She’s a NASA astronaut who was the first woman of color in space, a physician, engineer, educator and the first real astronaut to appear on Star Trek. Dr. Mae Jemison has taken a life full of out-of-this-world experiences and turned them into a book for young adults.
Jemison’s autobiography, Find Where the Wind Goes: Moments From My Life, is now in its 2nd edition. Whether your older kiddo is already a fan or is new to the world of this amazing astronaut, the 2nd edition of Jemison’s book is packed with heartfelt stories and 16 graphic-novel style illustrations.
photo courtesy of Signal Hill Road Publishing
The astronaut-turned author teamed up with artist Michael Ocasio and Studio NYC to create the imaginative illustrations, telling her story through both words and pictures.
Jemison said in a press release, “There are so many parallels between when I was growing up and the world teenagers find themselves in today– human rights, social justice, an explosion of science and technology, space exploration, growing awareness and connections across the globe, evolving music and art, and individuals asserting their rights to participate.”
She continued, “My story is about finding who you intend to be and trying to assert who you are as a teen as the world is changing around you. I hope my story provides some clues to making it through while keeping your smile, integrity and hopefulness.”
Not only is the book authored by the astronaut, but it’s also the first project from Jemison’s Spring Hill Publishing company. Signal Hill Road Publishing is the first independent Black-owned, woman-owned publisher to explore the intersection of social issues, technology, science and culture.
Find Where the Wind Goes 2nd edition is available for pre-order at Amazon ($29.95), Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Indiebound, and other major retailers—or get your hardcover copy when the book goes on sale Feb. 23.
The evolution of Women’s History Month spans nearly five decades, beginning with International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8. Over time, congressional resolutions led to presidential proclamations and by 1995, March had become the designated month to honor women’s contributions to American history—to celebrate stories of remarkable women whose historic accomplishments had largely been relegated to the footnotes of history books. Early celebrations focused on the U.S. suffrage movement and highlighted contributions of a galaxy of pioneers—from Abigail Adams to Harriett Tubman—as well as women who were “firsts:” the first Supreme Court justice, first astronaut, first female Nobel Prize recipient, and so many more!
A century after the nineteenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave women the right to vote, and decades after that first weeklong celebration of women’s history, Women’s History Month celebrations have evolved to include recognition of contemporary women heroes—a new generation—as well as their predecessors, the pioneers. It is in that spirit that we curated this month’s book selections—stories about women and stories by women: a beloved children’s book author whose most famous work was once “banned” from the library, an astronaut inspired by the first woman astronaut, and a Supreme Court Justice. Our list includes two compilations of short biographies of remarkable and inspiring women—Michelle Obama among them. Finally, inspired by Korean mythology, Dragon Pearl is the story of Min, a superhero on a mission, who overwhelms the vengeful with cleverness and bravery.
We hope you will enjoy reading these books with your children or perhaps hearing the stories retold once they have finished.
Grades Kindergarten to Second
The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sarah Jacoby
Once upon a time, most children’s books began with that sentence. And once upon a time, wonderful books that did not fit a certain mold were banned from libraries.
Children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown wrote stories that were different—books that helped children understand their own feelings. She fervently believed that children deserved important books. Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny paved the way for contemporary writers to create books such as The Book With No Pictures, and Sam and Dave Dig A Hole. Margaret Wise Brown did not accept the New York Public Library’s decision to ban her book and staged a peaceful protest on the steps of the library to make sure that she was heard.
Mae Among the Stars written by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington Mae Among the Stars is a beautifully illustrated picture book that will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars and aspire for the impossible. When Mae Jemison was a child, she wanted to be an astronaut and dreamed of dancing among billions of stars. Mae Jemison’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.
Grades 3-4
I Dissent : Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark written by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
Get to know celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg! This picture book biography of Justice Ginsburg traces her achievements in the field of law back to her girlhood years as she proves that disagreeing does not make you disagreeable. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. I Dissent demonstrates how her fearless objections to the inequality not only led the way to her career as a Supreme Court justice but also contributed to dismantling many discriminatory laws that prevented equal treatment.
Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time written by Saira Mir, illustrated by Aaliya Jal
These nineteen inspirational snapshots of modern Muslim women doing extraordinary work in their fields will inspire and motivate your young reader! While overcoming many obstacles, each earned in their given field—among them science, fashion, and sports. Shirin Ebadi, won the Nobel Peace Prize, only to have it taken from her by the government because she is a woman. Yet she remains outspoken. Ilhan Omar fled Somalia at the age of eight, spending years in refugee camps. She found ways to get involved in her community, then made history as the first Somalia-American to the United States House of representatives. The complicated situations surrounding some of the women are described in a way that is easily digestible by children.
Grades 5-8
Dragon Pearl written by Yoon Ha Lee Dragon Pearl is a fast-paced Korean-inspired space adventure. It follows Min, a teenage fox spirit, who leaves a backward poor world to find her missing space cadet brother, Jun, as well as a powerful relic, the Dragon Pearl. Like all fox spirits, Min has Charm—the ability to influence minds and shape-shift into whatever she wants. Her quest involves leaving the comforts of home, hitching a ride on a spaceship, impersonating a space cadet, and going to a ghost planet. Min will be forced to use more fox magic than ever before, and to rely on her cleverness and bravery to defeat vengeful beings and find her brother.
Become a Leader Like Michelle Obama—Work It, Girl Series written by Caroline Moss, illustrated by Sinem Erkas
This chapter book is part of a new series of biographies written for children about modern, inspirational women in various areas, including astronaut Mae Jemison and author J.K. Rowling. Michelle Obama’s life is detailed with everything from her humble beginnings in South Chicago, to her hard work at Princeton and Harvard Universities, leading up to her role as the first African American First Lady. The artwork, accompanied by inspiring quotes, has a unique and powerful cut-out style.
Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a New York City tradition that’s been happening for 94 years. Is it cancelled for 2020? No, but, thanks to Covid-19, it’s different this year. (You know, like everything else.) Here’s what you can expect from The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020: when it is, how you can see it, who’s performing, and what floats and balloons will be flying high. (Still looking for the best Thanksgiving food in NYC? We found it right here!) Happy Thanksgiving!
When It Is & How to Watch
iStock
For the first time in its history, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be a televised event exclusively, with no public spectators.
It will air nationwide on NBC-TV, Thursday, November 26, from 9 a.m. to Noon, in all time zones.
On hand to host will be familiar NBC personalities Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker.
Changes To the Parade in 2020
Mimi O'Connor
Necessary changes have been made to keep everyone safe.
The parade will not cover the traditional 2.5-mile parade route; instead the action will be focused solely in and around the Herald Square area of Midtown Manhattan, where Macy's flagship is located.
You won't see the armies of balloon handlers and staff, as the overall number of participants has been reduced by approximately 75 percent. No kids under 18 this year, either, and of course masks and social distancing will be in play.
Will the Balloons Fly This Year?
Mimi O'Connor
Yes! But those signature character balloons will be flown without the traditional 80-100 handlers as in previous years. Instead, the parade will employ five rigged specialty vehicles to help them achieve lift-off.
New Balloons
Macy's
It's a big day for YouTubers and ambitious infants. Two new balloons are joining the parade lineup this year. "Red Titan", the character inspired by YouTube personality Ryan of Ryan’s World is the first balloon based on a YouTuber creation to be part of the parade.
Also debuting is Boss Baby, based on the opinionated animated character from film and tv.
And, getting the chance to take fly again (after some damage last year) is artist Yayoi Kusama's balloon "Love Flies Up To The Sky," pictured here.
And Four New Floats!
Macy's/Olay
New floats joining the lineup include a green and gold turkey from Jennie-O, a Christmas in Town Square from Lifetime, a Black woman astronaut from Olay and a madcap scene featuring cat and mouse Tom & Jerry.
