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Ron's Big Mission
Nine-year-old Ron loves going to the Lake City Public Library to look through all the books on airplanes and flight. Today, Ron is ready to take out books by "himself." But in the segregated world of South Carolina in the 1950s, Ron's obtaining his own library card is not just a small rite of passage - it is a young man's first courageous mission. Here is an inspiring story, based on Ron McNair's life, of how a little boy, future scientist, and Challenger astronaut desegregated his library through peaceful resistance.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2009
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May 31, 2023
Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden's Ron's Big Mission, a fictionalised account of a real incident in space shuttle astronaut Ron McNair's childhood (Ron McNair was one of the seven astronauts who lost their lives in the 1986 Challenger explosion), shows how a simple and more importantly how a non-violent act of civil protest and courage against racially discriminatory regulations (and by a nine year old child at that) can challenge racist attitudes, can change unjust and discriminatory rules and regulations for the better.
Now I have really and truly enjoyed the authors' presented narrative, the textual flow of this inspiring story; it is both engaging and informative but fortunately without being neither too melodramatic nor drily factual. And Ron's Big Mission is also a loving and beautiful tribute to Ron McNair, who dreamed of becoming a pilot, an astronaut, and who started to make this dream start to become reality one day in 1959, when he boldly and confidently challenged the racially discriminatory policies of his local public library, making people realise and accept that all library patrons should be allowed to have a library card and be permitted to sign out books with no exception.
And while it is indeed interesting (and yes even much laudable) that a number of Lake City, South Carolina's white citizens, like Mrs. Fielding, for example, seem to be at least somewhat in agreement with Ron that the regulations not allowing African Americans to sign out library books are wrong and discriminatory (for they try to circumvent, to work around the rules by offering to sign out books for him), but as positive, as caring as this might seem on the surface, Ron still remains determined to obtain his very own library card (as circumventing, working around discriminatory laws and rules might well work as a temporary fix, but will not change the actual regulations against African-American individuals not being allowed to have a library card, which remain in place and enforceable). Ron refusing to budge (even after the police has been called) finally causes Mrs. Scott, the librarian, to walk into her office and fill out a library card for him; the discriminatory regulations not allowing African Americans to sign books out of the library have thus not only been challenged, they have now been successfully challenged.
So while, of course, it is Ron McNair himself who originally challenges the discriminatory library rules of Lake City, standing up for what should be basic human rights (and literally, as he is standing on top of the library circulation desk), the role played by the librarian should also not be forgotten or underestimated. For it is Mrs. Scott who gives the discriminatory library rules their final coup de grace by actually giving Ron McNair his very own library card. From now on, all library patrons, regardless of background or ethnicity, will be allowed to sign out books, will be permitted to take books home from the library.
Now I am indeed a bit torn with regard to Don Tate's accompanying illustrations. I do think that the colour schemes used and the general depictions of surroundings (buildings, cars, books, airplanes etc.) are descriptive, evocative and well executed, but that with regard to Tate's human figures, the heads at times seem somewhat too large and round for the bodies (and that especially Ron and one of the policemen appear to have rather balloon-like heads, balanced on ridiculously pencil-thin necks). I still have quite enjoyed the illustrations and believe that they, for the most part, very much both complement and mirror the narrative of Ron's Big Mission, but that some of the human figures do seem a bit disproportionate, which does indeed negatively affect potential reading (or rather viewing) pleasure.
And finally (and yes, lastly), I do appreciate the fact that while the text of Ron's Big Mission focuses on a particular episode in Ron McNair's childhood, the excellent author's note at the back of the book provides additional information, including the fact that Ron McNair was one of the Challenger astronauts. This way, parents (anyone) reading this story with or to children have the option of also discussing Ron McNair's career as an astronaut, and the Challenger tragedy, or perhaps, simply focusing on the narrative itself and leaving that part for later.
Now I have really and truly enjoyed the authors' presented narrative, the textual flow of this inspiring story; it is both engaging and informative but fortunately without being neither too melodramatic nor drily factual. And Ron's Big Mission is also a loving and beautiful tribute to Ron McNair, who dreamed of becoming a pilot, an astronaut, and who started to make this dream start to become reality one day in 1959, when he boldly and confidently challenged the racially discriminatory policies of his local public library, making people realise and accept that all library patrons should be allowed to have a library card and be permitted to sign out books with no exception.
And while it is indeed interesting (and yes even much laudable) that a number of Lake City, South Carolina's white citizens, like Mrs. Fielding, for example, seem to be at least somewhat in agreement with Ron that the regulations not allowing African Americans to sign out library books are wrong and discriminatory (for they try to circumvent, to work around the rules by offering to sign out books for him), but as positive, as caring as this might seem on the surface, Ron still remains determined to obtain his very own library card (as circumventing, working around discriminatory laws and rules might well work as a temporary fix, but will not change the actual regulations against African-American individuals not being allowed to have a library card, which remain in place and enforceable). Ron refusing to budge (even after the police has been called) finally causes Mrs. Scott, the librarian, to walk into her office and fill out a library card for him; the discriminatory regulations not allowing African Americans to sign books out of the library have thus not only been challenged, they have now been successfully challenged.
