So You Want To Be An Astronaut (So You Want To Be A...)

"What a smart read for smart kids! Designed for young readers, So You Want To Be An Astronaut by Linda Soules offers the budding space explorer just about everything a kid needs to know about travel beyond our pale blue dot. From where they work, from the tools of the trade, to the best and hardest parts of the job. From the day-to-day routine on the International Space Station, from the people an astronaut will work with, to the most important personal qualities he or she needs to succeed, to inspiring examples of astronauts who did, this book provides plenty of useful information for any child or young teen considering a career as an astronaut.

What I appreciated most about So You Want To Be An Astronaut is its ability to speak honestly in an age-appropriate manner for its intended readers. Author Linda Soules has clearly researched her subject fully, but never allows that research to weigh down the content, illustrating she knows the attention span of her audience well. My favorite part of the book was the profile of Valentina Tereshkova, who at twenty-six applied for the job of cosmonaut on a whim and became the first woman in space. What an inspirational example for young girls she is! The illustrations also add to the book’s appeal with a combination of realistic and cartoon-style illustrations that should appeal to kids of all ages. Parents, too, will appreciate the “Want to Learn More?" section at the end of the book that includes books to read next, websites to explore, and things to do to help their children reach for the stars. A highly recommended introduction to a world of possibilities beyond our own."

"So You Want To Be an Astronaut pairs rigor with wonder for readers ten to twelve. Linda Soules writes as if she is beside a kid at the window: the dream is real, the work is hard, the sky still calls.

If someone asked what the book covers, I would trace it like a long answer over coffee. It opens on the pull to leave Earth, then moves into real preparation: candidate years, jets, the big pool, Russian, emergency drills. The middle is station life: science in weightlessness, maintenance, spacewalks, the suit as a small spacecraft, daily noise and habit. The launch reads almost tactile: countdown, shaking, high g, then silence and a drifting pencil. Soules keeps the harder truths in frame (long waits, strained bodies, months away from home) beside the wonder (Overview Effect, cupola light, dreams of wind and grass). Brief nods to Gagarin, Jemison, and Tereshkova sit near the end, where the tone turns toward what a curious kid can start doing now.

The book speaks to the reader directly and uses clear images (countdown, pencil after cutoff) so dense training feels graspable. Some stretches stack technical detail (pressure, suits, the body in space); some readers will stay with every line, others may skim. The glossary and fact boxes help. Short profiles and plain talk about missing home keep ambition from sounding like pure fantasy.

For a child who already looks up at night, this is a grounded companion. It explains the path in plain steps, without dulling the reason anyone looks up at all."

"Soules transports young readers to space in this informative guide to the life of an astronaut, one of many in her multi-part career exploration series. Space exploration is 'the biggest dream a human being can have,' she declares—and a profession that requires significant study, hard work, and rigid preparation. She details the training required, the physical toll the job takes on human bodies, and the important research that takes place, clarifying how the 'absence of gravity means that everything—sleeping, eating, exercising, going to the bathroom—must be relearned and adapted' for those brave and patient enough to take the risk.

The scope of information Soules provides is extensive but not overwhelming, covering nuts-and-bolts concerns like the mechanics of spacesuits, the fascinating novelty of weightlessness, and the emotional hardship of leaving loved ones behind for months at a time. Younger readers will be entertained by the book's amusing facts—somersaults are an everyday job perk, and shrimp cocktail in space can be a gastronomic delight—but Soules pays plenty of attention to the technicalities of the profession as well (telemetry readings, gravitational forces, and robotic limbs are just a sampling of those topics). Most interesting are fun facts about the surprises of life in space, like the unique smells a spacesuit picks up after spacewalks—'burned steak, gunpowder, and raspberries'—or why floating crumbs can be deadly...Soules does her best work when describing the emotional impact of an astronaut's job, the moments where the view of Earth from afar 'takes your breath away'—and the ultimate realization that traveling to space is the best way to 'understand why home matters.'"

