When I was a baby my parents would fly to Florida so that we could watch space shuttle launches in Cape Canaveral. These trips continued throughout my early childhood. Celestial events such as lunar eclipses and Halley's comet were not to be missed. As an adult, my love of space continues. I read every astronaut biography I can get my hands on and I am thrilled to accompany my school's sixth grade class to Huntsville, Alabama each year as they take part in Space Camp.

I loved this slim book because it gives youngsters today a glimpse of what it takes to have the "right stuff" that NASA and other space agencies worldwide look for. I look forward to adding it to my classroom library where it might inspire future astronauts.

Good read about astronauts, space and what it takes to get a rocket off the ground.

Future astronauts are going to enjoy this book! Astronaut Dr. Dave Williams has written a fine book that kids 4th grade up will enjoy.

My preschool class is currently studying the solar system and space travel. This book is an excellent connection to our studies and ties in many other topics. The preparedness checklist reminds us that it isn't just about knowledge but also your social and emotional development. The author did an excellent job of giving a quick and easy, basic description of what you need to become an astronaut. It was an informative and educational read while still being fun. The real photos of missions alongside comics were a wonderful and entertaining addition.

Neat book for students interested in a space career. I see this being good for 3rd-5th graders. Motivational and full of good information. I liked that the book had a mixture of real pictures and some drawing.

Go for Lift Off
by Dr. Dave Williams and Loredana Cunti
Illustrated by Theo Krynauw
Rating 4.5

This is well detailed book that tells not only how to train to become an astronaut; but what to expect. Becoming an astronaut isn't just something that you go to school to become and neither is it going to happen overnight. It takes much work, determination and commitment and it isn't all rocket science either. There is wilderness and survival training, underwater training, and flight training as well as the sciences, technology, engineering, medicine and, of course, math. Then there is “people training”...getting along with others in confined spaces over an extended period of time and knowing what to do when the unexpected arises. The book is well written with real space photos along with amusing cartoon pictures by Theo Krynauw. This, indeed, is a well told story of what it takes to become an astronaut; but it is more than that. It is a story about commitment no matter what you want to be. It is about believing in yourself to reach your dreams.

Parental Note: This book opens a door to discuss with your child about commitment, determination, persistence and to practice, practice and some more practice to achieve their goal whether it is to play an instrument, play a sport or write a book. I would recommend this book for children ages 7-10.

This is a very informative book on just what it takes to be an astronaut. Kids can see and understand the training that astronauts are subjected to and also the education that's required. I love that its full of real photos and the author is also integrated into the story. This book can be adapted to all ages.

A very well done book on how to be an astronaut. I like that it is a mix of real pictures and illustrations. It has info tidbits about the astronaut/author, which helps make the book more “real”. Its broken down to very concise concepts that anyone can follow, but at the same time does not talk down to it’s audience. A great book for any STEM program.

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Added Litsy

What a wonderful read for any student expressing an interest in becoming an astronaut! The author does a great job of introducing space exploration to everyone, even those who never expressed an interest in such a vocation. In fact, after reading the book, I guarantee there may be an unexpected astronaut in the making!
Williams writes the book clearly. The message of commitment, perseverance and passion is the first step to becoming an astronaut and resonates throughout.
Williams gives a detailed checklist of what it takes to become an astronaut and the reader will certainly get that the job is a tough one that requires enormous training. However, if the student puts in the time and effort, he/she will undoubtedly succeed in this as well as life.
The photographs in conjunction with the graphics make the book that much more fun!
A great read!