VERA THE ASTRONAUT

Vera won’t let anything stop her as she follows her dreams all the way to space.

Located in a jungle, the Great Space Academy is a prestigious school for aspiring child astronauts. Vera’s thrilled to begin her studies there. Her new friend Ana notes that there aren’t many girls at the school, but Vera remains confident. She trains hard, aiming to earn one of only three coveted spots on an expedition to Mars. The tests are grueling, but Vera tackles each challenge with courage and determination. Commander Polaris is surprised as she meets her tasks with aplomb; her classmate Leo resents her success and sabotages the final test. After Vera is passed over for the mission, disaster strikes the Mars-bound crew. Vera and Ana must rely on their training to save the day. Vera’s heroism leads to a successful astronaut career, inspiring more girls to follow in her footsteps. Themes of perseverance and female empowerment are front and center, though the story feels heavy-handed in its messaging, and adult readers in particular may balk at the implication that women and girls must go above and beyond their male peers in order to be recognized. Translated from Spanish, the text is straightforward, if at times stiff; Leo’s abrupt transition from disgruntled to appreciative feels unconvincing. Vera is tan-skinned with curly black hair, Ana is pale-skinned and blond-haired, and Leo is tan-skinned and red-haired.

Spirited and sweet, though a bit preachy.