"I completely did not expect to learn the vast amount of information from learning about Astronauts. It is also beyond fascinating... Be prepared to be in awe, surprised, and fascinated to a higher degree."

"The message to kids is clear: to do big things, you are going to have to work HARD, but it's worth it. It illustrates how good things don't come easy but without being discouraging."

"An easy-to-recommend title for parents who want to ignite the spark of science in their children."

"Filled with intriguing facts and wonderful illustrations, this book helps readers understand all of the work that goes into becoming an astronaut. A great addition to a classroom learning about space or careers."

"Explains things in a clear enough way that younger children can understand, but also with enough details that older children can get a small insight into more complex scenarios. Highly recommend for a teacher's library!"

"It's very well thought out and insightful. Excellent little book to help kiddos learn."

"SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ASTRONAUT is such a wonderful informative book! It not only explores the actual requirements of what it takes to be an astronaut but it also tells you the way – which was very insightful by the way, I had absolutely no idea but have always had a curiosity which was why I picked up the book in the first place...Something definitely needed for curious minds."

"I can’t get over the wealth of information in this book, and how surprising some of it was. It was delivered in such an engaging manner, that it was easy to devour and honestly was a lot of fun to read. It is also accompanied with some stunning illustrations that will no doubt keep the youngsters this is designed for captivated as they read. This is certainly a book I would recommend to any of the budding scientists/astronauts in your life."

"The book has covered every aspect of being an astronaut. From where they work (ISS) to how they train, the tools they use, and the best or hardest parts of the job. The author does a great job of explaining how astronauts prepare for space travel. She describes underwater training and the challenges of living without gravity. Their day-to-day routine in space includes doing science experiments, fixing machines, exercising every day, and even going on spacewalks outside the station. Everything is explained thoroughly for the kids with the help of beautiful illustrations."

"Linda writes in a fun and easy way. There is a description of what it feels like to launch into space. The author makes it sound loud, powerful, and amazing. Not only kids, but even grown-ups have a couple of things to learn. For example, staying calm under stressful situations and developing a curiosity towards learning every day and everything. There is an effect called the Overview Effect. This is what happens when astronauts look down at Earth from space. They do not see lines between countries. They do not see walls or borders. They just see one beautiful, swirling planet. This helps them realize that everyone on Earth is on the same team. It makes them want to take better care of our world. Some kids look at the stars and make wishes. Others look at the stars and make plans. If you belong to the second category, this book is for you."

"I read the book in one go and enjoyed every part of it! It's amazing how the author covered so much (for the age range) in just 38 pages. The book explains in very simple terms, the amount of preparation, teamwork and discipline involved in becoming an astronaut. It balances information with inspiration in a way that I found super exciting. The writing is simple and easy to follow. I loved how the author defined phrases like emotional intelligence, and explained the overview effect in simple terms. SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ASTRONAUT even simplifies the time and speed difference in space in relation to the usual time and speed on Earth and I found this very useful because I otherwise wouldn't relate as readily as I did. It's an age-appropriate book for young readers who are curious about space and what it takes to become astronauts."

"What a detailed guidebook! The author uses precise, technical language and doesn’t condescend; after all, a future astronaut must be willing to learn at every opportunity! In addition to a thorough examination of the role, there are diagrams of equipment, historical biographies, and a glossary of terms for budding minds to study. Readers can explore the best parts of the job… and the worst. They are given a realistic snapshot of what the rigors of the training program entail. Young minds will be set abuzz!"

"I found this book to be fascinating. I think it is a great read for anyone of any age who wants to learn more about what becoming an astronaut entails. The author keeps things simple and easy enough for a child to understand while keeping it interesting enough to also engage an adult...This was a very informative fun read and even I learned a few things about being an astronaut that I didn't know before."

"Treats young readers with respect, as capable of grasping complexity."

"An invitation to think from early stages of life about ambition in practical terms, where curiosity must be matched by endurance and preparation."

