Everything You Need to Know, from Training to Re-entry
Starred review from February 15, 2023
A former space shuttle pilot and International Space Station commander recalls in unusually exacting detail what it's like to be an astronaut. In the same vein as his more expansive adult title How To Astronaut (2020), Virts describes and reflects on his experiences with frank and photographic precision--from riding the infamous "Vomit Comet" to what astronauts wear, eat, and get paid. He also writes vividly about what Earth looks like from near orbit: the different colors of deserts, for instance, and storms that "are so powerful that the flashes from the lightning illuminate the inside of the space station." With an eye to younger audiences with stars in their eyes, he describes space programs of the past and near future in clear, simple language and embeds pep talks about the importance of getting a good education and ignoring nay-sayers. For readers eager to start their training early, he also tucks in the occasional preparatory "Astronaut Activity," such as taking some (unused) household item apart...and then putting it back together. Lozano supplements the small color photos of our planet from space and astronauts at work with helpful labeled images, including two types of spacesuits and a space shuttle, as well as cartoon spot art depicting diverse figures. Finally, an astro-memoir for kids that really gets down to the nitty-gritty. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 9-11)
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Starred review from March 15, 2023
Grades 4-7 *Starred Review* Virts, a retired space-shuttle pilot and International Space Station commander and author of How to Astronaut (2020), brings his insider experience and inspirational storytelling style to young readers in this enhanced memoir of his career. After a brief overview of the space race and space-shuttle missions, Virts explains some of the skills needed to be an astronaut, like learning how to administer CPR by "standing" on the ceiling to push on someone's chest, through his own task-filled training. Another chapter is dedicated to his first space-shuttle launch, with honest takes on wearing diapers ("it's a long time before we can use a bathroom") and the dangers of space, a section that includes information on the Challenger explosion. The most popular chapters, however, are sure to be those about living in space (with more bathroom updates), spacewalking, and Earth views from space. Along the way, Virts' upbeat narrative presents not only fascinating details about everyday functions, such as eating and sleeping, but the impact of space on the human body and what viewing Earth from space can tell us about wealth distribution and climate change. A final chapter considers what's on the horizon in space exploration. Photos of the author in action as well as related graphics and activities help readers imagine astronauts at work. A fun, fact-filled reflection of space-bound adventure.
COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.