This motivational story for kids is perfect for ages 5–10 and teaches children the value of dreaming big and never giving up, no matter what others say. It’s especially powerful for teaching them that they can achieve anything, even if someone says it’s “not for them.” Whether it’s wanting to become an astronaut or just following their heart, this short story inspires confidence, equality, and determination. Scroll down to read the full story or listen to the audio version.
Never Stop
The spaceship sparkled among the stars, while colorful planets quickly spun outside the window.
“What a beautiful spaceship! It’s going so fast! But where are we going?” Maria asked the alien who was piloting the ship.
“To my world,” answered the alien Koby in his own language, which somehow Maria could understand. “It’s a world…”
RRRRIIINNNGGG!!!
The alarm clock rang, cutting the dream short.
“Too bad, just when it was getting good,” Maria said, rubbing her eyes. “Oh well, I’ll finish it tomorrow night.”
She got ready for school quickly, grabbed her blue backpack with stars and planets on it, had breakfast, and headed for the school bus.
When she arrived at school, she overheard Ms. Susy talking to some people dressed in a way Maria recognized immediately. They were astronauts!
Not in the big white suits—Maria knew those were only for spacewalks—but they had the NASA logo.
Maria couldn’t wait to meet them, so she hurried to her seat next to Camilla.
“Hi Camilla!”
“Hi Maria!”
“Did you know Ms. Susy is talking to real astronauts?”
“What are you talking about, Maria?”
“Yes, yes! Look! There they are!”
Ms. Susy entered, followed by a woman and a man.
“Good morning, children. Today we have two very special guests. They’re astronauts from NASA. Say hello!”
“Told you!” Maria whispered to Camilla.
“Okay, you were right… but how did you know?”
“I love space! I recognized the logo!”
“Children, quiet please,” said the teacher. “Miss Stella and Mister Elio are here to present a very interesting project. Listen carefully.”
“Good morning, children,” said Miss Stella. “We’re here to tell you about the Young Astronauts Summer School!”
“It’s a camp where you’ll visit NASA and get to try all the things astronauts do before they’re ready to go to space!”
Maria was thrilled. She had to go to that school.
Ms. Susy continued, “They’re also here to answer your questions, so… go ahead!”
Maria raised her hand. “How can I get into the summer school?”
“You just need to sign up!” answered Mister Elio. “First, your parents have to give permission. If they agree, you can join.”
“What’s this? You wanna be an astronaut, Maria?” said Blaze, a boy Maria didn’t like very much.
“Yes, so what? If I want to, I can,” replied Maria.
“But that’s a boy thing!” Blaze insisted.
“Oh, that’s such a dumb thing to say!” Camilla said, crossing her arms.
“You’ll never make it,” Blaze added.
“Blaze,” Ms. Susy said sternly. “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“A nurse,” the boy replied.
“Okay, now imagine someone telling you you’ll never make it and that it’s a girl’s job. How would you feel?” the teacher asked.
“I’d be angry, because I want to do it.”
“Exactly. So, do you think it was right to say that to Maria?”
“No.”
“Well then, apologize to her.”
“Sorry, Maria.”
“It’s okay. I forgive you, Blaze.”
“Children,” the teacher said, “remember this: we all have dreams, and we all have the right to follow them. Sometimes people try to make it harder—especially for girls—but we must never give up. What Maria said is true: If you want to, you can!”
“Your teacher is right,” added Miss Stella. “People told me I’d never become an astronaut—and yet, I’ve been to space three times.”
Even though Blaze apologized, Maria never forgot what he had said.
But years later…
She did become an astronaut!
She went to space.
And as the Earth shrank outside the spaceship window, Maria smiled, remembering the words of the alien Koby.
She had done it.
She hadn’t given up.
If she wanted to, she could.
If you liked this story, we invite you to check out Storyender for powerful values-based stories for kids. Each one helps children understand important life lessons in a gentle, fun, and memorable way.