Celebrity Appearances, Musical Performances & Santa
The stars will still come out to shine and perform this year. Keep your eyes peeled for celebs like Dolly Parton, Leslie Odom Jr., Patti Labelle, the New York City Ballet, Bebe Rexha and Noah Cyrus. (Plus many more!)
And yes, the finale of Santa's arrival will mark the official start of the holiday season!
The razzle dazzle of Broadway shows will still take place, with performances from the casts of Hamilton, Jagged Little Pill, Mean Girls and Ain't Too Proud. Plus, the Rockettes will rock it as always.
Sadly, no: Macy’s traditional giant balloon inflation public event, traditionally held the night before the parade, will not take place.
But! Macy's has created "Parade 101", a guide to the parade with S.T.E.A.M.-inspired videos and activities, including "The Fundamentals of Inflation!" Check it out here!
Whether you need a Halloween costume for 8-year-olds, a dinosaur costume or maybe you just want to know what the popular Halloween costumes are this year, there’s no better place to start than Amazon. You’ll find tons of costume ideas and any accessories you might need as well. Plus, if your kids are anything like ours and decide at the last minute he or she wants to be a ninja, not a firefighter, those quick shipping and free returns perks will be game-changers. Scroll down to see the best kids’ Halloween costumes on Amazon.
Skeleton
The ever-popular skeleton can be scary or it can be sweet and we like the latter. This cozy shirt and pant set is perfect for a Halloween at home.
Would it be Halloween without seeing a few dozen Elsa’s out and about? We think not. This awesome set comes with everything your Ice Queen will need to look the part, and there’s even a blond ponytail included.
Dressing up as a first responder is always a big hit with young kids. This Melissa and Doug firefighter costume will stand up to pretend play for months to come.
Wonder Woman 1984 is still expected to premiere in October of this year, so it's perfect timing for your own Wonder Woman. She'll get plenty of wear out of this sweet costume that comes with a dress, belt, gauntlets, tiara, and even shin guards. Halloween night may be the first of many times she saves the neighborhood.
You've been gaming '90s-style with your kids since March, so how about this spot-on Super Mario costume, complete with hat, mustache, gloves and a one-piece jumpsuit? And, yes, that is an inflatable belly! This makes a great buddy costume, too, if you have a Luigi in the house! Plus, you can’t beat the price.
How adorable is this scarecrow costume? All the accessories you see here are included (except the tights and shoes), so you’ll be all set when Halloween night arrives.
A popular choice for preschool kids, this Gekko costume is listed as an Amazon’s choice and a #1 bestseller, and with over one thousand reviews, we think this is one a winner when it comes to Halloween costumes for kids.
Harry's smart and spunky BFF is a huge hit with girls who are reading the Harry Potter series. This robe is affordable, has the Gryffindor crest on the front and is offered in three sizes. You'll need to buy the accessories to complete the look, like this tie and this wand.
Trolls World Tour was a huge hit this year, which means Poppy, Branch, Bridget, and DJ Suki will be trending this Halloween. This darling Poppy dress may get some wear all on its own, and she’ll definitely want to put her hair up for fright night!
Descendants 3 fans will love this Mal costume! While the wig is not included, you’ll get the gloves, the moto jacket, the jumpsuit and a vest. Will your kid defeat the Queen of Mean this Halloween?
Do you have a kid that’s obsessed with outer space? Then this Astronaut suit is just the thing! Choose from three different colors (orange, white and pink) and each suit comes with authentic NASA patches, a cap, and ankle cuffs with adjustable velcro straps.
Whooo will be the cutest baby on Halloween night? Yours, if you order this adorable owl costume. Not only do the colors pop, but it’s comfy, cozy, and has leg snaps to make diaper changing easy.
This one is bittersweet after the loss of actor Chadwick Boseman, but what better way to pay homage than dressing up as his iconic character Black Panther? One of the most important and popular superhero movies ever made, we think this one is going to be a popular choice this year.
