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To the Stars!: The First American Woman to Walk in Space
Kathy Sullivan wanted to go everywhere. She loved blueprints and maps. She loved languages and the ocean. She didn’t like the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” She wanted to explore and do exciting things that girls weren’t supposed to be able to do. Only men had the exciting jobs.
Kathy liked fishing and swimming; flying planes and studying science. That’s what she liked and that’s what she decided to do with her life. She followed her heart and eventually became a NASA astronaut and the first woman to walk in space. Kathy wanted to see the whole world and so she did: from space!
Backmatter includes further information about Dr. Sullivan and her career, as well as other famous firsts made by women astronauts.
Kathy liked fishing and swimming; flying planes and studying science. That’s what she liked and that’s what she decided to do with her life. She followed her heart and eventually became a NASA astronaut and the first woman to walk in space. Kathy wanted to see the whole world and so she did: from space!
Backmatter includes further information about Dr. Sullivan and her career, as well as other famous firsts made by women astronauts.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 12, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 22, 2020
I read this for the December KidLit Challenge on the “Read Your Books” on Habitica. The theme was Space. What better way to fulfill it than read a book about the first woman to do a Space Walk?
Kathryn Sullivan was an unusual girl, one who liked science and travel, languages and adventures. Despite growing up in the 50s and 60s, she was determined to follow her dreams and luckily she had parents who supported her.
The book alternates between the dreams and experiences she had as a child and how they were reflected and realized as an adult, specifically as an astronaut. Throughout the book there’s a strong message that, just because you are a girl is no reason not to follow your dreams even if others say you shouldn’t.
The drawings are lovely, dynamic and playful.
At the end of the book is a page written by Kathy herself, giving more detailed info on how she got from curious child to astronaut. In addition there are mini biographies of the 6 women in NASA’s first Space Shuttle class as well as bios of several other women who were first to do something as astronauts.
Kathryn Sullivan was an unusual girl, one who liked science and travel, languages and adventures. Despite growing up in the 50s and 60s, she was determined to follow her dreams and luckily she had parents who supported her.
The book alternates between the dreams and experiences she had as a child and how they were reflected and realized as an adult, specifically as an astronaut. Throughout the book there’s a strong message that, just because you are a girl is no reason not to follow your dreams even if others say you shouldn’t.
The drawings are lovely, dynamic and playful.
At the end of the book is a page written by Kathy herself, giving more detailed info on how she got from curious child to astronaut. In addition there are mini biographies of the 6 women in NASA’s first Space Shuttle class as well as bios of several other women who were first to do something as astronauts.
November 9, 2021
To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space is a children's picture book co-written by Carmella Van Vleet and Kathy Sullivan and illustrated by Nicole Wong. This biography of Kathy Sullivan joins the ranks of picture books about women who have taken to the air and beyond.
Kathryn Dwyer Sullivan is an American geologist and a former NASA astronaut. A crew member on three Space Shuttle missions, she was the first American woman to walk in space on October 11, 1984. On June 7, 2020, she became the first woman to dive to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the Earth's oceans.
The text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Astronaut Sullivan collaborates with Van Vleet to recount her path to becoming the first American woman to walk in space, while aboard the Challenger shuttle in 1984. Backmatter includes extensive endnotes about Sullivan's life and accomplishments, as well as those of other pioneering female astronauts. Wong's lemony ink-and-watercolor illustrations picture Sullivan as calm and curious, and her decision to pursue exactly what interests her may encourage readers to give more credence to their own aspirations.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. As a child, Sullivan dreamed of having a pocketful of airplane tickets so she could see the whole world. Unlike her female friends, she wanted to be an adventurer, like a spy or a diplomat. She ignored the taunts and when she was a teenager, she learned to be a pilot. Eventually, in 1978, she became one of the first six women selected to join NASA, and she was the first American woman to walk in space, in 1984.
All in all, To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space is an informative and inspirational book for dreamers and flyers everywhere.
Kathryn Dwyer Sullivan is an American geologist and a former NASA astronaut. A crew member on three Space Shuttle missions, she was the first American woman to walk in space on October 11, 1984. On June 7, 2020, she became the first woman to dive to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the Earth's oceans.
