Mae Jemison

"Would you like to be a star or travel to the stars?" This is the opening sentence to "Mae Jemison (Rookie Biographies)." What a wallop is packed into those few words! Consider: Mae Jemison earned degrees in chemical engineering and medicine, was the first African American woman to go into space, served with the Peace Corps, and started her own company to help people in Africa. What this little 32-page book does not include is that she also started her own dance studio. Truly, Mae Jemison is a star! I must admit to being a bit disappointed when I first saw the book. The term "Rookie biographies" should have told me the book is one of those with large print and just one idea per page and a photograph to illustrate it. ("One idea" doesn't mean one sentence.) I ordered the book to add newer biographies to the African American collection in my small school library. During book talk I told all my classes about Mae Jemison and that I had ordered a book about her. There is a long list of interested readers. I have since ordered a book for older children so they won't be disappointed. Surprisingly, this rookie reader is a fine example of what young readers should have in the way of vocabulary with pronunciation guides and illustrating photos. Although text is short, it is not "dumbed down" and treats the beginning reader with respect and intelligence. In fact, this is an impressive little book for teaching about the significance of the special life of Mae Jemison and her star shine.