Have you ever looked up at the stars and wondered what it would be like to travel into space ? Ellen Ochoa did — and she made that dream come true! Born in California to a Mexican-American family, Ellen grew up curious, determined, and full of big ideas. She loved solving problems, asking questions, and exploring how the world worked. But when she dreamed of becoming an astronaut, many people told her it wasn’t possible — especially for a young Hispanic girl . Ellen didn’t listen to the doubts. She worked hard, studied science, and refused to give up. In 1993, she became the first Hispanic woman to travel into space ! Her journey didn’t stop there. Ellen later became the Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center , inspiring millions of kids around the world to believe that anything is possible when you dream big and work hard . In this fun, inspiring biography, young readers will: Discover Ellen’s childhood curiosity and love for learning Learn how she overcame challenges and broke barriers Explore her amazing space missions and contributions to science Understand why representation matters in STEM Be inspired to chase their own dreams , no matter how big they seem Perfect for kids aged 7–12 , teachers, parents, and STEM programs, this book encourages young readers to believe in themselves and reach for their own stars . The universe is full of possibilities — and your dreams could be the next big discovery.