SPACE GIRL

An Astronaut's Dream Takes Flight

by Suzanne Buzby Hersey

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Pub Date Sep 1 2026 | Archive Date Dec 9 2026

McSea Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

Biographies & Memoirs | Children's Nonfiction | Science

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Description

From her own nest, Jessica marvels at the night sky and wonders: Could a sparrow like me ever fly all the way to the moon?

Exquisitely written and extraordinarily illustrated, Space Girl brings us on Jessica Meir's journey from her childhood dream of space travel to becoming an astronaut who performs the first all-woman spacewalk! Inspired by watching a young sparrow learn to fly in her Maine backyard, Jessica decides she, too, will spread her wings.

Just like the sparrow, she falters along the way, but she never gives up on her goal. Flutter, flap, flight!

From her own nest, Jessica marvels at the night sky and wonders: Could a sparrow like me ever fly all the way to the moon?

Exquisitely written and extraordinarily illustrated, Space Girl brings us on...

A Note From the Publisher

Book Illustrator: Alma Inbal Gigi-Bousidan

Advance Praise

“Space Girl is a testament to the power of curiosity, patience, and persistence. Author Hersey and illustrator Gigi-Bousidan flawlessly capture both Jessica Meir’s spirit and the enduring allure of spaceflight in this delightful picture book, perfect for any space-loving kid.”

— Kirsten W. Larson, author of The Fire of Stars, an NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor book

“My heart soared while reading this book! SPACE GIRL is a wonder, a delight, and destined to inspire readers to follow that distant star. With eloquent prose and dazzling artwork, this tale of one woman's curiosity and courage also pays deep respect to the natural world - both terrestrial and extra-terrestrial. The author’s note is beautifully complimented with several pages of informative back matter and a bibliography. A glorious, inventive, and generous celebration of Jessica Meir’s life, and the childhood dreams she made come true. Surely a book for all future explorers!”

– Stephen Costanza, author of King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin a Golden Kite Award winner

Available Editions

EDITION	Hardcover
ISBN	9781954277304
PRICE	$19.95 (USD)
PAGES	40

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Additional Information

Average rating from 14 members

Featured Reviews

Mallory Anne-Marie H, Reviewer

An incredibly inspirational and encouraging book! From watching the flight struggles of a baby sparrow, to participating in the FIRST all-woman spacewalk, Jessica Meir NEVER stopped, never backed down, never let discouragement shunt her off her chosen path! Determination and the Memory of that persevering little sparrow ensured Jessica would not fail, and what a stunning example is she! Thank you to the author and publisher for this very special book, and above all, thank you, Jessica Meir!