Tam OShaughnessy - Sally Ride--A Photobiography of Americas Pioneering Woman in Space

Baby Sally with her mother, Joyce.

SALLY was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 26, 1951.

She grew up in a traditional family. Her father went to work each morning. Her mother stayed home and took care of Sally and her younger sister. The whole family went to church on Sundays.

Baby Sally with her dad.

Sallys father, Dale, was friendly and outgoing. He usually had a smile on his face. He had lots of friends. Dale was a social studies teacher at Santa Monica Junior High School and later a political science professor at Santa Monica City College. He was a sports nut. Dale played racquetball after work and tennis on weekends. He watched sports on TVeverything from tennis and track to basketball and football. Dale loved to play with his girls in the backyard. He made sure they learned how to swim and ride a bicycle.

Dale, Sally, and Joyce on the front lawn of Dales parents home in Santa Monica, California.

Sally, two and a half years old, with Dale and baby sister Bear.

Dale taught Sally to ride a bike; Joyce taught her to read.

Sallys mom sent her a copy of little sister Karens birth announcement. Sally called herself Sassy before she could correctly pronounce her name.

Sallys mother, Joyce, was friendly but not as outgoing as her husband. She had a few close friends. Her natural expression was relaxed but thoughtful. Joyce loved to read and think about politics, womens issues, and social causes, and she had a wicked wit. She was active in the Presbyterian Church. She also visited women in prison and helped them stay in touch with their families. Joyce made sure her girls learned how to read and write.

Sallys mother did most of the cooking, but her father pitched in on weekends and when there was company. Everyone shared in cleaning the house and taking care of the yard. Sally and her sister were expected to do their homework and get good grades in school. Other than that, there were few rules. Dale and Joyce were easygoing parents who created a loving, stable home.

She called her little sister Pear or Perry. Later this changed to Bear. Bear stuck.

Before Sally could say her own name, she called herself Sassy.

When her sister was born, Sally was two years old. She couldnt say Karen. She called her little sister Pear or Perry. Later this changed to Bear. Bear stuck.

Sally as a toddler.

Sally and Bear were very different, but got along well. Bear was a naturally kind child. Sally seldom went out of her way for other people. Bear had a wide circle of friends. Sally had one or two close friends. On weekends, Bear often invited one of her friends to spend the night at the Ride home. Sally rarely did thisshe liked to spend time by herself, reading or solving puzzles or watching her favorite TV shows I Love Lucy and The Twilight Zone.

Bears very first word: Ta tu (thank you!)

Sallys very first word: No (no!)

Sally bonded with her baby sister immediately.

Sally and Bear.

The sisters together during a trip to the zoo. Bear often copied her older sister.

Even at an early age, the sisters displayed many differences. Sally loved reading quietly and having time to herself; Bear was more social and was often surrounded by friends. Still, so close in age, they spent a lot of time together.