So while, of course, it is Ron McNair himself who originally challenges the discriminatory library rules of Lake City, standing up for what should be basic human rights (and literally, as he is standing on top of the library circulation desk), the role played by the librarian should also not be forgotten or underestimated. For it is Mrs. Scott who gives the discriminatory library rules their final coup de grace by actually giving Ron McNair his very own library card. From now on, all library patrons, regardless of background or ethnicity, will be allowed to sign out books, will be permitted to take books home from the library.
Now I am indeed a bit torn with regard to Don Tate's accompanying illustrations. I do think that the colour schemes used and the general depictions of surroundings (buildings, cars, books, airplanes etc.) are descriptive, evocative and well executed, but that with regard to Tate's human figures, the heads at times seem somewhat too large and round for the bodies (and that especially Ron and one of the policemen appear to have rather balloon-like heads, balanced on ridiculously pencil-thin necks). I still have quite enjoyed the illustrations and believe that they, for the most part, very much both complement and mirror the narrative of Ron's Big Mission, but that some of the human figures do seem a bit disproportionate, which does indeed negatively affect potential reading (or rather viewing) pleasure.
And finally (and yes, lastly), I do appreciate the fact that while the text of Ron's Big Mission focuses on a particular episode in Ron McNair's childhood, the excellent author's note at the back of the book provides additional information, including the fact that Ron McNair was one of the Challenger astronauts. This way, parents (anyone) reading this story with or to children have the option of also discussing Ron McNair's career as an astronaut, and the Challenger tragedy, or perhaps, simply focusing on the narrative itself and leaving that part for later.
February 21, 2015
I have read many children’s books that deal with the racism that many African-Americans had to face during the 1950s, but I have actually come upon a book that was a true inspiration to me! “Ron’s Big Mission” is a children’s book by Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden and illustrated by Don Tate and it details the big mission that a young boy named Ron must accomplished. “Ron’s Big Mission” is certainly one brilliant book about the importance of standing up for yourself that many children will love for many years!
The book starts off with a young boy named Ron McNair getting ready to complete a mission. Ron’s mission was to go to the library and check out a book, since during that time, it was forbidden for African-Americans to check out books in the library. So, when Ron tried to check out a book from the library and the desk clerk refused to let Ron check out a book, Ron decided to make a stand and demanded that he checked out a library book.
Wow! This book was just so simply amazing as it told the life of an African-American boy in 1950s South Carolina in an extremely simplistic way! Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden did an excellent job at writing the biographical story about an African-American boy named Ron McNair who was based off the real Ron McNair and his struggles in trying to check out a book from the library. It was really tragic in seeing how African-Americans had to struggle to get their rights during the 1950s and when I saw the page where Ron actually stood on the library desk and demanded to check out his books like everyone else, I was completely blown away by this image! Whenever I read this book, I always think to myself that if I was in Ron’s position and I wanted the right to check out a library book like everyone else, I definitely would have done the same thing that Ron had did in this book. Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden has done a splendid job at presenting the nonviolent nature of Ron’s stance on racism and I loved the way that Ron never resorted to violence to stand up for his rights as a citizen. Don Tate’s illustrations are extremely cute and effective, especially of the images of Ron standing on the desk at the library as he tried to tell the librarians that he wanted to check out books like everyone else. Even though I will admit that Don Tate draws the characters with large heads, the facial expressions on the characters’ faces were extremely effective in portraying the message in this story.
Overall, “Ron’s Big Mission” is a truly inspirational book for children who want to learn more about racism in the 1950s and about how to stand up for what they believe in and children all over the world will definitely enjoy reading this wonderful book for years to come! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since the format is simple enough for small children to read and understand.
I like to thank my Goodreads friend Gundula for recommending me this book!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
The book starts off with a young boy named Ron McNair getting ready to complete a mission. Ron’s mission was to go to the library and check out a book, since during that time, it was forbidden for African-Americans to check out books in the library. So, when Ron tried to check out a book from the library and the desk clerk refused to let Ron check out a book, Ron decided to make a stand and demanded that he checked out a library book.
Wow! This book was just so simply amazing as it told the life of an African-American boy in 1950s South Carolina in an extremely simplistic way! Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden did an excellent job at writing the biographical story about an African-American boy named Ron McNair who was based off the real Ron McNair and his struggles in trying to check out a book from the library. It was really tragic in seeing how African-Americans had to struggle to get their rights during the 1950s and when I saw the page where Ron actually stood on the library desk and demanded to check out his books like everyone else, I was completely blown away by this image! Whenever I read this book, I always think to myself that if I was in Ron’s position and I wanted the right to check out a library book like everyone else, I definitely would have done the same thing that Ron had did in this book. Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden has done a splendid job at presenting the nonviolent nature of Ron’s stance on racism and I loved the way that Ron never resorted to violence to stand up for his rights as a citizen. Don Tate’s illustrations are extremely cute and effective, especially of the images of Ron standing on the desk at the library as he tried to tell the librarians that he wanted to check out books like everyone else. Even though I will admit that Don Tate draws the characters with large heads, the facial expressions on the characters’ faces were extremely effective in portraying the message in this story.
Overall, “Ron’s Big Mission” is a truly inspirational book for children who want to learn more about racism in the 1950s and about how to stand up for what they believe in and children all over the world will definitely enjoy reading this wonderful book for years to come! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since the format is simple enough for small children to read and understand.
I like to thank my Goodreads friend Gundula for recommending me this book!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
April 13, 2019
The author presents the story of how a young Ron McNair staged a protest at the library in his boyhood home in South Carolina when he was denied the opportunity to check out books. Luckily the text manages to outshine Ron Tate's strange, big-head artwork.
