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This book (based on the real life of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space) does something really important: it shows kids that dreams are worth holding onto even when adults don't believe in them. It's quietly powerful without being preachy. For little learners it plants the seed that they belong in any room they dream of, including a spaceship.

Discussion Questions

• What did Mae dream of doing when she grew up?
• Did everyone believe in Mae's dream at first? How did that make her feel?
• Has anyone ever told you that something was too hard for you? What did you do?
• What do YOU dream of doing someday?

Star Wish Night SkyYour learner will create a glittery night sky full of stars, with one special star for their own dream. This is a great activity for talking about hopes and goals in a totally low-pressure, playful way.

Supplies

• Dark blue or black construction paper
• Gold or silver star stickers (or a star stamp with yellow paint)
• White crayon or colored pencil for writing/drawing

Steps

1. Talk about the book and ask your child: if you could do ANYTHING when you grow up, what would it be? No wrong answers.
2. Let your child fill the dark paper with star stickers or painted stars, as many as they want.
3. Help them draw or write their dream with a white crayon or colored pencil.
4. Display it somewhere they can see it every day.
   
   

Tips for Parents

• If your child says something like "I want to be a dinosaur," go with it! The goal is creative, expansive dreaming, not realistic planning.
• Talk about Mae a little more if they're curious: she was also a doctor AND a dancer. She shows kids that you don't have to pick just one thing.
  
  

Extensions

• Look up photos of real astronauts together online. The Artemis II mission will have the first women and first person of color to ever go to the moon!
• Talk about the fact that women and people of color were kept from doing so many important things because of sexism and racism. 
• Make a list of things that seemed hard at the time, but that your child has already learned to do (walk, talk, ride a bike, use scissors). 
• Do a rocket launch countdown together (great for counting backwards!) and blast off across the room. Silliness is science too.

Watch the videos below to learn more!