In 1983, Sally Ride became the first female astronaut from the United States to travel into space. In the years that followed, she continued to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, dedicating the last years of her life to education.  In 2001, Ride founded Sally Ride Science, an education company that supports and fosters children’s–especially young girls’–interest in science, math, engineering and technology. Sally passed away this week after a battle with pancreatic cancer, but her legacy lives on.

Here are some resources to learn more about Sally Ride and inspire the young scientists in your life:

• “Almost Astronauts” by Tanya Lee Stone. The story of 13 women, known as the Mercury 13, who fought for the right to soar into space during the 1960s.
• “Sally Ride: Astronaut, Scientist, Teacher” by Pamela Hill Nettleton. A straightforward biography of the first American woman in space for the youngest readers. Ride didn’t start out wanting to be an astronaut–she wanted to play shortstop for the L.A. Dodgers!
• “Space Exploration” by Giles Sparrow. This recently published book presents the life of an astronaut from take-off to surviving, adapting and working in space stations. Discusses space travels throughout history, including the first landing on the Moon, and looks at future space exploration plans.
• Check out this list of additional biographies of female astronauts.

Facts about Sally Ride from Biography in Context, an online resource available for free with your DBRL library card.