Ronald McNair
Born: October 21, 1950, Lake City, SC
Died: January 28, 1986, Cape Canaveral, FL
Ronald McNair
Born: October 21, 1950, Lake City, SC
Died: January 28, 1986, Cape Canaveral, FL
April 10, 2019
A fictionalized biographical account of an incident from the childhood of Ron McNair, scientist and astronaut, who, as a young African-American boy growing up in late 1950s South Carolina, was not allowed to check books out of the local public library (a privilege reserved only for whites), Ron's Big Mission enlightens and moves, with its story of bravery in the face of injustice. Although the sympathetic librarian is always friendly, and allows him to read to his heart's content, inside the library, and a kind local lady offers to check his books out for him, Ron is determined to get his own library card, and willing to go to extraordinary lengths, for a child of the 1950s, to get it...
A timely reminder that many of the most basic rights and privileges - things we now often take for granted - were unavailable to many American citizens (and not so long ago either) because of the color of their skin, this picture-book is inspiring! It is based upon a real incident in the life of a man who would grow up to be a physicist and astronaut, and one can't help but reflect that the same determination to learn that prompted him to defy his town's (and the nation's) unfair policies, must also have stood him in good stead, when pursuing an education and career. The illustrations here, done by Don Tate, are colorful and immediate, in a cartoon-like style. All in all, Ron's Big Mission is an excellent book, for introducing young readers to the wrongs of segregation, and the history of a brilliant man whose life was cut short in the tragic Challenger explosion.
A timely reminder that many of the most basic rights and privileges - things we now often take for granted - were unavailable to many American citizens (and not so long ago either) because of the color of their skin, this picture-book is inspiring! It is based upon a real incident in the life of a man who would grow up to be a physicist and astronaut, and one can't help but reflect that the same determination to learn that prompted him to defy his town's (and the nation's) unfair policies, must also have stood him in good stead, when pursuing an education and career. The illustrations here, done by Don Tate, are colorful and immediate, in a cartoon-like style. All in all, Ron's Big Mission is an excellent book, for introducing young readers to the wrongs of segregation, and the history of a brilliant man whose life was cut short in the tragic Challenger explosion.
January 12, 2015
This story is a fictionalized account of an actual event in Ron McNair's life. He dreamed of flying, and visited the library often to read books there. Unable to check the books out on his own because of the color of his skin, he either read them in the library, or relied on the kindness of others to check them out on his behalf.
In this story, he demands the right to check out his own books, and creates enough of a fuss that the librarian finally relents. The narrative is engaging and short enough to keep a child's attention. The illustrations by Don Tate are colorful and remind me of C.J. Payne's work. The characters are very expressive and show how serious Ron was to get his library card.
Overall, I thought this was an inspiring story (although I would never recommend standing on the library's counter!) I didn't know much about Ron McNair's life and I appreciated the author's note at the end of the book that explains more about his success in eventually becoming an astronaut.
Unfortunately, his life was cut short when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded in flight. But he is remembered in many ways, not the least of which is at the local library where he grew up and demanded his right to be allowed to check out books. We really enjoyed reading this book together and learning more about Mr. McNair's life.
In this story, he demands the right to check out his own books, and creates enough of a fuss that the librarian finally relents. The narrative is engaging and short enough to keep a child's attention. The illustrations by Don Tate are colorful and remind me of C.J. Payne's work. The characters are very expressive and show how serious Ron was to get his library card.
Overall, I thought this was an inspiring story (although I would never recommend standing on the library's counter!) I didn't know much about Ron McNair's life and I appreciated the author's note at the end of the book that explains more about his success in eventually becoming an astronaut.
Unfortunately, his life was cut short when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded in flight. But he is remembered in many ways, not the least of which is at the local library where he grew up and demanded his right to be allowed to check out books. We really enjoyed reading this book together and learning more about Mr. McNair's life.
November 15, 2019
As a child, Ron McNair read a lot. Unfortunately, because of his skin color, he could not check the books and take them out of the library. He had to stay in the confines of the library and watch as others had the luxury of borrowing the books.
One day, he grew weary of denial by color. He demanded a library card; and he obtained a card from the Lake City, South Carolina library.
Ron pushed boundaries all his life. This highly intelligent child became an astronaut. Sadly, In 1986 Ron McNair lost his life with the other crew members of the space shuttle Challenger.
His childhood library honors him with the children's room walls painted with pictures that show children reading books under a tree. High above, the image of the Challenger space shuttle flies free and clear.
One day, he grew weary of denial by color. He demanded a library card; and he obtained a card from the Lake City, South Carolina library.
Ron pushed boundaries all his life. This highly intelligent child became an astronaut. Sadly, In 1986 Ron McNair lost his life with the other crew members of the space shuttle Challenger.
His childhood library honors him with the children's room walls painted with pictures that show children reading books under a tree. High above, the image of the Challenger space shuttle flies free and clear.
October 26, 2011
A biographical story of prejudice in Lake City, South Carolina in 1959 and how it bit the dust!
The Story
Rolling out of bed, dressing as fast as he can, young Ron McNair has no time for breakfast, a free donut, or basketball. For Ron is on a mission. Determined to check books out of the library.
The problem is. Ron's black. Only white people can check books out of the library.
