The Calculating Stars: A Lady Astronaut Novel

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Heroine archetypes

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Synopsis

Mary Robinette Kowal's science fiction debut, The Calculating Stars , explores the premise behind her award-winning Lady Astronaut of Mars . Den of Geek - Best Science Fiction Books of June 2018 Omnivoracious - Fifteen Highly Anticipated SFF Reads for Summer 2018 On a cold spring night in 1952, a huge meteorite fell to earth and obliterated much of the East Coast of the US, including Washington, DC. The ensuing climate cataclysm will soon render the Earth inhospitable for humanity, as the last such meteorite did for the dinosaurs. This looming threat calls for a radically accelerated effort to colonize space and requires a much-larger share of humanity to take part in the process. Elma York’s experience as a WASP pilot and mathematician earns her a place in the International Aerospace Coalition’s attempts to put man on the moon, as a calculator. But with so many skilled and experienced women pilots and scientists involved with the program, it doesn’t take long before Elma begins to wonder why they can’t go into space, too. Elma’s drive to become the first lady astronaut is so strong that even the most dearly held conventions of society may not stand a chance against her.

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Is The Calculating Stars: A Lady Astronaut Novel appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 14 and up.

This alternate history SF novel depicts a catastrophic meteorite impact and its aftermath, with implied mass casualties. The focus is on social barriers and gender discrimination in 1950s-era space program, with a determined female protagonist fighting for recognition.