Mae Jemison
Laurie Calkhoven
Mae Jemison
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
With Audio Recording
by Laurie Calkhoven
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Mae Jemison wasn’t just any astronaut—she was the first African-American woman to fly in space! Before zooming among the stars, she studied medicine and helped people around the world. Her story shows that with big dreams and hard work, you can make history too.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This engaging early reader biography introduces young children to Mae Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut. Suitable for ages 5-8, it highlights her journey from medical school and the Peace Corps to making history in space. The book includes extra educational content on related topics like history and math, supporting both curiosity and learning.
Why we rated Mae Jemison 7C
Mae Jemison is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mae Jemison works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Mae Jemison as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Mae Jemison explores african americans, biography, astronauts, and juvenile literature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about african americans, biography, astronauts.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Mae Jemison
Heather E. Schwartz
Mae Jemison
Heather E. Schwartz
Mae Jemison
Jodie Shepherd
Mae Jemison
Jodie Shepherd
Mae Jemison
Katlin Sarantou
Mae Jemison
Katlin Sarantou
Mae Jemison
Corinne J. Naden, Rose Blue
Mae Jemison
Corinne J. Naden, Rose Blue
Mae Jemison (Black Americans of Achievement)
Leeanne Gelletly
Mae Jemison (Black Americans of Achievement)
Leeanne Gelletly
Mae Jemison
Magdalena Alagna
Mae Jemison
Magdalena Alagna
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781481476515
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Nonfiction