The text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Astronaut Sullivan collaborates with Van Vleet to recount her path to becoming the first American woman to walk in space, while aboard the Challenger shuttle in 1984. Backmatter includes extensive endnotes about Sullivan's life and accomplishments, as well as those of other pioneering female astronauts. Wong's lemony ink-and-watercolor illustrations picture Sullivan as calm and curious, and her decision to pursue exactly what interests her may encourage readers to give more credence to their own aspirations.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. As a child, Sullivan dreamed of having a pocketful of airplane tickets so she could see the whole world. Unlike her female friends, she wanted to be an adventurer, like a spy or a diplomat. She ignored the taunts and when she was a teenager, she learned to be a pilot. Eventually, in 1978, she became one of the first six women selected to join NASA, and she was the first American woman to walk in space, in 1984.
All in all, To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space is an informative and inspirational book for dreamers and flyers everywhere.
February 21, 2016
I enjoyed this children's book about Kathy Sullivan. The story was interesting and I liked reading about Kathy's adventure heart as a child and as an adult. I really appreciated the more personal information about Kathy at the back of the book as well as a brief description of other women in space history. What great role models they are for children.
One aspect of the book that I didn't love was in the way it was told. I felt that it was a little disjointed in the way that it bounced back and forth between Kathy's life as a young girl and her adulthood. Other people may feel that it flows just fine but it didn't work very well for me.
The illustrations fit nicely with the overall story and added a great feel to the book. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One aspect of the book that I didn't love was in the way it was told. I felt that it was a little disjointed in the way that it bounced back and forth between Kathy's life as a young girl and her adulthood. Other people may feel that it flows just fine but it didn't work very well for me.
The illustrations fit nicely with the overall story and added a great feel to the book. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2015
This was a lovely little book with some excellent images. I really enjoyed it. When I was younger I was lucky enough to visit Kennedy Space Center and learn more about the space race and this just brought back some excellent memories. a brilliant introduction to the first American to walk in space, and hopefully a book to inspire more young girls that they can do it too.
April 16, 2024
Written in an interesting way of young and then connected it to her as an adult. I wasn't sure at first if my parents were following that, but they did and enjoyed it.
January 22, 2018
The book is good for anyone interested in aviation. The illustrations are very good and colorful. To hear a story of someone who has a dream, follows it and gets to do exactly what they want is awesome. Not only that,but to be the first woman to accomplish it is great. Also to learn what you are achieving with the help of someone who knows about it and is close to you is also great.
December 26, 2015
My five-year-old has some excellent female role-models, not to mention Doc McStuffins. At this stage in her life, she is well aware that gender should not be a barrier for her doing what she wants to do with life. Still, I always like to show her women who do great things (without telling her that is what we are doing). TO THE STARS is a wonderful book for that purpose. It is also a wonderful book for any kid interested in space exploration, science, etc.
The book describes the life of Kathy Sullivan, former astronaut and the first woman to walk in space. The book tells the story of how Kathy became interested in flying and how she refused to listen to those who told her that “girls” cannot do certain jobs. The authors did a fantastic job of illustrating how the things Kathy did when she was younger prepared her for her work at NASA. The illustrations are detailed and well done. They tie the entire book together.
I am fairly new to children’s nonfiction, though nonfiction books comprise the majority of my personal reading. I also write for academic markets. Reading this book, I am in awe of how well the authors told the story of Dr. Sullivan at a child’s level (in fewer than 50 total pages). This is a superb work of nonfiction for any child. I also appreciated the back material of the book that went into a bit more detail on Dr. Sullivan.
TO THE STARS tells a wonderful story, the writing is superb, and the illustrations are outstanding.
This Christmas, my daughter asked for one gift: a toy rocket. She got it. Guess I need to start saving for space camp.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a complimentary electronic copy of TO THE STARS from the publisher (via Netgalley) for review purposes.
The book describes the life of Kathy Sullivan, former astronaut and the first woman to walk in space. The book tells the story of how Kathy became interested in flying and how she refused to listen to those who told her that “girls” cannot do certain jobs. The authors did a fantastic job of illustrating how the things Kathy did when she was younger prepared her for her work at NASA. The illustrations are detailed and well done. They tie the entire book together.
