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Children's Fiction Astronauts & Space

Houston, Is There A Problem?

Teen Astronauts #1

by (author) Eric Walters

Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Initial publish date
Sep 2021
Category
Astronauts & Space, Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance, Space Exploration
Recommended Age
9 to 12
Recommended Grade
4 to 7
Recommended Reading age
9 to 12
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781459828759
    Publish Date
    Sep 2021
    List Price
    $18.99
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781459828735
    Publish Date
    Sep 2021
    List Price
    $14.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

Thirteen-year-old Houston Williams is smart. Very smart.

So no one is surprised when he earns a scholarship to attend a prestigious NASA space camp. At the training facility he immediately bonds with his new team, including a girl named Teal. He also clashes with a girl on a rival team named Ashley, who matches or beats him in every exercise. The three of them impress the directors so much they are invited to join a top-secret research project that studies how space travel affects people of different ages. But only two of them will actually be going into space. Houston will do whatever it takes to make sure he's picked.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Praise for Eric Walters's previous work:

The King of Jam Sandwiches pulls us into the unforgettable friendship of hard-working Robbie and tough-as-nails Harmony in an exceptionally honest survival story that is also compulsively readable and emotionally gripping. Walters has written a heart-wrenching novel about what it is like to grow up amidst poverty and mental illness, one that speaks to contemporary young readers and offers them hope.”—Governor General's Literary Award Peer Assessment Committee for Winner The King of Jam Sandwiches

★ “Tug at the heartstrings and tickle the funny bone…This warm tale is definitely one for the keeper shelves. Highly recommended.”—School Library Journal, starred review for The King of Jam Sandwiches

“Navigates the experience of this unique time period with heart. I couldn't put it down. My students won't be able to either.”—Kim Moss, Teacher-Librarian, Creekside Middle School, Bentonville, AR, review for Don't Stand So Close to Me

“This is the perfect book for these pandemic times. It presents the difficulties families face but gives hope that creativity can find solutions. Middle school students will love it. A quick read.”—Must Read Literature, review for Don't Stand So Close to Me

About the author

Eric Walters is the author of many acclaimed and bestselling novels for children and young adults. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Silver Birch, Blue Heron, Red Maple, Snow Willow, Ruth Schwartz, and Tiny Torgi, and have received honours from the Canadian Library Association Book Awards and UNESCO's international award for Literature in Service of Tolerance.

Eric lives in Mississauga with his wife, Anita, and three children, Christina, Nicholas, and Julia. When not writing or touring across the country speaking to school groups, Eric spends time playing or watching soccer and basketball, or playing the saxophone.

To find out more about Eric and his novels, or to arrange for him to speak at your school, visit his website at www.ericwalters.net.

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Eric Walters' profile page

Awards

  • Joint winner, YAdudebooks Reviewers’ Choice Awards
  • Nominated, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Snow Willow
  • Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
  • Commended, BC Books for BC Schools

Editorial Reviews

“An energetic and enjoyable read…Dynamic scenes offer an excellent mixture of fact-based science and exciting adventure…An engaging story of perseverance and teamwork that is sure to be devoured by middle-grade readers while simultaneously inspiring many future astronauts.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Highlights exercise and importance of team leadership, teamwork, and team loyalty.”

Kirkus Reviews

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