The Characters
Ron is fascinated by planes and flying and after spending so much time at the library reading books there and not being able to check them out, Ron fully intends to reverse that.
All the white people Ron encountered both on his way to the library and at the library were really nice people. They wanted to help Ron get his books. As long as he didn't make waves or try to check them out on his own. What's with that? Why is it that, today, we can see how stupid this is? Why couldn't we see it then? What will we see as stupid 10 years from now?
My Take
Prejudice is so stupid. I just loved that Ron was so excited about going to the library. Reading. Hey, I can relate! I couldn't understand why Mrs. Fielding would offer to check his books out for him. Why couldn't he check his own books out?? I mean, they even called the cops on the kid. Mrs. Scott, the librarian even considered Ron her best customer.
I think the authors did a great job in ramming this point home about this kid who is so excited about reading and what do "the authorities" do? Slap him down. Sur-r-r-e, that makes sense. NOT. I was so pleased to see that Mrs. Scott got smart and gave Ron his own library card. I mean, duh???
Great illustrations. Tate created a very homey feel to the story. I liked his use of oversized heads as I think it emphasized color. It ensured that the reader got that this was about what color people are.
The Cover
The cover is of young Ron standing on the playground outside the library dreaming of flying he stares up at the sky where a plane is flying overhead. The title is true enough as the story is all about Ron's Big Mission both as a child in a segregated community and as one of the astronauts killed on the Challenger.
The Story
Rolling out of bed, dressing as fast as he can, young Ron McNair has no time for breakfast, a free donut, or basketball. For Ron is on a mission. Determined to check books out of the library.
The problem is. Ron's black. Only white people can check books out of the library.
The Characters
Ron is fascinated by planes and flying and after spending so much time at the library reading books there and not being able to check them out, Ron fully intends to reverse that.
All the white people Ron encountered both on his way to the library and at the library were really nice people. They wanted to help Ron get his books. As long as he didn't make waves or try to check them out on his own. What's with that? Why is it that, today, we can see how stupid this is? Why couldn't we see it then? What will we see as stupid 10 years from now?
My Take
Prejudice is so stupid. I just loved that Ron was so excited about going to the library. Reading. Hey, I can relate! I couldn't understand why Mrs. Fielding would offer to check his books out for him. Why couldn't he check his own books out?? I mean, they even called the cops on the kid. Mrs. Scott, the librarian even considered Ron her best customer.
I think the authors did a great job in ramming this point home about this kid who is so excited about reading and what do "the authorities" do? Slap him down. Sur-r-r-e, that makes sense. NOT. I was so pleased to see that Mrs. Scott got smart and gave Ron his own library card. I mean, duh???
Great illustrations. Tate created a very homey feel to the story. I liked his use of oversized heads as I think it emphasized color. It ensured that the reader got that this was about what color people are.
The Cover
The cover is of young Ron standing on the playground outside the library dreaming of flying he stares up at the sky where a plane is flying overhead. The title is true enough as the story is all about Ron's Big Mission both as a child in a segregated community and as one of the astronauts killed on the Challenger.
January 5, 2015
Ron McNair faced many difficulties over the course of his sadly shortened life, but the victory depicted in this book, which he won at the age of nine, showed him how to accomplish every goal he might set for himself: he understood that once he had decided what he wanted, he had to press ahead no matter what obstacles presented themselves in his path. His courage and his inner strength allowed him to achieve tremendous things.
I find it wonderfully appropriate that the library where little Ron took his stand is now named in his honor. That name, and this book, are fitting memorials to him, and I hope that both the library and this book inspire others to achieve as much.
Some people reviewing this book on Amazon attacked it for depicting the reality of racism as Ron McNair confronted it. They complain that today there is no library which refuses to issue a card to an African American, so why bring up the "messy" past? I can think of three good answers to that, right off the top of my head:
1) Children need to learn history, know what happened in the past so they can be inspired by the heroism of previous generations and warned against their follies.
2) There is still rampant injustice in the world, in countless forms, and a story of someone staring down injustice will never go out of style.
3) It's simply a rousing story of a small boy with enormous courage -- so small he can't be seen or heard from the other side of a desk, so courageous that he will stand up on that desk and shout for what he knows he deserves. Normally, I would never encourage a child to climb onto a desk, or to raise his or her voice in a library, but by Golly, there comes a time...!
I find it wonderfully appropriate that the library where little Ron took his stand is now named in his honor. That name, and this book, are fitting memorials to him, and I hope that both the library and this book inspire others to achieve as much.
Some people reviewing this book on Amazon attacked it for depicting the reality of racism as Ron McNair confronted it. They complain that today there is no library which refuses to issue a card to an African American, so why bring up the "messy" past? I can think of three good answers to that, right off the top of my head:
1) Children need to learn history, know what happened in the past so they can be inspired by the heroism of previous generations and warned against their follies.
2) There is still rampant injustice in the world, in countless forms, and a story of someone staring down injustice will never go out of style.
3) It's simply a rousing story of a small boy with enormous courage -- so small he can't be seen or heard from the other side of a desk, so courageous that he will stand up on that desk and shout for what he knows he deserves. Normally, I would never encourage a child to climb onto a desk, or to raise his or her voice in a library, but by Golly, there comes a time...!