I am fairly new to children’s nonfiction, though nonfiction books comprise the majority of my personal reading. I also write for academic markets. Reading this book, I am in awe of how well the authors told the story of Dr. Sullivan at a child’s level (in fewer than 50 total pages). This is a superb work of nonfiction for any child. I also appreciated the back material of the book that went into a bit more detail on Dr. Sullivan.
TO THE STARS tells a wonderful story, the writing is superb, and the illustrations are outstanding.
This Christmas, my daughter asked for one gift: a toy rocket. She got it. Guess I need to start saving for space camp.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a complimentary electronic copy of TO THE STARS from the publisher (via Netgalley) for review purposes.
February 2, 2016
TO THE STARS! by Carmella Van Vleet and Kathy Sullivan tells the true story of the first American woman to walk in space.
This fascinating, picture book biography features Sullivan’s childhood dream of becoming a world traveler and her teenaged ambition to become a pilot. Woven into the story are flashes to the future showing the outcome of Sullivan’s childhood aspirations.
The book concludes with a note from Sullivan and a more detailed biography. Short descriptions of other famous women involved with the space program are also provided.
Nicole Wong’s accurate and appealing illustrations add interest to the story. The large, easy-to-read font will appeal to both students and teachers.
Librarians will find this inspirational biography a welcome addition to their nonfiction, picture book collections.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.carmellavanvleet.com/.
To learn more about Kathryn Sullivan, go to http://www.noaa.gov/sullivan.html.
Published by Charlesbridge on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
This fascinating, picture book biography features Sullivan’s childhood dream of becoming a world traveler and her teenaged ambition to become a pilot. Woven into the story are flashes to the future showing the outcome of Sullivan’s childhood aspirations.
The book concludes with a note from Sullivan and a more detailed biography. Short descriptions of other famous women involved with the space program are also provided.
Nicole Wong’s accurate and appealing illustrations add interest to the story. The large, easy-to-read font will appeal to both students and teachers.
Librarians will find this inspirational biography a welcome addition to their nonfiction, picture book collections.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.carmellavanvleet.com/.
To learn more about Kathryn Sullivan, go to http://www.noaa.gov/sullivan.html.
Published by Charlesbridge on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
December 5, 2015
To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space
Carmella Van Vleet, Kathy Sullivan
Kathy Sullivan has always been a brave and daring soul. Events in her childhood inspired her to look past the limitations that the adults in her life placed on her. She loved people, and different cultures. She learned to fly, and then became the first female Astronaut to walk in Space. This book is inspiring and helpful for all children, and especially girls who want to change their role in the world.
Carmella Van Vleet, Kathy Sullivan
Kathy Sullivan has always been a brave and daring soul. Events in her childhood inspired her to look past the limitations that the adults in her life placed on her. She loved people, and different cultures. She learned to fly, and then became the first female Astronaut to walk in Space. This book is inspiring and helpful for all children, and especially girls who want to change their role in the world.
March 22, 2016
All the reviews for this book were positive so I bought it, but I felt it really missed the mark. Authors underestimate what children can understand and absorb and the text and pictures of this book display this sad fact. The endnotes are the only thing of substance in this book.
January 12, 2016
Fantastic book! Not only is this a fun read for kids but it's educational. This book needs to be in every classroom and library!
Read
January 6, 2017Inspirational, and I like the way the text alternates between the experiences of the young and the grown Kathy Sullivan.
November 9, 2022
The first female astronaut to walk in space was Dr. Kathy Sullivan. To the Stars! by Carmella Van Vleet tells her story. This picture book intersperses Kathy's childhood dreams and doings with pages showing what she ended up doing as an adult! So first she is a girl, dreaming of airplanes; then the next spread shows her packed bag preparing for a flight. First, we see her swimming as a child; then we see her swimming with astronaut gear on as she trains. Since we already know, from the title, that Kathy will go to the moon, this format works really well for this picture book. The end matter tells more about her life, her mission and spacewalk, and other women astronauts who were "firsts." Great biography, especially for a little astronaut want-to-be.