Another very popular choice when it comes to costume ideas is a dinosaur. This fun version is bright and cheerful and looks super warm for a cold Halloween night. It even comes with the plush egg.
Launch your little learners into space with these easy to connect circuit-building sets. Circuit Explorer allows kids to make custom builds with lights, sounds and motion. These connectable circuit pieces are simple and durable and do not require reading, so kids can play independently.
Kids will learn how to engineer simple circuits with these off-the-board space-themed circuit playsets, including a Rocket, Rover, and Deluxe Base Station, that combine creative imaginative play with STEM fundamentals. Circuit Explorer’s kid-friendly, 3D design makes it easy to snap the pieces together in the correct order to instantly receive feedback and interactive results to know they are on their way to a galactic journey, such as light, motion, or sound, championing a child’s creativity while encouraging STEM learning and honing problem-solving skills.
Circuit Explorer Rocket, Circuit Explorer Rover, and Circuit Explorer Deluxe Base Station all feature real-working, kid-friendly 3D circuit pieces designed specifically with safety in mind, eliminating the worry of short circuiting or other hazards. Children utilize cause and effect logic to determine when they have completed the circuits correctly. Each set also comes with friendly astronauts, robot figures, and stickers, so children can customize their Circuit Explorer sets and launch into hours of space-age adventures. To add even more customizable fun, Circuit Explorer sets feature a universal grid-like design to allow for additional construction play pieces to be incorporated.
“We’ve reimagined what it means for kids to learn about circuits by providing a product that allows a younger age group to become familiar with these basic concepts, ultimately learning skills that will make future learning less intimidating and more fun,” said Lisa Guili, General Manager at Educational Insights. “Now there is no need for kids to choose between learning basic circuits or expressing their creativity. Circuit Explorer allows for the combination of both that has never been done before.”
The following Circuit Explorer sets are available:
Follow the easy instructions to build a rocket with light-up nose cone and nozzles, a space rover with light-up headlights, and a landing pad with color changing light effects—or connect the pieces correctly another way to create out-of-this-world custom, light-up builds. Then launch into hours of screen-free, pretend-play fun with the included astronaut and robot figures!
Kids can connect with home base as they build a communication station with a rotating radar dish, and power station, or they can power up with a rover charger to take their space rover with a motor out on a mission along with a non-powered space rover both with wheels and light-up headlights. Explore the unknown for hours with two included astronauts and two robot figures.
Snap the 3D pieces together together to build a fully powered, large-scale, space-themed world including a Deluxe Base Station with towers, rotating diner sign, planetarium with Color changing dome, voice synthesizer that includes 10 space sounds, communication station with rotating radar dish, and one fully-powered space rover and a free-rolling rover, both with light-up headlights. Includes six astronauts and two robot figures for hours of imaginative play.
The odds are your kids have heard names like Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross in history class. This year, make sure your children know and appreciate some heroes from history and present day that deserve a standing ovation. From activists to actresses to incredible feats of heroism and patriotism, read on and click through the links to learn about more than sixty heroes who have changed the world, forever and for better.
Perhaps you've heard of Sean Sherman aka The Sioux Chef who marries his passion for cooking with his rich heritage by raising awareness of indigenous food systems. As a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, the work Sean does is deep-rooted in a sense of pride and connection to his people.
New Yorkers may recognize the name of the sculptor Edmonia Lewis, who was born in 1844 to indigenous parents—her father was African-American and her mother was a Chippewa Indian.Though many of her sculptures depicted prominent American figures, Edmonia never forgot her heritage, paying homage to both her African American and Native American origins in sculptures such as “The Arrow Maker” (1866) and “Forever Free” (1867).
Not many kids history books talk about the Haida peoples of the Haida Gwaii archipelago, located off the west coast of British Columbia. Their preservation of land and water are admirable environmental achievements. Having a deep respect for his mother’s heritage,Bill Reid dedicated much of his work in the arts to the Haida peoples. Bill created, alongside other native artists, a sculpture depicting the story of human creation as passed down by Haida legend, among others. His work in bringing awareness to and preserving the stories of the Haida peoples is remarkable.
