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. PRAISE FOR THE HISPANIC STAR SERIES Hispanic Star: Sonia Sotomayor and Hispanic Star: Ellen Ochoa “With plenty of white space and illustrations sprinkled throughout, these titles are accessible for young researchers…The books end with “Did you know” sections that share cool facts and relevant web links. This series continues to impress.” – School Library Journal Hispanic Star: Roberto Clemente A Junior Library Guild Selection ★ "A sense of warmth and pride radiates through this telling, and even non-sports fans will be drawn in. . . Well-crafted and accessible." - School Library Journal , starred review "Highlighted issues of racism [add] context to his times and luster to his achievements." – Kirkus Hispanic Star: Celia Cruz A Kirkus Best of the Year books for Middle Grade selection A Teacher & Librarian FAVORITES 3rd-5th Grade selection ★ "A lyrical, informative chapter book biography of Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa. . . A must-purchase for all nonfiction shelves. Browsable and report-ready, this series debut brings the sweet story of la Reina de la Salsa to life. ¡Azúúúcar!" - School Library Journal , starred review ★ "Engaging illustrations and informative sidebars further enrich the heartfelt informational text. Positive affirmations are sprinkled throughout the book; readers will come away inspired to follow Celia’s positive example. . . A compelling look at the radiant life of La Reina de la Salsa." - Kirkus , starred review Hispanic Star en español: Celia Cruz "An excellent addition to Spanish-language biography collections for youth, focusing on a legendary figure of music who impacted not only Latin America, but the world as well." - School Library Journal Hispanic Star: Sylvia Rivera and Hispanic Star en español: Sylvia Rivera A 2024 Américas Award Honor for Children’s and Young Adult Literature Mombian’s New LGBTQ Kids’ Books roundup Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez "Discussions of Gomez’s physical and mental illness are refreshingly frank and empathetic. . . A story of passion and perseverance that will inspire the star’s fans and newcomers alike." - Kirkus Claudia Romo Edelman is the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation and Hispanic Star and has worked for twenty-five years with internationally recognized institutions, including the United Nations, the Global Fund, the World Economic Forum, and UNICEF. She’s led some of the most successful global campaigns in the last decade, including Product (RED), the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in collaboration with the United Nations, the creation of the SDG Lions, and the rebranding of the UN Refugee Agency. 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. Manuel Gutierrez is a self-taught, award-winning illustrator known as an international visual storyteller in comic books, film and commercial works, advertising, magazines, and books. His clients circle the globe, and he works tirelessly to always offer the very best illustrations to solve the visuals needed. Born in Neuquen, in the Argentinian Patagonia, Manuel lives in Peru, with photoshop, procreate,