
Written by Raakhee Mirchandani and Chelsea Clinton · Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint
Part of the She Persisted series
Defy the odds and reach for the stars in a journey of persistence and dreams.
Kalpana Chawla, born in India, defied societal norms to pursue her dream of spaceflight. Despite obstacles, she became the first Indian-born woman in space. Her story of perseverance, from engineering studies to NASA, continues to inspire girls worldwide. Discover her incredible journey and learn how you too can follow in her footsteps. This chapter book, part of the She Persisted series, offers a glimpse into the life of a woman who never gave up, even in the face of tragedy. Will her legacy inspire the next generation of dreamers and explorers?
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds–including Kalpana Chawla! Born and raised in India, Kalpana Chawla was discouraged from pursuing a career in aeronautical engineering because there were limited career options for women in that field. But she persisted, getting her degree and then moving to the US to obtain other, more advanced education before joining NASA and becoming the first Indian-born woman to go to space. Though she was killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, she continues to inspire girls in India and around the world to pursue their dreams of spaceflight. In this chapter book biography by acclaimed author Raakhee Mirchandani, readers learn about the amazing life of Kalpana Chawla–and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Kalpana Chawla’s footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Sally Ride, Temple Grandin, Malala Yousafzai, and more!
Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.
Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.
Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.
Top contributors: Literary Leslie