Spaceman (Adapted for Young Readers)

January 15, 2020
A 2016 memoir from the first astronaut to tweet from space, lightly tweaked for younger readers. Along with some reworking of the prose, Massimino drops chapters on his father's death and his schooling in NASA fundraising and media relations. As a result, though this edition isn't significantly shorter or easier to read than the original, his valorization of teamwork, maintaining a positive attitude, and overcoming past struggles and reverses through determination play out less in his private life than in his roller-coaster ride through school, astronaut training, and two missions into space. Fortunately, he also paints vivid word pictures, whether capturing the heady experience of playing with an Astronaut Snoopy as a child ("I still have him, only now he's been to space for real") or, memorably, the removal of what he repeatedly describes as "111 very tiny screws" from a failed device on the Hubble Space Telescope. Readers will feel his profound shock, but also relief, upon learning (in a segment pointedly titled "Russian Roulette") that the shuttle Columbia had come apart upon reentry on the mission just after his. Yes, he writes, it's very nearly impossible to become an astronaut, but: "I wanted to grow up to be Spider-Man--and I did." Photo illustrations not seen. Readers of either edition will be in for a grand, inspiring, sometimes hilarious ride. (Autobiography. 11-13)

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March 1, 2020

Gr 4-8-Massimino's young readers' adaptation of his best-selling adult autobiography is more than just an appealing and accessible chronicle of becoming an astronaut. The chronological narrative describes the author's nontraditional path to joining NASA, and his personal, academic, and professional challenges. Woven throughout his story is a message about the importance of perseverance, initiative, and optimism. The author repeatedly emphasizes that his willingness to work hard, to accept useful criticism, and to never give up ultimately helped him accomplish his dream of space flight. Told in a conversational style, the text is full of relevant details, yet never reads as didactic or dry. While the subject matter and language are somewhat technical for younger students, those who share Massimino's passion will be captivated by his story. VERDICT From his childhood days peering up at the sky to his struggles to find his life's calling, Massimino's story will inspire many kids. Recommended for precocious elementary readers with an interest in space and general junior high nonfiction collections.-Kelly Kingrey-Edwards, Blinn Junior College, Brenham, TX

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2020
Grades 5-8 Despite having walked in space on two separate missions to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, Mike Massimino sounds like the guy next door as he narrates his path to becoming an astronaut in this young readers adaptation of his New York Times best-selling memoir. Like many children who watched the first moon landing in 1969, Massimino dreamed of venturing into space. But coming from a tight-knit working-class neighborhood in Long Island and not always the brightest kid in his classes, he knew that being an astronaut might not be a realistic choice. In a humble, easygoing style, he relates how determination, problem solving, and being a team player paved his way to success, emphasizing throughout how life is never a straight shot but a growing combination of choices we make along the way. Massimino is far from didactic, however. Readers will marvel over the astronaut meeting his heroic predecessors, training for seemingly impossible tasks in space, and avoiding harrowing disasters with the Hubble Space Telescope. An inspirational guide for young people on their own life journeys.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)