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To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights
Perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and Mae Among the Stars! To Boldly Go tells the true story of Nichelle Nichols and how she used her platform on Star Trek to inspire and recruit a new generation of diverse astronauts and many others in the space and STEM fields.
As Lieutenant Uhura on the iconic prime-time television show Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols played the first Black female astronaut anyone had ever seen on screen. A smart, strong, independent Black woman aboard the starship Enterprise was revolutionary in the 1960s when only white men had traveled to outer space in real life and most Black characters on TV were servants.
Nichelle not only inspired a generation to pursue their dreams, but also opened the door for the real-life pioneering astronaut Sally Ride, Dr. Mae Jemison, and more.
This empowering tribute to the trailblazing pop culture icon reminds us of the importance of perseverance and the power of representation in storytelling. You just might be inspired to boldly go where no one like you has ever gone before!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2023
5 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 8, 2023
A nice retelling of an anecdote Nichelle Nichols told in her autobiography, Beyond Uhura: Star Trek and Other Memories and in various other places over the years about a time when she felt like leaving the role that had made her famous and a source of inspiration for so many. The author personalizes it by telling how Nichols affected her and her family as they sat watching Star Trek in their home.
I like that a tribute to the astronauts Nichols helped recruit after Star Trek ended is included, but the misspelling of Judith Resnik's name is unfortunate and should have been caught by an editor.
I like that a tribute to the astronauts Nichols helped recruit after Star Trek ended is included, but the misspelling of Judith Resnik's name is unfortunate and should have been caught by an editor.
April 27, 2023
The impact of Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek during the height of the Civil Rights Movement is a story you need to read! At a time when Black actors were limited to playing roles of servants, Nichelle represented leadership, peace and showed that space was for everyone.
She helped research her character’s backstory and developed the name Uhura, which means freedom in Swahili. It represented how she saw herself, strong, independent and equal.
“But she never forgot what her presence meant to the lives of the people who looked like her. And neither did they.”
Even if you’re not a Trekkie, Nichelle’s story should be told and found everywhere!
She helped research her character’s backstory and developed the name Uhura, which means freedom in Swahili. It represented how she saw herself, strong, independent and equal.
“But she never forgot what her presence meant to the lives of the people who looked like her. And neither did they.”
Even if you’re not a Trekkie, Nichelle’s story should be told and found everywhere!
July 9, 2023
I really loved this book.
I had no idea Nichelle Nichols was such a strong advocate of civil rights and aeronautics.
The bold and colorful illustrations in this book match the well-written story perfectly. Nichelle Nichols was a strong, black female pioneer whose role on television helped her become a strong role model/ icon to so many young Blacks who may have never dreamed of careers in aeronautics without seeing her.
I think this book is perfect for young children ages 4-8 especially those who are interested in NASA and space exploration.
I had no idea Nichelle Nichols was such a strong advocate of civil rights and aeronautics.
The bold and colorful illustrations in this book match the well-written story perfectly. Nichelle Nichols was a strong, black female pioneer whose role on television helped her become a strong role model/ icon to so many young Blacks who may have never dreamed of careers in aeronautics without seeing her.
I think this book is perfect for young children ages 4-8 especially those who are interested in NASA and space exploration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2023
I've never really gotten into Star Trek, but if I did, it would be for Nichelle Nichols. Sometimes we downplay the effect pop culture has and I really like how this emphasizes more "serious" events (like civil rights) that were affected by a TV show.
January 14, 2025
MLK Jr. Day is nearing and this is a perfect book to celebrate that occasion. In this book we meet the African American actress who was featured on the original STAR TREK TV series, Nichelle Nichols. She did not realize how much of a difference she was making as a role model to other African Americans until Martin Luther King, Jr. told her so. From that moment forward, she took that responsibility seriously. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and the message about how one person can make a striking difference is clear! Very cool!
February 17, 2023
4.5 stars
November 1, 2023
Great book about the importance of representation. It sparked my interest in Nichelle Nichols. I’d love to know more about her life.
August 24, 2025
Very cute; the kind of book I’d have in my classroom if I taught elementary school.
September 17, 2024
I loved this book! Nichelle Nichols played Lieutenant Uhura; Communications Officer on Star Trek. She was the first Black female astronaut on-screen. She even helped develop her character name. Ohura was derived from the word uhuru which means "freedom" in Swahili.
