Book List: Astronaut Books for Shared Reading with Children
Growing-up to be an actual astronaut is a daunting and competitive career path considering how many astronauts there really are in the world. So why is it that so many children have dreams of working or living in space? Perhaps it is the adventure that challenges the imagination and compels the dreams — equating the vastness of space with the unlimited opportunities it could provide. The following shared reading book list features both nonfiction/biography books as well as fictional works to inspire your child’s interest in adventures in space.
Before Shared Reading
Ask your child questions about the book cover – encourage your child to make predictions about the story or book information based on the cover elements: title, author, illustrator, picture, book blurb/summary. Share any background information you have about the book, for example: our library newsletter said this said this book won an award for _____.
During Shared Reading
Asking questions is a great way to make shared reading more interactive. Remember to balance the number of questions asked with the flow of the story, so your child maintains interest in both reading and talking about the book.
Also maintain a balance in the kinds of questions asked. Alternate quiz type questions with question prompts for your child’s input about the story or topic. For instance, if it looks like your child is getting distracted, then point to a picture and ask a simple fact finding question (What color is ___? How many ____ are there? Where is ___?) to draw your child’s attention back to the page and story. In order to deepen understanding or clarify concepts, ask open-ended questions it connect your child to the text and encourage critical thinking (Why do you think the character did ___? How would you feel if ___ happened to you? What do you think will happen if ___?)
After Shared Reading
You can encourage your child to ask questions about a story or book topic by: wondering aloud about ___, pretending to ask the author about ____, or taking turns asking each other questions during a re-read session. Ask your child to share a simple book review: What was their favorite part of the book? Why? Does this book remind them of any other books?
Provide your child with the opportunity to ask their own questions about a story or book topic. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know the answer to a question. Use that as an opportunity to work together find answers. Model for them a simple research process: writing questions down, looking for answers in credible resources, discussing if you’ve gathered enough information to satisfy your child’s question and curiosity, and then writing down the answer as well as any new questions.
Nonfiction Astronaut Books for Shared Reading with Children
Leland Melvin
Nonfiction Memoir Ages 8 – 12
LeLand Melvin narrates his journey from NFL draftee, through injuries and accidents, to serving as an astronaut on the International Space Station. There is also a grown-up version of the book.
Words by Chris Hadfield
Pictures by the Fan Brothers
Picture Book Memoir Ages 4- 8
Before Chris Hadfield grew-up to be an astronaut, he was a little boy who was afraid of the dark.
Words by Roda Ahmed
Pictures by Burrington
Picture Book Ages 4 – 8
Celebrates Mae Jemison’s persistance to become the first African-American woman to travel in space.
Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America’s Pioneering Woman in Space
Tam O’Shaughnessy
Nonfiction Biography Ages 10 – 14
Traces the journey of Sally Ride as America’s first woman in space with vivid details that share her personality behind the headlines.
Fiction Astronaut Books for Shared Reading with Children
Words by Jeffrey Bennett
Pictures by Michael Carroll
Picture Book, Ages 7 – 9
In this book, Max the dog not only goes to a space station, he also saves it! Note the side text boxes with scientific information which can be shared during or after follow-up re-readings of the story. Part of the 2014 Storytime from Space Project when this book was actually read on the international space station. Also, part of an award winning series of books.
Words and Pictures by Leo Landry
Picture Book, Ages 4 – 7
Nicholas takes a picnic adventure to the moon to enjoy the quiet solitude of space before bedtime. Great for children who need a little quiet time in their routine to re-charge and re-group.
Words and Pictures by Tedd Arnold
Picture Book, Ages 4 – 8
Green Wilma, a frog, and Blooger, a baby space alien, accidentally get their places switched between earth and a space ship. Oops! Can they get home again before supper? Children who enjoy the Hi! Fly Guy series will adore this quirky book. This book was also an IRA-CBC Children’s Choice book and a PBS Storytime featured selection.
Drew Brockington
Graphic Novel, Ages 8 – 12, First of Series
In a universe populated by cats, a brave team of CatStronauts are on a mission to establish a solar energy power plant on the moon.
Words by Lucy and Stephen Hawking
Illustrated by Garry Parsons
Chapter Book, Ages 8 – 12, First in a Series
Professor Stephen Hawking and his daughter Lucy co-wrote this series. Best friends George and Annie team-up for an across the universe scavenger hunt discovering the wonders of space and space travel. Includes reference information, essays, and photographs from the latest space research.
Words by Mark Kelly
Pictures by C. P. Payne
The story of Meteor, the mouse, was inspired by an actual mouse that flew with astronaut Mark Kelly on the space shuttle Endeavor.
Book List: Astronaut Books for Shared Reading with Children