April 26, 2017
The Ron in the title is astronaut Ron McNair, and this book tells the story of an incident from his childhood. His big mission? To get a library card! The problem: Jim Crow laws, for this is 1950s South Carolina. Will he succeed? The situation is odd: he can enter the library and look at books there, but if he wants to take them home, a white person has to check them out on his behalf. In another picture book I read recently, Finding Lincoln by Ann Malaspina, the black child couldn't even enter the library. I think all kids should read this book so that they can realize how lucky they are to be able to go to the library and check out books. This book would go nicely with Patricia McKissack's Goin' Someplace Special and William Miller's Richard Wright and the Library Card. Recommended.
March 27, 2022
Excellent book!! I can’t figure out why this book is BANNED by schools in this area. It tells a fictionalized account of a true story of an African-American boy who loved to read, just like we all do. It’s a children’s book but I highly recommend it to all of you. Make sure you read the last page after the story has concluded so you can find out what happened to Ron. There’s absolutely no reason for this book to be banned.
December 1, 2019
Summary:
Ron’s Big Mission is suitable for grades 2 and up. Even though the text of this book is not difficult, the topic of racism may be hard to comprehend for younger readers. It belongs in the historical fiction genre.
The book is about Ron McNair, a 9 year-old boy living in Lake City, South Carolina during segregation. The key incident in the story happens when Ron goes to the public library: He is denied book check-out because he was Black. Even though the library staff calls the police, he refuses to budge: He was firm on checking out a book. Eventually, he was given a library card and overturned this racist practice in the local library. The real-life Ron grew up to become an astronaut.
Ideas:
This book can be used as an introduction to the history of segregation and racism toward Black people in the U.S. Even though this book only addresses a simple part of the much more complex systemic institution of racism, but it provides a window for young readers to see the inherent injustice of the 50’s.
An in-depth discussion will be a potential classroom implementation. I will first introduce this book and key terms in it. Then, we will read the book together as a whole class. I will then provide some time for students to talk to each other about what stuck out to them in their first read. Next, we will come back together and discuss as a class. I will also give time for small-group discussions of specific questions that I provide. A follow-up lesson on segregation can also be used as a content-builder to solidify the background knowledge relevant to this book.
I also think this book can be an interesting introduction to students to learn more about young people who stood up to social injustices. For more independent and/or older students, they can conduct a research project on a historical young person who has made a difference in their community or beyond. They will present their findings on a poster and teach the rest of the class on their young change-makers.
Why WOW?
This book presented a serious issue that highlights a young person. Many historical figures in children’s books are adults, so I thought it was refreshing to see a young person highlighted. It is also a locally-focused incident which can be more relatable to students who want to make a difference in their own communities.
Ron’s Big Mission is suitable for grades 2 and up. Even though the text of this book is not difficult, the topic of racism may be hard to comprehend for younger readers. It belongs in the historical fiction genre.
The book is about Ron McNair, a 9 year-old boy living in Lake City, South Carolina during segregation. The key incident in the story happens when Ron goes to the public library: He is denied book check-out because he was Black. Even though the library staff calls the police, he refuses to budge: He was firm on checking out a book. Eventually, he was given a library card and overturned this racist practice in the local library. The real-life Ron grew up to become an astronaut.
Ideas:
This book can be used as an introduction to the history of segregation and racism toward Black people in the U.S. Even though this book only addresses a simple part of the much more complex systemic institution of racism, but it provides a window for young readers to see the inherent injustice of the 50’s.
An in-depth discussion will be a potential classroom implementation. I will first introduce this book and key terms in it. Then, we will read the book together as a whole class. I will then provide some time for students to talk to each other about what stuck out to them in their first read. Next, we will come back together and discuss as a class. I will also give time for small-group discussions of specific questions that I provide. A follow-up lesson on segregation can also be used as a content-builder to solidify the background knowledge relevant to this book.
I also think this book can be an interesting introduction to students to learn more about young people who stood up to social injustices. For more independent and/or older students, they can conduct a research project on a historical young person who has made a difference in their community or beyond. They will present their findings on a poster and teach the rest of the class on their young change-makers.
Why WOW?
This book presented a serious issue that highlights a young person. Many historical figures in children’s books are adults, so I thought it was refreshing to see a young person highlighted. It is also a locally-focused incident which can be more relatable to students who want to make a difference in their own communities.
November 10, 2017
This picture book story is actually based on a true story about a courageous little boy in the 1950's. In the 1950's, South Carolina was still a segregated state which is where the library in the story is located. Ron the little boy in the story is a huge fan of reading and also had aspirations of being a pilot. In the book he had a huge plan for that day, he seemed like he was in a hurry the whole time and didn't even stop to play basketball with his friend. Today, his mission was to check out library books on his own for the first time! In the library multiple people told him that they could check his books out for him but he refused. At this library only white people could check out books however anyone was aloud to read the books in the library. When Ron went to the front desk the clerk refused to check the books out for him. However, through Ron's persistence the librarian granted Ron his own library card!
This book is an excellent book for children that teaches them about history and a life lesson. This book incorporates a realistic story that describes how life was in the 1950. This book through the perspective of a child hints at what segregation is, which gets the kids curious and asking question. This book also shows determination and resistance can result in great accomplishments. My favorite part about this book is how the illustrations are realistic just like the story's plot. This eliminates confusion to the audience of the book if the story was based on a true story or not. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to a teacher that is teaching a history lesson!
