posted 10-12-2009 03:30 PM               

Ron's Big Mission
by Rose Blue and Corinne Naden, illustrations by Jim Tate

Booklist: In this story based on an incident from the life of astronaut Ron McNair, nine-year-old Ron walks into his local public library with a mission -- to secure a library card for himself so that he can take books home to read. Because it's 1959 and segregation laws prohibit African Americans from borrowing books, Ron is at first declined. The police arrive, but Ron refuses to be deterred; finally the head librarian agrees to bend the rules -- Ron is her best patron, after all -- and a very happy Ron leaves, books in hand.

Based on interviews with Ron's mother and a South Carolinian librarian, the story emphasizes McNair's focus and determination to succeed, even if it means pointing out injustices along the way.

Vibrant illustrations portray a cozy small town where rules are obeyed, mostly without thinking. Tate's figures feature oversized heads with very expressive faces that vividly convey well-meant kindness and the frustrations of injustice.

Appended with a note on McNair's adult life, this will make a good choice for reading aloud and discussing. Grades K-2.

• Hardcover: 32 pages
  
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (January 22, 2009)
  
• ISBN-10: 0525478493
  
• ISBN-13: 978-0525478492