June 16, 2020
I had high hopes for this picture book. A book about the first American woman to walk In Space...that sounds pretty great. Sadly this whole book is full of cliches: people told her girls are Moms or teachers/ not astronauts et cetera but it never goes any deeper. It starts in her childhood and then the last page is 30 years later in space. There is no explanation that she worked really hard and went to college and studied a lot and then became an astronaut. How did she get to be an astronaut? They need to add this to the story. The illustrations were beautiful and it’s a good subject so I gave it three stars.
August 14, 2017
This picture book biography of Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space, hits the right notes for encouraging girls to follow their dreams and have the careers they want to have. Spreads go back and forth between Sullivan as a child (talking about wanting to be an adventurer when she grew up, loving the weightless feeling of swimming, etc.) and Sullivan as an adult pursuing her career in the sciences and becoming an astronaut.
Back matter includes additional information about Kathy Sullivan's life and career, as well as brief notes about other women in the space program.
Back matter includes additional information about Kathy Sullivan's life and career, as well as brief notes about other women in the space program.
June 16, 2017
This picture book biography aims to encourage girls to pursue their dreams. I wasn't a fan of the back and forth style of the young astronaut and the astronaut in space. I would have enjoyed the story more in a linear fashion but I was inspired by the life of Kathy Sullivan. I especially liked her note to readers and the authors note at the end as well as the history of all the females in space. I cried! early elementary for afterword. story part is preschool and up.
December 26, 2019
The book alternates between Sullivan as a child and as an adult, trying to draw parallels. Some of those parallels are cool, but I didn't think that the switching timelines made for a coherent story. The connections often weren't strong enough, and there was too much missing.
The back matter is pretty solid, though. There's a note from Dr. Sullivan, a biography of her, and then short notes about many notable women astronauts.
The back matter is pretty solid, though. There's a note from Dr. Sullivan, a biography of her, and then short notes about many notable women astronauts.
June 3, 2021
Young Kathy Sullivan (co-author of this picture book and star of the story) was intrigued with planes, travel, and adventure from her earliest years. Despite dismissive attitudes about what girls could or couldn't, should or shouldn't do, she grew up to follow her own compass. That spirit and her pursuit of scientific, technological, adventuresome studies eventually led her to becoming the first American woman to walk in space.
December 30, 2019
How a girl with an engineering and adventurous bent became the first American woman to walk in space. Tries to parallel her first ride in an ultralight plane with her space shuttle takeoff.
Shows how she didn't let herself be defined or limited by what others thought she should do.
Shows how she didn't let herself be defined or limited by what others thought she should do.
September 9, 2020
"Girls are supposed to be teachers" Not Kathy! She defied the norms of what her inner circle wanted to be. As she followed her passions for maps, books, knowledge, foreign languages helped her become the first American woman in space,
This was a fun well-written book for young readers.
This was a fun well-written book for young readers.
December 18, 2020
Liked this one a lot, the only reason it didn’t get 5 stars was because the switching back and forth from her as a young girl to an adult astronaut was a little hard for young children to follow. But overall, very good as an introduction for kids to learn about the first American female astronaut.
March 7, 2021
The kids didn't love the back and forth from childhood to adulthood -- too confusing. But her story is amazing and we all wonder why she isn't more of a household name for her accomplishments (some since this book was written). Dr. Kathy Sullivan rocks.
March 13, 2021
Happy Women’s History Month! Since Isaac was sleeping, I read this aloud to my doggie Koda. We both enjoyed it! I liked that the authors included information about other women who travelled to space :-)
July 3, 2025
This picture book biography about the first woman to walk in space gives plenty of information for a research project, though there is not a specific timeline on one page. The pictures are not super engaging, but the back matter about other women astronauts was a great addition.
June 24, 2020
I wanted to like this book, but I didn't like the way it was structured (flipping back and forth between childhood and adulthood).
February 6, 2021
Goes back and forth telling of what she wanted to do growing up and her going into space.
August 23, 2024
A picture book biography of Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space. The wonderful story of an inspirational woman.
January 21, 2026
Love the illustrations in this, has a great message for girls.
Using for the 2026 popsugar reading challenge prompt “a book about female astronauts”
Using for the 2026 popsugar reading challenge prompt “a book about female astronauts”
March 8, 2017
Wonderful story of a woman following her STEM dreams!
March 24, 2017
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews