Reach for this book when your child feels like they do not fit the mold or when they are struggling with the pressure to conform to traditional gender or racial expectations. Set in 1969 against the backdrop of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the story follows Mimi, a half-black, half-Japanese girl who moves to a predominantly white town in Vermont. Mimi dreams of becoming an astronaut, but she faces pushback from a society that thinks girls should be in home economics rather than woodshop. It is a gentle yet powerful exploration of identity, intersectionality, and the courage to pursue one's passions despite social barriers. Through beautiful verse, it helps middle-grade readers navigate the complexities of being different while finding a supportive community. It is a perfect choice for encouraging resilience and self-confidence in children aged 8 to 12.
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Sign in to write a reviewThemes of isolation and the struggle to belong in a new, less diverse environment.
The book deals directly with racism and sexism. Mimi experiences microaggressions and overt exclusionary behavior. These moments are handled with a realistic yet age-appropriate lens, showing the emotional toll without being gratuitously heavy. The resolution is hopeful, focusing on Mimi's personal growth and the allies she finds.
A 10-year-old girl who loves STEM but feels discouraged by social cliques or gender stereotypes. It is also perfect for children in multiracial families looking for nuanced representation of their specific cultural navigation.
Read cold. The verse format makes it accessible, though parents may want to provide some historical context regarding the Civil Rights movement and the 1960s space race to enrich the reading experience. A parent might see their child coming home discouraged because a teacher or peer told them they 'cannot' do something because of who they are, or if the child is struggling to bridge two different cultural heritages.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on Mimi's desire to build things and the 'mean girl' dynamics at school. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the systemic nature of the prejudice she faces and the historical significance of the time period.
Its unique intersection of the Apollo 11 era with a biracial protagonist's perspective in a rural setting sets it apart. The verse format allows for an intimate look at Mimi’s internal world that prose might miss.
In 1969, Mimi Oliver moves from Berkeley, California, to a small town in Vermont. As a biracial girl (Black and Japanese), she stands out in her new community. The story tracks her first year in Vermont as she navigates school friendships, racial prejudice, and her deep desire to study science and space. She specifically fights for the right to take shop class instead of home economics, mirroring the national spirit of the moon landing.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.