"An interesting and informative book with beautiful illustrations... a perfect fit for school or home settings. It inspires readers to keep asking questions, keep learning, and never give up reaching for the stars."

"I honestly learned a lot from this book, and I think that is what surprised me most. Instead of only focusing on launches and exciting moments in space, it spends time explaining the preparation, discipline, and problem solving that astronauts deal with long before they ever leave Earth. That made the whole subject feel much more real and impressive to me.

The parts about training and surviving in microgravity were especially interesting because they showed how physically and mentally demanding this career really is. I liked that the book did not try to oversimplify everything for younger readers. It explains complicated ideas in a way that is easy to follow while still respecting the reader’s intelligence. I also appreciated that it included the risks and pressures involved instead of making space travel seem effortless.

By the end, I felt like I had a much better understanding of what astronauts actually do and why the job requires so much commitment. It kept that sense of excitement and wonder while still being grounded in reality, which made it more engaging for me than books that only focus on the adventure side of space exploration."

"This was such an informative and visually stunning book. The first thing that caught my attention was the illustrations because they were absolutely vibrant, detailed, and beautiful. Honestly, the artwork alone helped tell the story of astronauts and space exploration in a way that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The illustrations added excitement and wonder to every page and made learning feel fun instead of overwhelming.

I also appreciated how educational and easy to understand the book was. It does an excellent job explaining what astronauts actually do, where they work, and what their daily lives are like. One part I found especially interesting was learning how astronauts wake up very early and follow extremely strict schedules. The book really helps readers understand that becoming an astronaut takes dedication, discipline, teamwork, and a lot of training.

Another wonderful aspect of the book was the inclusion of famous astronauts throughout history. I enjoyed learning more about the people who helped shape space exploration and inspired future generations to dream big. The author presents the information in a way that feels exciting and encouraging for young readers who may someday want to work in science or space exploration themselves.

This would be an outstanding addition to classrooms, school libraries, homeschool collections, or for any child fascinated with outer space, rockets, planets, and astronauts. The balance between educational information and eye-catching illustrations was done perfectly. The book keeps readers entertained while teaching important facts about astronaut life and space missions.

Overall, this was a fantastic read that combines learning and creativity beautifully."

"This is absolutely an amazing book and I can’t wait to read more in the series. Author Linda Soules creates an in-depth look at what it means to be an astronaut. She stirs the imagination and encourages dreams without shying away from reality; being an astronaut is hard work! She touches base on all the ways astronauts have to study and prepare, what life is like in space, and how astronauts change after their journey. With colorful, detailed pictures and inspiring descriptions, this book is sure to capture kids’ imaginations...I look forward to reading more of her books and getting them for my kids to be inspired by!"

"Great story telling from an astronaut's perspective. This book is packed with information and the Illustrations are very nice. The dramatic writing style and story telling really makes you feel like you understand how exhilarating and also demanding and daunting the experience can be to live in space, especially emotionally. Loved how the author explained how astronauts view Earth differently after space travel and I learned new things I didn’t expect to about training. Fun Facts were unlike other books I’ve read like this before. Very informative and fun read. I would recommend this series to others."

"Everything in this book is great! The language is inspiring, the pictures are insightful and the lessons sound like an interesting story. The author covers the wonders of being at the space but also the challenges. The last pages guide the children to more learning sources and the readers feel taken care of. I am grown up person and returned to my young years on these pages."

"I first noticed the wonderfully detailed, colorful drawings and actual photographs. Every aspect of being an astronaut is explained from who they are, what they do, where they work, what they wear, and important qualities. An astronaut's typical day in space is detailed. Interaction of the spacecraft crew with the teams on Earth of engineers, flight directors, and controllers is provided. Drawings and information about famous astronauts such as Yuri Gagarin, Mae Jemison, and Valentina Tereshkova are included. Fun facts and how to prepare at a young age to be an astronaut are also listed. This is an easy-to-read introduction to being an astronaut that any kid would enjoy reading and just might prompt them to follow this path in space."