I learned that even on set and in Hollywood, Nichols was harassed and made to feel "less than". People told her "You don't work here," when she came on the studio lot. Studio employees were told to withhold her fan mail.
She almost quit, but a meeting with a special "fan" at a fundraiser changed her mind. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. told her that Star Trek was the only show his children were allowed to stay up late to watch. He reminded her that she had opened a door that must not be allowed to close, because she was a role model for black children everywhere! As he said, "For the first time, the world sees us as we should be seen, as equals, as intelligent people."
"For over fifty years, millions of Nichelle's fans have watched Star Trek and continued to dream about the places and spaces they dare to envision themselves in. To boldly go . . . to make the future better for everyone!"
This empowering tribute to the trailblazing pop culture icon reminds us of the importance of perseverance and the power of representation in storytelling. You just might be inspired to boldly go where no one like you has ever gone before!
I learned that even on set and in Hollywood, Nichols was harassed and made to feel "less than". People told her "You don't work here," when she came on the studio lot. Studio employees were told to withhold her fan mail.
She almost quit, but a meeting with a special "fan" at a fundraiser changed her mind. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. told her that Star Trek was the only show his children were allowed to stay up late to watch. He reminded her that she had opened a door that must not be allowed to close, because she was a role model for black children everywhere! As he said, "For the first time, the world sees us as we should be seen, as equals, as intelligent people."
"For over fifty years, millions of Nichelle's fans have watched Star Trek and continued to dream about the places and spaces they dare to envision themselves in. To boldly go . . . to make the future better for everyone!"
This empowering tribute to the trailblazing pop culture icon reminds us of the importance of perseverance and the power of representation in storytelling. You just might be inspired to boldly go where no one like you has ever gone before!
January 20, 2023
I picked this one up as the start of my participating in the Melanatedreader #20booksbyblackfolx 2023 challenge.
Brand new (just released this week) children's book, aimed at ages 4 through 8, that tells the story of Star Trek airing during the civil rights movement and how Nichols was encouraged to stay on the show by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when she considered quitting due to her role being cut down and other forms of racist treatment behind the scenes. Also touches on other aspects of Nichols' life, like her dancing career, and her work to recruit women and minorities into NASA.
Last year I learned my mom didn't even know the story about Nichols and Dr. King, so I'm so glad a new book is getting that story out to the youngest folks among us and their parents. I also haven't yet had a chance to read Nichols' own autobiography or watch the recent documentary on her, so this taught me things I didn't know about, like her touring with Duke Ellington, and her promise to bring a class action suit against NASA if her involvement in recruitment didn't actually lead to more minorities applying. She dealt with so much prejudice, and after her passing last year, it's the least we can do to pass her legacy down to the next generation. Semmer's artwork is distinctive and colorful, and Dalton including her own reminiscences about watching reruns as a young child is a nice addition to stories like Whoopi Goldberg's of finally getting to see a Black woman on TV who wasn't a maid.
If you want a physical copy of this for yourself or a kiddo in your life, I highly recommend ordering from the store Sistah Scifi if possible. They're one of the first Black-owned bookstores focused on sci-fi and fantasy, and every order I've placed with them has shipped speedily and come with a sweet note from the owner. Their mission is awesome and I hope to see their success grow.
Brand new (just released this week) children's book, aimed at ages 4 through 8, that tells the story of Star Trek airing during the civil rights movement and how Nichols was encouraged to stay on the show by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when she considered quitting due to her role being cut down and other forms of racist treatment behind the scenes. Also touches on other aspects of Nichols' life, like her dancing career, and her work to recruit women and minorities into NASA.
Last year I learned my mom didn't even know the story about Nichols and Dr. King, so I'm so glad a new book is getting that story out to the youngest folks among us and their parents. I also haven't yet had a chance to read Nichols' own autobiography or watch the recent documentary on her, so this taught me things I didn't know about, like her touring with Duke Ellington, and her promise to bring a class action suit against NASA if her involvement in recruitment didn't actually lead to more minorities applying. She dealt with so much prejudice, and after her passing last year, it's the least we can do to pass her legacy down to the next generation. Semmer's artwork is distinctive and colorful, and Dalton including her own reminiscences about watching reruns as a young child is a nice addition to stories like Whoopi Goldberg's of finally getting to see a Black woman on TV who wasn't a maid.
