TITLE: RON’S BIG MISSION
AUTHOR: Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden
ILLUSTRATOR: Don Tate
PUBLICATION INFO: Dutton, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-525-47849-2
SOURCE: library
INTENDED AUDIENCE: ages 6 to 8
GENRE: picture book biography, historical fiction
OPENING and SYNOPSIS:
“You’re up early this morning, Ron. What’s the rush?” asked Mrs. McNair.
From the publisher:
“Nine-year-old Ron loves going to the Lake City Public Library to look through all the books on airplanes and flight. Today, Ron is ready to take out books by himself. But in the segregated world of South Carolina in the 1950s, Ron’s obtaining his own library card is not just a small rite of passage – it is a young man’s first courageous mission. Here is an inspiring story, based on Ron McNair’s life, of how a little boy, future scientist, and Challenger astronaut desegregated his library through peaceful resistance.”
THEMES/TOPICS: Civil Rights, equality, justice
WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: McNair’s story will inspire young children to do something about justice and inequality. McNair doesn’t follow “the rules,” but he’s moved to do what’s right.
RESOURCES:
- Please see this past post about Martin Luther King, Jr. to learn how to talk about Civil Rights with very young children.
- Here’s a Common Core aligned second-grade lesson plan for the book.
- The Challenger Center has a number of educator resources, as well as information about the Space Shuttle mission.
You’ll find way more cool books at Susanna Leonard Hill’s “Perfect Picture Books.” Every Friday folks review a host of new books. Join us!
Kirsten W. Larson 
Kirsten, I really like this book! Thank you for sharing. I didn’t know this important story! Glad it has been told!
Hi Pat, this book would be right up your alley. I couldn’t find it on our list, but I think Barbara at Corner on Character might have reviewed it.
Wow. This looks like a fabulous book. I am collecting great NF titles on Pinterest. This is next on the list. Thanks.
Hi Joanne, This one is actually considered historical fiction despite the depth of research. My guess is that the use of dialog is what makes it fiction. But it’s still a great book for teaching.
Great pick – love this one!
🙂
This looks like a great book. I’ve never heard this part of Mr. McNair’s story.
I haven’t heard this story either, Wendy. And I used to work for NASA. Shameful, really.
Wow, when I recently saw an article about Ron I wondered if anyone had written a picture book about him. Et, voila!
It’s billed as historical fiction despite interviews with family members as sources. I’m always interested when NF books become historical fiction and why the authors choose to go that route.
Great addition to our list, Kirsten! I can’t believe we didn’t have this one yet – such a good one!
And, of course, you recommended it, which is why I put it on hold. 🙂
This looks like an excellent book for youngsters. Thanks for the review.
I think this book explains segregation in a way children can understand. My kids would be horrified at not being able to check out library books.
I’ve never heard of him, but he sounds like an inspiring person. You find great books, Kirsten!
Susanna actually recommended this one. It was on her list for her Making Picture Book Magic class. I couldn’t believe it hadn’t been reviewed!
I came across this book the other day. What a fascinating story of courage! Thanks for sharing!
This book sounds like every family should have it! 😀
Sounds brilliant to make more brave kids.
I like how a “little boy, future scientist, and Challenger astronaut desegregated his library through peaceful resistance”! Reminds us we can do our small bit to change the world for better 🙂