Mae C. Jemison is an American physician and astronaut. In 1987, Jemison was the first African American woman to be accepted into NASA’s astronaut training program. In 1992, Jemison was also the first African American woman in space, flying there aboard the spaceship Endeavor with six other astronauts.
Arturo Schomburg was a writer, historian and activist. As a leader of the Harlem renaissance, Schomberg collected art literature and other artifacts belonging to people of African descent. In 1926 his collection was purchased by the New York public library, and today the Schomburg Center is a research division of the NY public library. With more than 11 million items in the collection, the Schomburg center is devoted to the preservation and exhibition of Black history, and the arts and culture of the African diaspora.
Alice Allison Dunnigan was the first Black female White House Correspondent. She was also chief of the Associated Negro Press, and in 1948 she became the first Black woman to follow a Presidential campaign (Harry Truman’s) on the road. Years later, Alice Allison Dunnigan served as an education consultant on JFK’s Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.
In 1862 during the Civil War, Robert Smalls commandeered a confederate transport boat freeing himself, his crew and their families. Later, Smalls was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. Robert Smalls was also instrumental in convincing President Lincoln to let free Blacks serve in the Union Army.
Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian descent to go to space, having served as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator on the space shuttle Columbia. Sadly, Chawla was one of the seven crew members who died when the spacecraft disintegrated during its re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere in 2003 following the space shuttle Columbia’s 28th mission. Chawla was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and several streets, universities and institutions have been named in her honor. She is regarded as a national hero in India, where she was born in East Punjab, in 1962.
Widely regarded as the first Chinese American actress of Taishanese descent to achieve superstardom in Hollywood, Anna May Wong was born in Los Angeles in 1905 and started acting at an early age. Her varied career spanned silent films, the first color films, television and radio. Although many of her early roles played into ethnic stereotypes, Wong was a vocal advocate for greater representation of Asian Americans in film and television, and she gained both critical and popular acclaim for her international acting roles. Wong famously lost the leading role of the Chinese character O-Lan in the film adaptation of Pearl S. Buck’s The Good Earth to German actress Luise Rainer, who played the role in yellowface and went on to win the Academy Award for her portrayal.
Although Haing Somnang Ngor trained as a surgeon and obstetrician in his native country of Cambodia, he is best known for winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1985 for his debut performance in the film, “The Killing Fields,” in which he portrayed Cambodian journalist and refugee Dith Pran. Ngor is the only actor of Asian descent to ever win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and only one of two non-professional actors to win an acting Oscar. Born in Takeo Province, Cambodia, in 1940, Ngor survived the horrors of prison camps under the Khmer Rouge. Ngor harrowing accounts of torture and losing his wife during childbirth in Pol Pot’s prison camps, as well as his subsequent journey to the U.S. as a refugee, are told in his autobiography, Haing Ngor: A Cambodian Odyssey.
Raffi Freedman-Gurspan is a transgender rights activist. In 2015 she became the first openly transgender person to work as a White House staffer for President Barack Obama. Freedman-Gurspan has worked on criminal justice and incarceration reform, homeless shelter policies and issues facing transgender people of color.
Sandra Cisneros is a writer best known for her book The House on Mango Street. She is generally acknowledged as the first Mexican-American writer to be published by a mainstream publisher. She is a key Chicana literary figure both in Texas and among the Mexican diaspora.
Cesar Chavez is best known as the civil rights activist and labor leader who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with fellow activist Dolores Huerta. His work led to the passing of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, which granted farmworkers the right to collective bargaining. In 1994 he post-humously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Read up on these and 14 other Latinx activists, artists and astronauts you should know about here.
