Synopsis
Read about the first Latina in space, Ellen Ochoa, one of the most groundbreaking, iconic Hispanic and Latinx heroes that have shaped our culture and the world, in this gripping biography written by Claudia Romo Edelman and Nathalie Alonso, with black-and-white illustrations by Manuel Gutierrez, perfect for fans of the Who Was and She Persisted series.
Meet award-winning engineer and veteran astronaut Ellen Ochoa―once just a girl from Los Angeles, California. The granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, Ellen would pursue a career in physics at a young age and go on to earn master’s and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University. In 1993, Ellen became the first Latina in space. As a retired astronaut, she became the first Hispanic and second female director of the Johnson Space Center, has been an advocate for women and minorities in STEM fields, and was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Hispanic Star proudly celebrates Hispanic and Latinx heroes who have made remarkable contributions to American culture and have been undeniable forces in shaping its future.
About the Authors
Claudia Romo Edelman is a global mobilization expert, catalyst for social change, and marketer for social causes. She is a recognized speaker, activist, thought leader & author, and upcoming entrepreneur. Claudia is the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation and co-host of the podcast “A la Latina: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self.” She is also currently starting a family business. She is a Mexican-Swiss diplomat with more than 25 years of experience leading marketing and advocacy for global organizations, including the World Economic Forum, UNICEF, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the United Nations. She speaks 6 languages, has two children, and enjoys sports and traveling.
Nathalie Alonso is a Cuban American journalist and Sibert Honor-winning author from Queens, New York. She is the author and translator of Hispanic Star: Sonia Sotomayor and Hispanic Star: Ellen Ochoa, as well as several picture books, including Old Clothes for Dinner?! (Barefoot Books, 2024), Call Me Roberto! (Calkins Creek, 2024), Take Me Out to the Ball Game! (Barefoot Books, 2025), and ¡Viva Valenzuela! (Calkins Creek, 2026). Since 2006, Nathalie has been part of the Spanish editorial team at MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball. She is also a freelance journalist with bylines in TIME for Kids, National Geographic, Refinery29, Well + Good, AFAR and Outside, among other publications. Nathalie holds a bachelor's in American Studies from Columbia University.
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