If you want a physical copy of this for yourself or a kiddo in your life, I highly recommend ordering from the store Sistah Scifi if possible. They're one of the first Black-owned bookstores focused on sci-fi and fantasy, and every order I've placed with them has shipped speedily and come with a sweet note from the owner. Their mission is awesome and I hope to see their success grow.
May 2, 2025
This is the true story of Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek. At a time when Black women were rarely seen on TV, especially in strong roles, Nichols became a symbol of progress in civil rights. She wanted to quit the show, but a very important fan, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. convinced her to stay because of how important her role was. Later, she worked with NASA to help recruit women and people of color as astronauts. Her work broke barriers in both entertainment and space exploration.
I read the print version, which features bold and beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life. The illustrations support the text and make it an easy read, setting the tone to help understand the historical context. I found this book to be accurate, engaging, and age-appropriate. It is also a good example of culturally relevant literature and social justice storytelling.
This book is Ideal for grades 2–5 or ages 7–11 and even in middle school, depending on literacy levels. It is a great text for biography units, media literacy, civil rights, and women in STEM. It encourages critical thinking and discussion.
I read the print version, which features bold and beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life. The illustrations support the text and make it an easy read, setting the tone to help understand the historical context. I found this book to be accurate, engaging, and age-appropriate. It is also a good example of culturally relevant literature and social justice storytelling.
This book is Ideal for grades 2–5 or ages 7–11 and even in middle school, depending on literacy levels. It is a great text for biography units, media literacy, civil rights, and women in STEM. It encourages critical thinking and discussion.
November 16, 2023
Delightful, educational, and inspiring--another winner on the juvenile biography shelf!
February 7, 2025
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
Even people who are well versed in Civil Rights might not know that Nichelle Nichols, aka Lt. Uhura on the original Star Trek, was greatly involved in the movement. It's not surprising, given the impact of the role of her character in changing the face of broadcast television in the 1960s, but it is interesting to see her acting career framed by her involvement in this movement.
I love how this is centered on the experience of the author, who as a little girl watched Star Trek and was mesmerized to see a Black woman have a major role in a popular show. Fifty years ago, this was something of a rarity, and is was fascinating to see how Nichols worked with show creator Gene Roddenberry to craft her character. It was heartbreaking to see that she had been interested in ballet, but was turned away because of her race. Including the anecdote about her conversation with Dr. Marting Luther King, who encouraged her not to leave the show, shows how important her representation was to young viewers and the Civil Rights movement as a whole. An afternote talks about the actress's work with NASA in the 1970s, as they strove to recruit young women of color to the space program.
The illustrations are very bright, and have lots of nice 1960s colors. Nichol's clothing is particularly colorful, and the whole book has a nice vintage vibe to it.
There is a surprising amount of information, so that if students are working on a short biography project, this would have plenty of information to cite. It's not too long, though, so including it in a Black History Month read aloud would work as well.
While avid Trekkies will want to add To Boldly Go to their bookshelves, along with Michelson's Fascinating : the life of Leonard Nimoy or some of Little Golden Books volumes of various original series episodes, this is also a great addition to books about Civil Rights like Cline-Ransome and Ransome's Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis, McDaniel and Harrison's Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller, Tate's Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes, or Charles' and Skidmore's Katanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for All.
The illustrations are very bright, and have lots of nice 1960s colors. Nichol's clothing is particularly colorful, and the whole book has a nice vintage vibe to it.
There is a surprising amount of information, so that if students are working on a short biography project, this would have plenty of information to cite. It's not too long, though, so including it in a Black History Month read aloud would work as well.
While avid Trekkies will want to add To Boldly Go to their bookshelves, along with Michelson's Fascinating : the life of Leonard Nimoy or some of Little Golden Books volumes of various original series episodes, this is also a great addition to books about Civil Rights like Cline-Ransome and Ransome's Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis, McDaniel and Harrison's Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller, Tate's Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes, or Charles' and Skidmore's Katanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for All.
Even people who are well versed in Civil Rights might not know that Nichelle Nichols, aka Lt. Uhura on the original Star Trek, was greatly involved in the movement. It's not surprising, given the impact of the role of her character in changing the face of broadcast television in the 1960s, but it is interesting to see her acting career framed by her involvement in this movement.
