ASHA and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan

This short novel is the first in the "Asha and Baz" series from Common Deer Press. The two friends share enthusiasm, curiosity and determination to solve complex problems. When they discover a magic wand, they travel back in time to meet scientist Mary Sherman Morgan who was instrumental in the launch of the first American satellite in 1957. Despite misogyny, sexism, prejudice, and outright disdain, Mary overcomes many obstacles to discover the launch fuel formula for the Jupiter-C. Her male counterparts denigrate her contributions and ignore her ingenuity. She is not recognized for her contributions or rewarded for her efforts. The leader of the project, a Colonel, states, "Women have no business playing around in science!"Readers who are familiar with the "Magic Treehouse" and "Canadian Flyer" series books will enjoy the time travel elements of this novel. There is an interesting examination of the early days of American space travel and the role of women in this scientific effort. The novel has short chapters, accessible vocabulary, and black and white illustrations which enhance the narrative. The Appendix gives readers a timeline of the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States, biographical details about Mary Sherman Morgan and Chris Hadfield, as well as resources about space. Asha and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan is the first novel in the series which will appeal to both male and female readers who enjoy technology, innovation, and science.--Myra Junyk "CM Canadian Review of Materials"
Gr 1-4-Asha and Baz go on a magical adventure meeting Mary Sherman Morgan. Asha and Baz are two best friends who couldn't be more different. Outgoing Asha is friendly and likes to talk, while shy Baz is quiet and does not like being in a crowd or talking in public. Ms. Wilson, their teacher, has come up with an assignment for her class. They are to create a rocket that can take off using only paper, straws, tape scissors, pencils, cardboard rolls, and markers. The winning team will meet astronaut Chris Hadfield. While Asha and Baz are on the playground eating their lunch, Asha notices an unusual stick. As both children are awed by the pecuilarity of the stick, Asha decides to draw their rocket all around them. Before they know it, they are transported to 1957 California. They end up at North American Aviation where they met Mary Sherman Morgan, who invented liquid rocket fuel. Seeing how Mary created the first satellite explorer allows the children to brainstorm with her; they come up with the solution of their rocket by using straws and blowing into their rocket creating wind power. They successfully return to school using their magical wand and win the rocket challenge! This story interweaves a time-traveling adventure with real-life historical figures. -Fernandez skillfully features a period of U.S. history when societal restrictions on women changed because of war. This is a great way to introduce STEM concepts to young minds. Asha is depicted with brown skin and long brown hair, while Baz is white with light brown hair. VERDICT A wonderful start to a new series centering STEM and history; great for any children's library collection.--Annmarie Braithwaite "School Library Journal"
Asha and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan is an exciting middle grade novel about the US's first woman rocket scientist; it emphasizes curiosity, teamwork, and creative thinking.--Kristine Morris "Foreword Clarion Reviews"
Spunky protagonists get a realistic look at a historical female scientist in an accessible series opener.Get it!-- "Kirkus Reviews"
From the physics of aerodynamics to the history of women in STEM, this short, sweet adventure chapter book works in a lot of interesting knowledge alongside an engaging story. Endearing opposites, Asha and Baz's attempts to solve their class project puzzle are a reminder to readers that the work they do in school has real-world applications. At the same time, their indignation at Mary's exclusion from the annals of science history and fame offer thought-provoking starting points for discussion about where knowledge comes from and how it is celebrated in our society.Overall, Asha and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan is a fun, informative, and accessible way to explore history and science.--Dr. Jen Harrison "The Children's Book Review"
Readers are thrown right into the action and problems are solved quickly, which provides a simple and clean narrative that best serves its younger audience. Fernandez tackles the difficult topic of sexism in the workplace in an age-appropriate way, making injustice clear while also acknowledging the fact that it was the norm during that time. Scientific concepts are explained simply without ever coming across as condescending, and Asha and Baz verbalize and work through their problem solving in a way that invites readers to join along and models scientific thinking in general.With an ever-growing push to get young girls interested in STEM and bring STEM concepts into literature, Asha and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan meets this demand in a natural and unforced way, allowing the characters and their friendship to shine through and show young readers that history and science can be fun and easily incorporated into their lives. The robust back matter is an incredible resource as well, with a timeline of the space race, biographical info on Mary Sherman Morgan and Chris Hadfield, and further information on the Soviet Union and space exploration. Approachable in tone, length, and subject matter, Asha and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan is an excellent introduction for space enthusiasts and young scientists.Takeaway: With an eye on history and love of science, Asha and Baz will encourage young scientists.Great for fans of: Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Tree House series, Roda Ahmed's Mae Among the Stars.-- "Publishers Weekly: Booklife"
Asha and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan's engaging, engrossing story is rooted in science, but explores far more than theory alone. Its action-packed scenes and encounters are highly recommended for leisure readers as well as students of women's biography and science, introducing auxiliary topics of teamwork, achievement, and women's rights that will lend to discussions and debates--DIANE DONOVAN "Midwest Book Review"