Dalton, Angela. To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights. Lauren Semmer, Illus. Harper, 01/2023. [40]pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-0-06-307321-0. GRADES Kindergarten – 5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In this picture book biography of the notable “Star Trek” actress, Nichols is shown as overcoming racial discrimination as a child and later as one of the first Black actresses to play a leadership role in a TV series. Written by Oakland author Angela Dalton, the text is in first person from a young girl’s point of view, seeing someone who looked like her for the first time on television. The story’s highlight is Nichols’ encounter with Martin Luther King, Jr. who encouraged her to stay on the show because she was such a significant role model, even though her role had been reduced. The book ends with a description of her work as an ambassador for NASA, to encourage more diversity in their applicants. The full-color digital graphic illustrations are eye-catching and a great match for the text. This will be useful for both Black History Month and Women’s History Month.
Penny Peck—San Jose School University iSchool