I love how this is centered on the experience of the author, who as a little girl watched Star Trek and was mesmerized to see a Black woman have a major role in a popular show. Fifty years ago, this was something of a rarity, and is was fascinating to see how Nichols worked with show creator Gene Roddenberry to craft her character. It was heartbreaking to see that she had been interested in ballet, but was turned away because of her race. Including the anecdote about her conversation with Dr. Marting Luther King, who encouraged her not to leave the show, shows how important her representation was to young viewers and the Civil Rights movement as a whole. An afternote talks about the actress's work with NASA in the 1970s, as they strove to recruit young women of color to the space program.
The illustrations are very bright, and have lots of nice 1960s colors. Nichol's clothing is particularly colorful, and the whole book has a nice vintage vibe to it.
There is a surprising amount of information, so that if students are working on a short biography project, this would have plenty of information to cite. It's not too long, though, so including it in a Black History Month read aloud would work as well.
While avid Trekkies will want to add To Boldly Go to their bookshelves, along with Michelson's Fascinating : the life of Leonard Nimoy or some of Little Golden Books volumes of various original series episodes, this is also a great addition to books about Civil Rights like Cline-Ransome and Ransome's Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis, McDaniel and Harrison's Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller, Tate's Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes, or Charles' and Skidmore's Katanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for All.
The illustrations are very bright, and have lots of nice 1960s colors. Nichol's clothing is particularly colorful, and the whole book has a nice vintage vibe to it.
There is a surprising amount of information, so that if students are working on a short biography project, this would have plenty of information to cite. It's not too long, though, so including it in a Black History Month read aloud would work as well.
While avid Trekkies will want to add To Boldly Go to their bookshelves, along with Michelson's Fascinating : the life of Leonard Nimoy or some of Little Golden Books volumes of various original series episodes, this is also a great addition to books about Civil Rights like Cline-Ransome and Ransome's Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis, McDaniel and Harrison's Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller, Tate's Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes, or Charles' and Skidmore's Katanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for All.
February 25, 2023
First sentence: It was TV night--the best night--and I could hear the click-click-clicking of buttons as Dad searched for the right channel. As the sweet syrupy goodness of red Kool-Aid splashed into my glass, I knew the real treat was yet to come.
Premise/plot: To Boldly Go has a framework--for better or worse. The framework is a young girl and her family coming together around the television set to watch Star Trek [The Original Series.] The family is particularly excited that this television show shows one of their own, someone who looks like them. The book then turns a bit into a more traditional picture book biography. But it isn't traditional--not really. This picture book biography is told--focused--through a lens. The subtitle reveals all. It isn't biography for the sake of biography. It is using a woman's life--and work--to provide context and understanding to a slice of American history.
My thoughts: Star Trek reruns were on way past my bedtime growing up. I occasionally saw the opening scenes and credits--and I was fascinated. But rarely got to see more. I do like the original series. (Though I'm always Team Next Generation). I definitely wanted to read this picture book biography.
Do I love the framework? Do I wish this picture book was more traditional? more straightforward? I don't know. I think the framework works hand in hand with the lens though which this story unfolds. The framework complements this non-traditional [aka unique] storytelling.
I liked the text. I definitely learned more about Nichelle Nichols. (I didn't know she was a singer/dancer!) I liked the illustrations as well.
Premise/plot: To Boldly Go has a framework--for better or worse. The framework is a young girl and her family coming together around the television set to watch Star Trek [The Original Series.] The family is particularly excited that this television show shows one of their own, someone who looks like them. The book then turns a bit into a more traditional picture book biography. But it isn't traditional--not really. This picture book biography is told--focused--through a lens. The subtitle reveals all. It isn't biography for the sake of biography. It is using a woman's life--and work--to provide context and understanding to a slice of American history.
My thoughts: Star Trek reruns were on way past my bedtime growing up. I occasionally saw the opening scenes and credits--and I was fascinated. But rarely got to see more. I do like the original series. (Though I'm always Team Next Generation). I definitely wanted to read this picture book biography.
Do I love the framework? Do I wish this picture book was more traditional? more straightforward? I don't know. I think the framework works hand in hand with the lens though which this story unfolds. The framework complements this non-traditional [aka unique] storytelling.
I liked the text. I definitely learned more about Nichelle Nichols. (I didn't know she was a singer/dancer!) I liked the illustrations as well.
March 4, 2023
This is a picture book biography of Nichelle Nichols which focuses on the impact she had on people who watched her portray Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek.