—Candace Nagy, Sharon Brandwein, Teresa Douglas, Kipp Jarecke-Cheng
It’s out of this world! In celebration of NASA’s 2020 Mars Perseverance rover, a new display has landed at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The life-size LEGO astronaut model consists of almost 66,000 LEGO bricks.
In addition, LEGOLAND Florida guests will also be treated to a moon landing-inspired mosaic background created from more than 44,000 LEGO bricks.
The models were built last year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. These LEGO models have been on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex since their construction.
Starting today, space and LEGO fans can enjoy this awesome replica moon lander and giant astronaut in their permanent home in the Imagination Zone at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
Some interesting facts about the LEGO model and mosaic include:
One model designer spent 143 hours designing the astronaut model
Five model builders spent a combined 450 hours building the astronaut model
Approximately 65,600 LEGO bricks were used to construct the astronaut model
One model designer spent 58 hours designing the mosaic
Six model builders spent a combined 480 hours building the mosaic
Approximately 44,500 LEGO bricks and 23 different colors were used to complete the mosaic
Since reopening on Jun. 1, LEGOLAND Florida Resort has introduced a range of new health and safety measures, including reduced capacity, cashless payments, temperature checks upon arrival, and enhanced cleaning practices. Guests can read more about how LEGOLAND is making it safe to play at https://www.legoland.com/florida/ways-we-are-making-it-safe-to-visit/.
Hello Bello always goes over and above to provide families with unique experiences through their bundle boxes. Each bundle comes with 7 packs of diapers and 4 packs of wipes to help get you through the month. July’s bundle is even more special as it turns into an adorable DIY rocket.
The box is equipped with instructions, but Hello Bello also created a video , voiced over by Kristen Bell, showing how the box comes to life right before your eyes. Additionally, Hello Bello is launching a fun collaboration with retired NASA astronaut and artist, Nicole Scott and her Space for Art Foundation.
This isn’t the first time that Hello Bello’s bundle boxes have transformed into a fun plaything. Their May boxes were designed like treasure chests and the November/December boxes turned into fun gingerbread houses.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has announced it will expand available attractions beginning Mon., Jul. 6. The center originally re-opened it’s doors on May 28 with reduced admission prices and limited walk-through exhibits.
The IMAX Theater, pre-shows for Space Shuttle Atlantis® and Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing, Shuttle Launch Experience® and more dining options will all be available in limited capacity. The visitor complex will be open for reduced hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
The space center is also adding new ticket options. The new “Explore More” package is now available and includes a free ticket to return for a visit in 2021 for $57 plus tax for adults and $47 plus tax for children ages 3 to 11.
Guests can also add on a space expert-led walking tour through Heroes & Legends that features a number of exhibits. This is available for small groups for an additional $20.
May 27th marks a new era of human spaceflight with American astronauts launching in an American rocket from American soil for the first time since 2011. This monumental flight to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is sure to inspire a new generation of kids interested in space travel. Skechers’ new Space Collection for kids is the perfect way to encourage your little ones’ interest in space and mark the start of this exciting new chapter in American space travel.
This new out of this world collection features NASA’s iconic logos and intergalactic inspired design elements. This is a great way for your little one to show pride for the American space program and support for NASA’s astronauts throughout their stay on the International Space Station.
Skechers Elite Flex – Retro Rocket is a patriotic red, white and blue slip-on with prominent NASA worm logo. The popular Elite Flex style features a soft knit stretch upper, Air Cooled Memory Foam insole and highly flexible comfort midsole. This style is available in kids’ sizes 10.5 through 6.
The Skechers Zaggle – Nebuloid is a casual clog with a water friendly sculpted EVA foam upper, convertible heel strap and colorful space inspired front panel design. Complete with original NASA insignia, astronaut and space shuttle icons, the lightweight, durable and easy to wear kids’ clog is perfect for aspiring astronauts’ summer time adventures. This style is available in kids’ sizes 11-4.
Both pairs are currently available online, with additional Skechers Space Collection styles set to launch throughout the summer and back to school season.
