Review by Booklist Review
From the Dr. Dave Astronaut series, which began with To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space (2016), this volume uses the same approach to discuss how people become astronauts and what training they receive in order to do their jobs well. Williams, a Canadian doctor and former NASA astronaut, has great credibility as he explains how the system works. Kids may be surprised to learn that while a solid education is a necessity, so is expeditionary behavior, which arises from personal qualities and practices such as kindness, humility, accountability, sharing, helping others, and admitting mistakes. The writing style is clear and colloquial, while the many interesting and practical details give the book authority as well. Simulators, underwater training, and wilderness survival are among the topics introduced in the double-page presentations, which include cartoonlike digital illustrations and color photos as well as text boxes presenting aspects of the subject. An upbeat, colorful introduction to astronaut training.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-Williams, a Canadian neurosurgeon and part of the 1998 and 2007 space shuttle missions, explains what it takes to be an astronaut-it isn't all about learning to fly. Williams emphasizes the importance of STEM subjects as well as survival training and teamwork. But it's not just what one studies that matters. An astronaut must be curious, confident, passionate about physical fitness, and committed. Williams guides readers through the training process: first aid, robotics, space walking, astronomy, and engineering are just a few of the topics he covers. A head shot of Williams in his space suit is found on almost every spread as he shares personal notes and additional factoids. Photographs of astronauts training and in space, along with comical cartoon drawings laid out on a blue background, give this title a fun scrapbook feel. VERDICT We have liftoff! This pleasing look at what qualities it takes to be an astronaut will be useful for lessons on space, careers, goal setting, and the value of determination.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A former astronaut lays out the personal qualities, preparation, and training required to join the select group of those who have traveled into space.As "Dr. Dave" and his co-author make clear, there is no single track to acceptance into one of the highly competitive astronaut-training programs, but there are several general prerequisitesfrom resilience and the ability to be part of a team to finishing grad school and working for some years in a STEM (or STEAM) field. Then there is the challenging training itself, much of which takes place underwater and in simulators (with, to be sure, occasional rides on the renowned "vomit comet"), which eventually leads to specific mission preparation. All of this is presented in general terms, with a mix of descriptions and side comments, bulleted lists, small color photographs, and cartoon views of a multicultural cast of young aspirants working their ways through to a final "Class of 2026" group picture in space suits. But even for readers who "pursue your dreams on Earth," the author concludes, "training like an astronaut will help you be the best you can be." As Williams puts it (and he should know), "the gain is totally worth the pain!" (further reading) (Informational picture book. 7-11) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