When she was a child, her parents encouraged her to do what she loved. First she did ballet even though instructors told her Black people could not dance ballet. Then she toured with Duke Ellington, singing and dancing. Next she played a small role in a movie. And then - Star Trek. She helped Gene Roddenberry create the character's backstory. She helped discover Uhura's name from a Swahili word meaning freedom. But Hollywood, just like the rest of America, was filled with prejudiced people. She was belittled, her presence on the show reduced, her fan mail withheld. She decided to quit. But that same night she met Martin Luther King, Jr., who was a big fan. He explained how important her presence was on the show for Black people as a role model but also for others to see a Black person in a leadership role, a role where a Black woman was represented as intelligent and with dignity. So she decided to continue with the show. After the show ended, she worked with NASA, recruiting women and minorities. I liked that she told NASA that if she recruited people and then NASA did not select them to go into space, that she would file a class action suit against NASA. Fortunately, NASA did select both women and other underrepresented people to become astronauts.
The author said that studying Nichelle has inspired her to ask herself, "Am I making an impact for positive change?"
When she was a child, her parents encouraged her to do what she loved. First she did ballet even though instructors told her Black people could not dance ballet. Then she toured with Duke Ellington, singing and dancing. Next she played a small role in a movie. And then - Star Trek. She helped Gene Roddenberry create the character's backstory. She helped discover Uhura's name from a Swahili word meaning freedom. But Hollywood, just like the rest of America, was filled with prejudiced people. She was belittled, her presence on the show reduced, her fan mail withheld. She decided to quit. But that same night she met Martin Luther King, Jr., who was a big fan. He explained how important her presence was on the show for Black people as a role model but also for others to see a Black person in a leadership role, a role where a Black woman was represented as intelligent and with dignity. So she decided to continue with the show. After the show ended, she worked with NASA, recruiting women and minorities. I liked that she told NASA that if she recruited people and then NASA did not select them to go into space, that she would file a class action suit against NASA. Fortunately, NASA did select both women and other underrepresented people to become astronauts.
The author said that studying Nichelle has inspired her to ask herself, "Am I making an impact for positive change?"
October 12, 2024
I remember watching re-runs at my grandmothers house. They didn't play the show in AR. The show was fun. I because a trekkie with the TNG Star Trek. Still, I didn't know a whole lot about the actors.
I learned quite a bit from this book. I did know hat Nichelle meant a lot to people and I didn't understand how much. I didn't realize families watched the show just to see her. How cool to see the impact of that role.
Nichelle almost quite the show for various reasons. They kept cutting her dialogue. That's a shame. She could have been more. But, at least she was there. The day after she quite, she ran into a fan who convinced her to stay - Dr. Martin Luther King JR. That's pretty cool. The universe wanted her to stay on that show. Thank goodness she did. The movies resurrected her character with the others and we got to see more of her finally.
Nichelle herself was a ballet dancer and all around performer. She gave hope to so many people out there.
The artwork was good. It was all digital. I'm sure it's copyright, but the worst drawing of the Enterprise ship was on the TV in this book. It was funny how bad it was. The artwork was fun and it makes Nichelle seem like a very exciting person as well.
I think kids will enjoy this, well, maybe if they are into old TV shows. It's a very old show now.
I learned quite a bit from this book. I did know hat Nichelle meant a lot to people and I didn't understand how much. I didn't realize families watched the show just to see her. How cool to see the impact of that role.
Nichelle almost quite the show for various reasons. They kept cutting her dialogue. That's a shame. She could have been more. But, at least she was there. The day after she quite, she ran into a fan who convinced her to stay - Dr. Martin Luther King JR. That's pretty cool. The universe wanted her to stay on that show. Thank goodness she did. The movies resurrected her character with the others and we got to see more of her finally.
Nichelle herself was a ballet dancer and all around performer. She gave hope to so many people out there.
The artwork was good. It was all digital. I'm sure it's copyright, but the worst drawing of the Enterprise ship was on the TV in this book. It was funny how bad it was. The artwork was fun and it makes Nichelle seem like a very exciting person as well.
I think kids will enjoy this, well, maybe if they are into old TV shows. It's a very old show now.
March 15, 2023
This is an interesting picture book biography of Nichelle Nicoles, who was most famouse for her role as Uhura in the original Star Trek series. The book does focus on her youth and her time on the television show, and it shares the famous story of how Martin Luther King, Jr. asked her to stay on the cast when she was considering leaving the show. There is also a two-page spread that highlights her post-Trek experience of helping NASA recruit diverse astronauts for the space program.