This book is an excellent book for children that teaches them about history and a life lesson. This book incorporates a realistic story that describes how life was in the 1950. This book through the perspective of a child hints at what segregation is, which gets the kids curious and asking question. This book also shows determination and resistance can result in great accomplishments. My favorite part about this book is how the illustrations are realistic just like the story's plot. This eliminates confusion to the audience of the book if the story was based on a true story or not. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to a teacher that is teaching a history lesson!
October 19, 2020
The story is necessary and nuanced. Ron is on a mission to check out a library book. At first, the story is simple and normal enough, until one realizes that Ron is the only black child in the book. All white people happily acknowledge him. Then, the lack of library books about black boys is pointed out. Finally, Ron is told he is not allowed to check out books, as a black person. The racism in this book is important for all white people to note: None of the white people in Ron's Big Mission are overtly racist or hateful. Instead, everyone offers to check Ron's books out for him. They like him. And yet, the police are called, and Ron is refused, until a librarian decides to make Ron his own card. Racism isn't always all or nothing. Especially now, it is rooted in complicit behavior and willingness to call the police. Rob's Big Mission works harder than most historical picture books: it reminds black children that there are white people who respect them, and reinforces to white people that the most friendly of places- a library- is traditionally racist, and that we must do more than be kind to people of other races: we must actively be antiracist, rejecting racist laws.
October 21, 2025
Ron loved reading and spent hours at the library. One morning, he decided to check out some books, but since it was the 1950s and he lived in South Carolina, where segregation was enforced, he faced challenges. Despite being told by several adults that he could not check out books because of the "rules," Ron was determined to do so. The key theme of this story is perseverance and peaceful resistance. Ron upheld his belief that it was unfair for only white people to have access to books. His actions demonstrate the power of standing up quietly for what is right. Ron protested in a non-violent manner; he was not shouting or being rude, but simply standing firm in his pursuit of justice. This story allows students to see the impact of their voices. Reading it genuinely brought tears to my eyes, highlighting how unfair things were in the past and making me grateful for the progress we’ve made. The book continually inspires me to advocate for what is right, and I hope my students take that message to heart. The intended audience is children in 1st through 3rd grade. I would use this book in my classroom as a read-aloud and to discuss the importance of perseverance.
June 6, 2020
I read this this to a 3 and 5 year old and they didn't get it at all. (Why was the boy rewarded for doing something that they'd get scolded for?) Now that they are 7 and 6, I'm going to try it again. Great story as long as the child is old enough to understand.
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December 7, 2017Text-to-Text Connection
This book reminded me a lot of the book “The Other Side” by Jacqueline Woodson. This book is about a little boy you can’t check out books in the library because of his color. But he loved to go to the library and read. He really wanted to check out books but the librarian would not let him, needless to say that changed by the end of the book and he was able to get his own library card to check out books. He stood up for himself and made a change in the library for African-Americans and went on to follow his dreams as an astronaut. The background of this book is about Civil Rights and discrimination and is also a true story!
This book reminded me a lot of the book “The Other Side” by Jacqueline Woodson. This book is about a little boy you can’t check out books in the library because of his color. But he loved to go to the library and read. He really wanted to check out books but the librarian would not let him, needless to say that changed by the end of the book and he was able to get his own library card to check out books. He stood up for himself and made a change in the library for African-Americans and went on to follow his dreams as an astronaut. The background of this book is about Civil Rights and discrimination and is also a true story!
February 24, 2021
Text-to-World Connection and Text-to-Teaching Connection
This book is about a little boy who dreamed of becoming a pilot. He doesn't have time for playing, he has a more important goal in mind. Ron likes to go to the library but he never finds books with people who look like him in them. He is never allowed to check any books out because of his skin color. Ron doesn't think this is fair and does something about it. I chose text-to-world connection because the book is a real life event in the life of Ronald McNair, an African American astronaut and there's a lot of news about the rover that is on Mars right now. I chose text-to-teaching connection because it is an opportunity to talk about equality and the unfair laws of the past. Very good book and the illustrations are beautiful. Loved it!
This book is about a little boy who dreamed of becoming a pilot. He doesn't have time for playing, he has a more important goal in mind. Ron likes to go to the library but he never finds books with people who look like him in them. He is never allowed to check any books out because of his skin color. Ron doesn't think this is fair and does something about it. I chose text-to-world connection because the book is a real life event in the life of Ronald McNair, an African American astronaut and there's a lot of news about the rover that is on Mars right now. I chose text-to-teaching connection because it is an opportunity to talk about equality and the unfair laws of the past. Very good book and the illustrations are beautiful. Loved it!
September 20, 2020
Readers inspire and aspire to do great things.
November 19, 2012
Ron's Big Mission
Grade/interest level: Primary (2nd to 3rd)
Reading level: Grade: 2.9
Genre: biography, multiculutral
Main Characters: Ron (McNair)
Setting: South Carolina, 1950’s
POV: from narrator
This is a book about 9 year old Ron who loves going to Lake City Public Library to look through all the books on airplanes and flying. During this book Ron wants to take some books home and rent the. But because it’s the 1950’s the issue of segregation amongst blacks and whites is apparent throughout the United States. In South Carolina where Lake City Public Library is he is discriminated against and segregated from the rest of the white people. The little guy just wants to rent out books, but he’s not able to because black people cannot have a library card. So he took a stand against the library and did a peaceful protest to see receive his civil and equal right of getting a library card.
