Prize Honor, and Parents' Choice Gold Medal. She is a former software engineer and computer science professor. She lives in Ringoes, New Jersey.

Raakhee Mirchandani

Raakhee Mirchandani is a journalist, children’s book author, activist and mom — not necessarily in that order.

Previously a feature writer and columnist for the New York Post, a managing editor at the New York Daily News and associate editor at the Boston Herald, Raakhee’s work has also appeared in Elle, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, Redbook and HuffPo, and she was the editor-in-chief of Moneyish, published by Dow Jones.

The New Jersey-born daughter of immigrants, Raakhee is a proud supporter of many nonprofits, serving on the boards of the Tomorrows Children's Fund, the Hoboken Public Library, Stevens Cooperative School and the Children’s Book Council.

In 2020, Raakhee launched her podcast, “Brown Mom,” where she chats with friends and notables about being brown in America.

When she isn't writing or working on her podcast, Raakhee is either organizing her bookshelves, running races to raise money for the fight against pediatric cancer — or styling her very curly hair with new oils and potions.

Illustrator(s)

Maitreyi Ghosh

Maitreyi Ghosh is based in Bangalore, where she recently graduated as a graphic designer. She has worked mostly with digital platforms for designing. Passionate about illustration since her early college days, Maitreyi has always explored this medium through small side projects. She has always been fascinated about expressing her thoughts through her illustrations. Drawing for kids has always been her dream, as it feels like a medium to connect with her inner child who is fascinated by the simple things in life.