"I loved that the book is written in a way that makes it easy for kids to read. It explains how astronauts are selected, what astronauts actually do, where they work, the tools they use, and the best and hardest parts of the job. I liked how it also included a 'day in the life' of an astronaut so kids can know what to expect in this type of job. I read it with my son and I even learned some things I didn't know, like the findings they make in space that have helped improve treatments for muscle-wasting diseases and refined water purification systems. Lastly, my favorite quote was, 'The first person to walk on Mars might be your age right now,' which is an invitation for kids who want to be in space in the future."

"I honestly learned a lot from this book, and I think that is what surprised me most. Instead of only focusing on launches and exciting moments in space, it spends time explaining the preparation, discipline, and problem solving that astronauts deal with long before they ever leave Earth. That made the whole subject feel much more real and impressive to me. The parts about training and surviving in microgravity were especially interesting because they showed how physically and mentally demanding this career really is. I liked that the book did not try to oversimplify everything for younger readers. It explains complicated ideas in a way that is easy to follow while still respecting the reader’s intelligence. I also appreciated that it included the risks and pressures involved instead of making space travel seem effortless. By the end, I felt like I had a much better understanding of what astronauts actually do and why the job requires so much commitment. It kept that sense of excitement and wonder while still being grounded in reality, which made it more engaging for me than books that only focus on the adventure side of space exploration."

"Art is beautiful in the book and very well done. The section on tools astronauts use is really cool and helps to explain why the tools are necessary. The daily life schedule of an astronaut was a nice touch. The schedule gives kids a nice insight to what it's like living in space. The section where it talks about how you have an effect on others is really a nice touch and shows how being an astronaut is helpful. I also really like at the end, it gives qualities of an astronaut and it gives kids something to strive for."

"This book feels like it was written by an actual astronaut. It contains both the good and the bad aspects of being an astronaut, which is excellent for someone considering this as a career path. The information is conveyed in an easy to read, interesting format, and contains several interesting methods (how do astronauts sleep) and solutions (how do astronauts brush their teeth)."

"So You Want to Be an Astronaut by Linda Soules is a realistic and engaging children's guide that pulls back the curtain on space exploration to show young readers (ages 8–14) the rigorous training and science behind a career in orbit. Moving past science-fiction tropes, the book outlines the intense physical and mental demands of astronaut selection, explaining complex concepts like underwater spacewalk simulations, G-force preparation, and the daily realities of living in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. Soules heavily emphasizes that space travel is a massive collaborative effort, introducing children to the vital roles of aerospace engineers, nutritionists, and Mission Control directors, while grounding the narrative with inspiring historical profiles of legendary explorers like Valentina Tereshkova. Packed with vibrant illustrations, accurate diagrams, and a glossary of space-industry terms, this concise nonfiction work respects its young audience by delivering an honest blueprint of the STEM fields alongside practical, actionable steps kids can take right now to cultivate their cosmic passions."

"My husband (who is space obsessed) and I read this to my 4-year-old (who is also space obsessed and VERY smart) for a couple nights and he LOVED it. It's easily understandable format and it's broken down into sections, so we read a few sections per night. He wants to be an astronaut when he grows up so it was fun to teach him what it actually would take to become one and what it might be like to be in space. He's very excited to tell the astronauts that we see at the KSC all about what he read."

"I recently listened to a podcast with Christina Koch who just came back from space. She described some of the same things but this book goes into detail. I think this is the most informative book in this series. Great read!"

"That was an amazing read! Great graphics and writing that made you feel like you were shadowing an astronaut for the day. This book is filled with fun facts and gives young readers advice on how they can start prepping now if they are feeling that 'pull' from the stars."

"Possibly one of our favorites so far! This book made my daughter actually consider being an astronaut and space kinda freaks her out. I've said this a million times to friends and family, we love these books! They are fun, educational, and full of information on possible career paths. If you haven't already read one. Even I love them!"