Mae Among the Stars – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mae Among the Stars

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2018Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

92%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

The inspiring true story of Mae Jemison's childhood dreams—perfect for kids who want to reach the stars (literally).

Mae Among the Stars

book

2018, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

92%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

The inspiring true story of Mae Jemison's childhood dreams—perfect for kids who want to reach the stars (literally).

4.9

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the kind of book that belongs on every kindergarten shelf and bedside table. It's beautifully illustrated, genuinely inspiring, and introduces Mae Jemison without being heavy-handed about the history.

The 4.9 Amazon rating tells you what you need to know—parents and teachers love it because it works. It's not trying to be edgy or clever; it's just a warm, well-executed biography that shows a little girl dreaming big and a family that believed in her.

If you're looking for representation in STEM, a graduation or new baby gift, or just a book that makes kids feel like they can do hard things, this delivers. It won't revolutionize the picture book genre, but it doesn't need to. It does exactly what it sets out to do, and it does it well.

Age Fit

Best for ages 3-8, especially preschool through early elementary. The simple text and picture book format work for bedtime with toddlers, while the message resonates with kids old enough to start thinking about future careers and big goals.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Celebrates a real-life hero with warmth and encouragement. Mae's parents support her dreams without judgment, modeling healthy family dynamics. The tone is uplifting and gentle, perfect for bedtime or classroom sharing. No conflict or negativity—just pure inspiration.

Imaginative

Centers on a child who dreams of 'dancing in space' and imagines herself floating among billions of stars. The concept of reaching for the impossible and maintaining childlike imagination is woven throughout. Bright illustrations (noted in reviews) support visual creativity, though the biography format is somewhat constrained compared to pure fantasy.

Safe

Picture book with zero concerning content. No violence, scary elements, or mature themes. Common Sense Media lists it without age warnings. Amazon reviews (4.9/5) from parents highlight it as a bedtime and classroom staple with no reported issues.

Enriching

Introduces kids to Mae Jemison, the first African American woman astronaut, through an accessible narrative. Teaches persistence, STEM representation, and the power of parental encouragement ('If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible'). Builds empathy and shows diverse role models in science. Educational without being preachy.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Introduces a real STEM hero and the first African American woman in space through gentle, accessible storytelling
Shows parents encouraging big dreams without limits—the kind of supportive messaging every kid needs
Beautiful illustrations with bright blue endpapers that reviewers specifically call out
Works as both bedtime comfort read and classroom inspiration for discussing careers, persistence, and representation
Short enough to hold attention but meaningful enough to spark real conversations about possibility

⚠

What to Watch For

Very gentle and sweet—if your kid prefers action-packed stories, this might feel slow
It's a biography, so the narrative arc is straightforward (dream → work hard → achieve) without twists or surprises

Conversation Starters

"What would you want to discover if you could float in space?"
"Mae's mom told her 'anything is possible if you believe it and work hard.' What's something you want to work hard for?"
"Why do you think it was special that Mae was the first African American woman to go to space?"
"If you could have any job when you grow up, what would it be? What would you need to learn?"

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