"This narrative nonfiction work recounts the early years of air and space exploration and the daring exploits of America's first astronauts--both the men and women who were called upon to train."-- Provided by publisher.

Preface: February 20, 1960 -- Flight dreams -- The sky belonged to men -- Lightning fast and always lovely -- The jet age -- "A man's work" -- The test pilot years -- Setting records, Sputnik and the start of the space race -- Astronaut testing and selection -- Female, unit 1: Testing begins -- Dedication -- Going public -- Money, monkeys and men -- Testing more women -- Corvettes and parties -- Women in the 1960s? -- A test pilot questioned -- Phase III testing and a telegram -- Race to the finish -- The fight goes to Washington -- Of course, no women -- After Mercury -- Picking up the pieces -- Epilogue: The ultimate glass ceiling.