This is a great story and a true story of Ron McNair, who is now a scientist. His story of peaceful resistance is one of many during the civil rights movement. This would be great during a civil rights unit also maybe a lesson on protests. I think we would need to scaffold a lot more if we did a lesson on protest, but it would be possible in the 2nd and 3rd grade. This is an awesome book, and it is also very inspiring.
Grade/interest level: Primary (2nd to 3rd)
Reading level: Grade: 2.9
Genre: biography, multiculutral
Main Characters: Ron (McNair)
Setting: South Carolina, 1950’s
POV: from narrator
This is a book about 9 year old Ron who loves going to Lake City Public Library to look through all the books on airplanes and flying. During this book Ron wants to take some books home and rent the. But because it’s the 1950’s the issue of segregation amongst blacks and whites is apparent throughout the United States. In South Carolina where Lake City Public Library is he is discriminated against and segregated from the rest of the white people. The little guy just wants to rent out books, but he’s not able to because black people cannot have a library card. So he took a stand against the library and did a peaceful protest to see receive his civil and equal right of getting a library card.
This is a great story and a true story of Ron McNair, who is now a scientist. His story of peaceful resistance is one of many during the civil rights movement. This would be great during a civil rights unit also maybe a lesson on protests. I think we would need to scaffold a lot more if we did a lesson on protest, but it would be possible in the 2nd and 3rd grade. This is an awesome book, and it is also very inspiring.
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March 8, 2011This story could be used for 2nd grade through 5th grade. I like it because it gives students an insight into what the world used to be like. This would be perfect timing, with older kids, to have discussions about fair vs. unjust and other topics that deal with society. Teachers could even pose the question... "Just because something is the law, does that make it right?" It just depends how far teachers are willing to take this story The story takes place in South Carolina during a time when segregation was widespread. In this story, young Ron is in love with planes and aspires to one day become a pilot. He wants to know more about planes. He goes to the library where he always goes to read, but this time is different. Ron is not allowed to check out books because he is African American. That is his mission for the day; he wants to get a library card. This book is also based on an event that happened to astronaut Ron McNair.
June 3, 2012
Ron was a nine year old boy who was denied the right to use the library in South Carolina because of the discriminatory laws of that time period. Although this would be just one of his many challenges in life, it was a nice biographical depiction of his life which is nice to see at the end of his success and tragic ending as the astronaut of the Challenger. The illustrations allows younger children to understand the challenges a colored child has to endure just to read the books at the library, yet alone trying to get their own library card to check books out. It was nice to at least see that there was still compassionate and caring people out there like the librarian who allowed him to read all he wanted there! This is a great book to teach during February as well to allow students to see the insanity behind a simple task of getting a library card was so difficult for the other citizens who were not White.
November 20, 2016
Ron McNair, an astronaut, was the second African American to fly into space. But before that great achievement, he was just a little black boy growing up in segregated South Carolina. In "Ron's Big Mission" a book based on his life, Ron stands up to injustice by demanding to be treated equally and to be given access hold a library card (which in those days was not allowed for black people).
This is great book because it ties so many important topics into one story-
-The importance of books and their power to help us follow our passions.
-The idea that change can be made by one person standing up for what they believe is right.
- How far someone can go in life regardless of where they began.
I would recommend this book for K-3. It's a great book to introduce Ron McNair with and then have students research him further.
This is great book because it ties so many important topics into one story-
-The importance of books and their power to help us follow our passions.
-The idea that change can be made by one person standing up for what they believe is right.
- How far someone can go in life regardless of where they began.
I would recommend this book for K-3. It's a great book to introduce Ron McNair with and then have students research him further.
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July 12, 2013I read Ron's Big Mission at my internship last semester to my pre k class. We were studying black history during the month of February so I thought this would be a great book to read aloud. During my read aloud I paused several times to make sure the children understood and were engaged with this book. At the part of the book when Ron tries to check out the books but is told he cannot the children were very confused at first. Their confusion caused for a great discussion about the Jim Crow Laws and the Civil Rights Movement and why we celebrate black history month. At the end of this read aloud I felt accomplished because I had not only engaged the students with a good story but I was also able to use this book as a spring board to teach many other lessons.
December 4, 2013
Ron's Big Mission is a fictionalized story of a real-life event in young Ron McNair life...an astronaut who grew up to fly on the space shuttle Challenger which exploded on January 28, 1986. As a young boy, he loved reading and books and went to the library often, where he was allowed to read the book, but could not check them out. With his determination and passion, he found a way to change the unjust law and make it possible for everyone to use the library with its intended purpose.
March 19, 2017
Fictionalized story of an actual event in the boyhood of Ron McNair, late astronaut of the Challenger, when he insisted on getting a library card (in 1959), at a time when only white people could check books out of the library in South Carolina. Very nice illustrations.
September 8, 2020
I read this book to my children today. It's a good book to further explain how unjust and how recent legally-mandated segregation was. (And a good introduction to explaining why extra-legal segregati0on persists.)
July 12, 2015
Almost cried, cause picture books make me cry...and then I read the end biography and I did cry. TEN STARS!
February 9, 2020
Ron's Big Mission is a children's picture book written by the team of Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden and illustrated by Don Tate. Deftly told and warmly illustrated, this fictional account of an incident in the Civil Rights era childhood of Challenger astronaut Ron McNair tells a powerful story.
