With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

Engaging nonfiction book all about being an astronaut, written by an astronaut who has spent 200+ days in space. I thought the mix of photos and illustrations was well done, and kids will enjoy doing the astronaut activities throughout the book. Definitely a great book to add to your library's collection on space.

NASA astronaut Terry Virts has created an enjoyable, readable, and informative book that answers all sorts of questions that might occur to an astronomy buff or hopeful future astronaut. There are chapters on early space travel, training, life on the space station and other topics related to a career in space. Throughout the book are pages labeled "Ask an Astronaut" that answer questions such as "How often do you fly in space?" and "What inspired you to be an astronaut?" There are also "Astronaut Activity" pages which have readers practice saying hello in various languages (it is an international space station after all), take apart an old toy or appliance to see how it works, and other activities that strengthen skills useful for future astronauts.

The book is illustrated with cartoon style images and photographs, including a selfie taken by the author during one of his spacewalks! There are also a few diagrams - the space shuttle, a space suit, and an EMU (extravehicular mobility unit). A glossary of astronaut terms and an index are also provided. The narrative style is conversational and easy to understand. Explanations are correct without being too technical. For example, the space shuttle's part in the construction of the ISS is described as "They brought up new modules to add on piece by piece, like a giant LEGO set in space."

Recommended for readers 10 and up - just be sure to set aside some time for those astronaut activities that are suggested!

Terri Virts did not listen to anyone who told him that he could never be an astronaut and encourages this generation of children that they could be astronauts, too--if they are willing to put in the required work.

He begins the book with historical dates and events, terms, and definitions, all of which are explained in an easy-to-understand way. I’m not the best nonfiction reader, but
what kept me interested throughout the space timeline were the Q&A pages; it appeared to be questions posed by children asking a variety of questions like: what inspired you to become an astronaut and what was your worst subject in school? I felt that this strategy helped retain my interest in the book and its subject, all the while allowing me to feel as if I was getting to know the author. It was this balance that made the read enjoyable as I learned what it takes to become an astronaut, how to prepare, and what it could be like to be inside a spacecraft and actually work in space. Plus as a former NASA astronaut, I feel as if the author is knowledgeable on the subject and not only gives personal examples of his journey of becoming an astronaut but also gives some practical advice for those young readers curious about what it takes to make becoming an astronaut a viable career option.

This is such a great book about everything involved in training for, traveling to, living in, and returning from space. Written by an actual astronaut, it's packed with information, humor, and fun activities that demonstrate some of the concepts Virts discusses with everyday items. While this book is written for kids, I loved every minute of it and look forward to recommending it. I particularly loved the little post-it notes throughout that broke down larger concepts in a funny way, like "how much do astronauts make and what kind of car do they drive" to learning how astronauts eat and sleep. A big thank you to Workman Publishing and NetGalley for the early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sometimes we give up our dreams because they just don't seem attainable. In The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet, Terry Virts seeks to make the unattainable attainable. He talks to the middle grade reader with respect and openness about his experiences and the experiences a new recruit might come across. He assumes nothing, and gives us information on everything from the most basic things (how to go to the bathroom, how to eat, how to sleep on a rocket), and even how to train and prepare to go into aerospace careers.

I loved this fascinating peek into space travel, and would love to hear more from this author. This is a great book to pair with the book "Packing for Mars for Kids" by Mary Roach.

A good mix of different types of media (cartoon-like profiles of people mentioned in the book, realistic photographs taken of people and places). The narrative if fun and engaging; it follows the story of one man’s journey to space.

I loved this book! Narrative nonfiction about living on the space station! Perfect for young readers, written in a clear, engaging manner. Interesting side bars with notes from Astro Terry’s own experiences.