I really liked how the author highlighted how seeing her on television inspired many children like her to want to strive to achieve similar things. The book does a geat job of highlighiting how important such modeling is!
I thought the illustraton style worked really well. The illustrations are bright and vibrant, not unlike the color choices made for the original Star Trek show. There is a simplicity in the style, but it also captures each situation being described quite well. The drawings almost felt like cut multimedia/papercraft.
I really liked how the author highlighted how seeing her on television inspired many children like her to want to strive to achieve similar things. The book does a geat job of highlighiting how important such modeling is!
I thought the illustraton style worked really well. The illustrations are bright and vibrant, not unlike the color choices made for the original Star Trek show. There is a simplicity in the style, but it also captures each situation being described quite well. The drawings almost felt like cut multimedia/papercraft.
March 4, 2023
If you are a fan of Star Trek, of Uhura, of Nichols, of beautiful women, of history or black history in particular and you have kids, you must get this book. They should not be deprived. It might be easy for some to have said in the past that Nichols was just a pretty face, until the truth came out, that she started out as a singer and was a successful one, that she was discouraged by her character's limitations but Martin Luther King Jr. kept her from quitting. I'd heard bits and pieces about Nichols but not much. This was a great book to learn more about her and her place in history, that she was more than a pretty face. And not just a pretty face, but a stunning one. The illustrations for this book were fine, Nichols/Uhura was beautiful, but it's a testament to Nichols that every art image of her that I've seen can't match her real beauty.
Get this book for your kid(s), get this book for yourself.
Get this book for your kid(s), get this book for yourself.
July 26, 2023
Strange that the uniform Nichols wears isn't accurate--wrong neckline, no bands at the wrist, weird symbols instead of the badge. Is it because the book isn't licensed or approved by Star Trek? Back matter includes note about Beyond Star Trek which in some ways is even more interesting. Kind of weird it mentions that Nichols' recruitment efforts for NASA helped bring on three of the members of the Challenger crew but doesn't mention that it was a disaster with no survivors--especially when they choose to show an inset of the Challenger crew in an illustration. Like???
I'm also torn about Nichols staying on Star Trek because a man told her she had to. Even if it was Martin Luther King.
Nichols died in July so it's also a bit strange that the author's note doesn't indicate that. Was there not enough time in the printing process?
Sources include one autobiography by Nichols, one documentary, quotes credits.
I'm also torn about Nichols staying on Star Trek because a man told her she had to. Even if it was Martin Luther King.
Nichols died in July so it's also a bit strange that the author's note doesn't indicate that. Was there not enough time in the printing process?
Sources include one autobiography by Nichols, one documentary, quotes credits.
March 14, 2023
"..each of us can be significant in ways we may not know..."
Uhura was a great character on Star Trek, for so many reasons. As a child, watching Star Trek, I took for granted her place on the bridge of the Enterprise, she simply belonged there, doing her job.
As I read this book, I was reminded of my shock, sadness and disappointment when I first heard she nearly quit the show... I can't imagine a Star Trek without her in the complete run.
This book does a really nice job of guiding the reader through her significance on the bridge -- one she didn't fully "feel" in the moment, until someone she respected helped her see her situation from a different perspective.
Not only did Uhura inspire a generation (or more), but as this book explains, Nichelle Nichols partnered with NASA and recruited you help make a reality what she had portrayed on screen.
Uhura was a great character on Star Trek, for so many reasons. As a child, watching Star Trek, I took for granted her place on the bridge of the Enterprise, she simply belonged there, doing her job.
As I read this book, I was reminded of my shock, sadness and disappointment when I first heard she nearly quit the show... I can't imagine a Star Trek without her in the complete run.
This book does a really nice job of guiding the reader through her significance on the bridge -- one she didn't fully "feel" in the moment, until someone she respected helped her see her situation from a different perspective.
Not only did Uhura inspire a generation (or more), but as this book explains, Nichelle Nichols partnered with NASA and recruited you help make a reality what she had portrayed on screen.