February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Ronald Erwin McNair was an American NASA astronaut and physicist. He died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-51-L, in which he was serving as one of three mission specialists in a crew of seven.
The text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Blue and Naden provide just enough text to let the story speak for itself. A biographical note could be found in the backmatter. Tate's exaggerated, big heads are perfect for showing the strongly felt emotions of each character.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Nine-year-old Ron hurries to the public library, where he is warmly welcomed. After searching in vain for books about black children like himself, he selects books about airplanes. An elderly white lady offers to check the books out for him, but Ron decides to do it on his own. It is only then that readers discover that only whites can take books out, but he stand resolute until the librarian decides to break the law and allow young Ron to borrow his books.
All in all, Ron's Big Mission is a wonderful semi-biographical story about a time during Ron McNair's life when he was refused to borrow books at a library, because the color of his skin.
February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Ronald Erwin McNair was an American NASA astronaut and physicist. He died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-51-L, in which he was serving as one of three mission specialists in a crew of seven.
The text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Blue and Naden provide just enough text to let the story speak for itself. A biographical note could be found in the backmatter. Tate's exaggerated, big heads are perfect for showing the strongly felt emotions of each character.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Nine-year-old Ron hurries to the public library, where he is warmly welcomed. After searching in vain for books about black children like himself, he selects books about airplanes. An elderly white lady offers to check the books out for him, but Ron decides to do it on his own. It is only then that readers discover that only whites can take books out, but he stand resolute until the librarian decides to break the law and allow young Ron to borrow his books.
All in all, Ron's Big Mission is a wonderful semi-biographical story about a time during Ron McNair's life when he was refused to borrow books at a library, because the color of his skin.
October 7, 2019
Ron's big mission takes place in South Carolina 1959 when segregation still existed, but it tells the story from the perspective of a young boy. Ron is an aspiring pilot who began his day with one thing on his mind. It seemed to be an urgent mission because he rushed to get to the library, walking away from free food and basketball with friends. Ron walked in to the library and headed straight towards the aviation section to pick out his books. Then he made his way towards the desk to check them out and denied the requests to help him. The desk clerk ignored his request to check out books as it was against the policy for African Americans to check out books. He jumped on the desk and stated his request once more, and stayed firm even after the police arrived. The head librarian called Ron's mother and after he stood his ground she realized she had to change her stance. Ron accomplished his mission.
The overall theme of Ron's Big Mission is to stand up for what you believe in even if you are standing alone.
When I read Ron's Big Mission I was on the edge of my seat trying to predict what his mission was, and once I figured it out I was in awe. Ron was just nine years old and decided that he would change the way that his public library operated. I was inspired and felt that I too could help make a difference.
I would recommend this book because kids see their age as something that prevents them from making a difference and they could see Ron as something that challenges that idea. We can help students realize that they can reach their potential sooner rather than later. They will see that age is not a barrier.
The overall theme of Ron's Big Mission is to stand up for what you believe in even if you are standing alone.
When I read Ron's Big Mission I was on the edge of my seat trying to predict what his mission was, and once I figured it out I was in awe. Ron was just nine years old and decided that he would change the way that his public library operated. I was inspired and felt that I too could help make a difference.
I would recommend this book because kids see their age as something that prevents them from making a difference and they could see Ron as something that challenges that idea. We can help students realize that they can reach their potential sooner rather than later. They will see that age is not a barrier.
November 30, 2017
This book tells an important story that should be read to kids everywhere, especially nowadays when we are starting to forget to teach children the truth about the injustices of the past.
I gave this book 5 stars.
Ron's Big Mission is a true story about Ron McNair, who went on to become an astronaut. This story takes place at a time when schools were segregated to a point where african american children could not check out library books. Ron is a student who merely wanted to check out some library books. When he is told he cannot, Ron does not accept that answer and decides to take a stand and mount a peaceful protest. What follows is definitely worth the read!
The first thing that caught my eye was the colorful use of contrast. The whole book utilizes clever design elements. For example, every illustration has cool tones and the images take up the entire page which more effectively pulls in the reader. The people of the story almost look like caricatures with their giant heads that look almost droopy and the overly animated faces. The font remains small and underwhelming, blending it with the pictures so as not to overshadow them. There are a lot of words on every page but that is for the purpose of telling an incredible true story. This book can be classified as historical fiction. The lines are soft and flow well into the page to form cohesive images on every page. There is a textured look to every page without it taking away from the details of the drawings. They are simplistic and yet incredibly stylized.
I gave this book 5 stars.
Ron's Big Mission is a true story about Ron McNair, who went on to become an astronaut. This story takes place at a time when schools were segregated to a point where african american children could not check out library books. Ron is a student who merely wanted to check out some library books. When he is told he cannot, Ron does not accept that answer and decides to take a stand and mount a peaceful protest. What follows is definitely worth the read!
The first thing that caught my eye was the colorful use of contrast. The whole book utilizes clever design elements. For example, every illustration has cool tones and the images take up the entire page which more effectively pulls in the reader. The people of the story almost look like caricatures with their giant heads that look almost droopy and the overly animated faces. The font remains small and underwhelming, blending it with the pictures so as not to overshadow them. There are a lot of words on every page but that is for the purpose of telling an incredible true story. This book can be classified as historical fiction. The lines are soft and flow well into the page to form cohesive images on every page. There is a textured look to every page without it taking away from the details of the drawings. They are simplistic and yet incredibly stylized.
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