How Do You Burp in Space? And Other Tips Every Space Tourist Needs to Know by Susan E. Goodman, illustrated by Michael Slack

Thanks to Anatastia Suen for creating Non-Fiction Mondays, and to Abby the Librarian for hosting today!

Welcome to Non-Fiction Monday! Feel free to add a link to your own Nonfiction Monday post and I’ll update as the day goes on. Scroll all the way down to see the recommendations.

It’s also What Are You Reading Monday…

…and Marvelous Middle Grade Monday,    so check out Teach Mentor Texts, Unleashing Readers, and Shannon Messenger‘s site for more kid lit recommendations.

On to my non-fiction review for today…

I’ve read oodles of books on space and astronauts,  but this is the only one I’ve seen in guide-book format. The voice is friendly, accessible, and informative, and gives readers an idea of what it might be like to actually travel in space–not as an astronaut, per se, but as a tourist. It’s packed full of facts that will appeal to reluctant readers–how to burp in space, go to the bathroom in orbit, and sleep while acting as a satellite. But it also explains the science behind everything that happens in a space craft, and the author’s note tells how research factored into this engaging work of non-fiction.

Publisher’s description:  Want to blast into orbit? Walk on the moon? Snag a personal photo of a shooting star? Well your time is coming! And when it does, you’re going to need How Do You Burp in Space? 

This guide is filled with the kind of information you’d need to plan any vacation including what to pack (hint: no bubble bath or juggling balls!); what to expect from your accomodations (a sleeping bag attached to the wall), and what to do for fun (leapfrog on the moon!). Grounded in the history of space travel and the planned future of space tourism, this guide book will leave young adventurers daydreaming about future intergalactic space vacations. Get ready to rock your rocketship!

Hand this book to the kid who:

* is interested in space travel

* likes to read text in small chunks–there are lots of sidebars, including quotes from astronauts, that break up the text into manageable  chunks for reluctant readers

* enjoys cartoon-like illustrations–illustrator Michael Slack blends his illustrations with photos from space, and they’re loads of fun to look at!

Use this to teach:

* Facts About Space–While this is an obvious curriculum tie-in, the facts in the book are likely to remain in a kid’s head because they’re related to how a space traveler would experience a trip in space. The book debunks the myth that there is no gravity in space, and offers a crystal-clear explanation of why.

* Motivational Role Models--In an age where movie stars, athletes and singers don’t always behave themselves, astronauts make for a refreshing set of role models for kids (and adults, for that matter…).

*Non-Fiction Text Features–Includes a table of contents, sidebars, captions, glossary, space timeline, and index.

Visit the author’s Website here and illustrator’s site here.

The Nitty Gritty~

Click  here for reviews.

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Publication Date: July 9, 2013

ISBN-10: 1599900688

ISBN-13: 978-1599900681

Number of Pages: 80

Interest Level: 8 and up

Sondy has another PB biography recommendation over at Sonderbooks Review.

Visit Abby the Librarian for a review of this YA memoir.

Alex over at Randomly Reading has a review on this Willie Mays biography.

Click here for a review of Bad Girls at Jean Little LIbrary.

Visit Ms. Yingling’s blog today  for a review of this PB biography.

Reshamad warns of a possible cuteness overload over at Stacking Books!

All green thumbs head to Wrapped in Foil for Roberta’s review!

Head over to the Non-Fiction Detectives for this review.

Head over to Prose and Kahn for Brenda’s review.

Click here for Lisa’s review at Shelf-employed.

Click here for Jeff’s review over at NC Teacher Stuff.