The Girl Who Dreamed of Space: The Story of Eileen Collins, NASA's First Female Pilot and Commander

Discover the inspiring true story of how Eileen Collins overcame countless obstacles to become NASA's first female pilot and mission commander

Eileen Collins was a quiet girl with a big dream: to fly. Growing up with limited means and struggling to find her voice, she never imagined she would one day make history. But through focus, courage, and fierce determination, Eileen rose above expectations—becoming NASA’s first female pilot and later its first female mission commander.

In this lyrical and inspiring picture book biography, Melissa Trempe tells the story of a girl who refused to let doubt, fear, or barriers define her path. Paired with Daniel Egneus’s sweeping, atmospheric illustrations, The Girl Who Dreamed of Space celebrates perseverance, resilience, and the power of dreaming beyond what seems possible.