January 22, 2023
"You're important for people who don't look like us. For the first time, the world sees us as we should be seen, as equals, as intelligent people."—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., talking Nichelle Nichols out of quitting Star Trek
Simple yet appealing biography of the actor/ballet dancer/singer. I never knew she wanted to quit Star Trek because she felt her character wasn't properly developed the way many of the male characters were. Also, later in her career, NASA asked her for help recruiting female and nonwhite astronauts. She said yes but told NASA if she found qualified candidates for them and then saw that only white men were selected, she would personally sue the space agency. They listened.
Simple yet appealing biography of the actor/ballet dancer/singer. I never knew she wanted to quit Star Trek because she felt her character wasn't properly developed the way many of the male characters were. Also, later in her career, NASA asked her for help recruiting female and nonwhite astronauts. She said yes but told NASA if she found qualified candidates for them and then saw that only white men were selected, she would personally sue the space agency. They listened.
October 13, 2023
Before this book I didn’t know anything about Nichelle Nichols or really Star Trek— I’m not much of a science fiction fan. But I loved how the author tied in her personal story and connection to Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek. She made her story come alive for me. I also love the clever and unique way, the author tied civil rights into Nichelle Nichols’ story as well. It added another important layer and jumping off point for further learning. I appreciated and enjoyed the vibrant and simplistic style illustrations as well. Back matter includes an author’s note and more information about Nichelle Nichols’ work beyond Star Trek.
December 22, 2023
Thank you so much, author Angela Dalton and illustrator, Lauren Semmer, for releasing this work into the universe! I am so happy I chanced upon this book today at the Regulator Bookshop in Durham, North Carolina. The small bookstore is diminishing, but this space is thriving, and I probably never would have come across this book except that it was on display front and center. I loved watching Nichelle Nichols as a child and Star Trek. Now I want to binge watch the episodes to re-live my joy. If you are wondering if you should read & puchase this book--you should go right ahead. You will find out lots of interesting surprises!
February 14, 2023
An engaging picture book biography about Nichelle Nichols who is best known for her role as Uhura, a communications officer, in the original Star Trek series. The book does a good job of describing her life and her aspiration to be an actress, how Black women were typecast into playing servants on tv, and how Uhura's role encouraged Black entertainers and actively helped to encourage diversity in the space program. This is an accessible picture book that will delight and inspire and of course, a must-read for Star Trek fans of all ages.
December 18, 2024
The story of Nichelle Nichols has always been so inspiring, so I was pleased to pick up this book and read it. Loved the whole book, start to finish. Just the right balance of biography, discussion of issues regarding racism, and the right artwork all combined to give an experience which absolutely must be followed up with an episode or six of Star Trek, so you and your child can enjoy seeing Nichelle in action. This is definitely a must read for any fan of Star Trek, or for people looking for real life heroes.
March 1, 2023
The art in this book was enjoyable and the storytelling was well done. I liked how the author started out with the pure pleasure of a family gathering to watch a TV show, complete with the iconic opening voiceover. Then we get to understand the impact of Nichelle Nichols’ portrayal of Lt. Uhura and the vision of a future very different from the real one. The author’s note is a story in and of itself. Don’t miss it!
March 15, 2023
A wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman. This picture book bio focuses on Nichols' decision to stay on Star Trek. It's an excellent story on its own. It's easy to forget how forward thinking Star Trek was back then, and it's good to get a reminder. It's also good to get a reminder of what a wonderful woman Nichelle Nichols was. Hugely recommended to anyone who wants to share their admiration of a legend with a child.
August 6, 2024
I watched as much Star Trek as anyone through my childhood and college years, but this book gobsmacked me. I had no idea what a powerhouse Nichols was before Star Trek, and even more so afterwards. I learned more in this four-minute read than any other four minutes all month. And it's a great two-fer for Black History Month and Women's History Month.
"In our century, we've learned to not fear words." ~Lt Uhura (Season 3)
"In our century, we've learned to not fear words." ~Lt Uhura (Season 3)
February 7, 2023
Great book about Nichelle! I love her and saw her at different sci-fi conventions. She was a charming woman. The book will help kids to understand more about racism. She sure changed a lot of minds about what African Americans and other can do. Her life was less than extraordinary. And sure she lived in extraordinary times. This is a must read, even if you are not a Star Trek (TOS). I loved it!
February 12, 2023
This is a wonderful little introduction to the life of Nichelle Nichols, the incredible impact she had as part of Star Trek, and her incredible influence in pop culture, science, and civil rights. The art is lovely and the story is accessible for the new generations just learning about her for the first time. Recommended!
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