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My Journey to the Stars
NASA astronaut Scott Kelly makes his Step into Reading debut in this engaging and easy-to-read autobiography that takes readers on his awe-inspiring journey from childhood to his record-breaking year among the stars.
A Step 3 Biography Reader of American hero, Astronaut Scott Kelly! Scott wasn't sure what he wanted to be when he grew up. He struggled in school and often got in trouble with his twin brother, Mark. Then one day Scott discovered a book about test pilots and astronauts that set him on a new path.
His new focus led him to fly higher and higher, becoming first a pilot and then an astronaut, along with his brother--the first twin astronauts in history. But his greatest accomplishment of all was commanding the International Space Station and spending nearly a year in space, which set the record for the longest spaceflight by an American.This story of an ordinary boy who grew up to do extraordinary things will amaze and inspire young readers.
Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics--for children who are ready to read on their own.
A Step 3 Biography Reader of American hero, Astronaut Scott Kelly! Scott wasn't sure what he wanted to be when he grew up. He struggled in school and often got in trouble with his twin brother, Mark. Then one day Scott discovered a book about test pilots and astronauts that set him on a new path.
His new focus led him to fly higher and higher, becoming first a pilot and then an astronaut, along with his brother--the first twin astronauts in history. But his greatest accomplishment of all was commanding the International Space Station and spending nearly a year in space, which set the record for the longest spaceflight by an American.This story of an ordinary boy who grew up to do extraordinary things will amaze and inspire young readers.
Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics--for children who are ready to read on their own.
48 pages, Paperback
Published January 8, 2019
About the author
Scott Kelly
9 books276 followersScott Kelly is a former military fighter pilot and test pilot, an engineer, a retired astronaut, and a retired U.S. Navy captain. A veteran of four space flights, Kelly commanded the International Space Station (ISS) on three expeditions and was a member of the yearlong mission to the ISS. In October 2015, he set the record for the total accumulated number of days spent in space, the single longest space mission by an American astronaut. His identical twin brother is Mark Kelly, also a former astronaut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 5, 2019
Filled with gorgeous photos - from Earth and from space - and startling facts and astronaut Scott Kelly's thoughts, this juvenile biography is a good choice for the younger elementary school crowd.
October 23, 2017
This was a delightful read from astronaut Scott Kelly, a condensed, kid-friendly version of his full-length autobiography. I've been following the U.S. space program since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, so reading about spaceflight -- and space travelers -- is very enjoyable for me. In this book, we learn about Kelly's upbringing and family life, his discovery of his life's vocation (space exploration), and his adventures in Earth orbit aboard the space shuttles and the International Space Station.
Colorful illustrations are accompanied by actual photos from Kelly's family and career, which add a sense of realism to the narrative. Also adding to the sense of realism in the narrative is the honesty and openness with which Kelly tells his life story. He doesn't hesitate to describe the challenges he had to overcome in order to become an astronaut, along with how he overcame them -- with determination and dedication. The role of his twin brother Mark is also highlighted, and this is important, because no one can achieve success on one's own -- there are always supporting cast members in every tale of success!
I would highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. It's inspirational, motivational, and realistic -- what could be better?
Colorful illustrations are accompanied by actual photos from Kelly's family and career, which add a sense of realism to the narrative. Also adding to the sense of realism in the narrative is the honesty and openness with which Kelly tells his life story. He doesn't hesitate to describe the challenges he had to overcome in order to become an astronaut, along with how he overcame them -- with determination and dedication. The role of his twin brother Mark is also highlighted, and this is important, because no one can achieve success on one's own -- there are always supporting cast members in every tale of success!
I would highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. It's inspirational, motivational, and realistic -- what could be better?
May 11, 2018
This picture book released simultaneously with Astronaut Kelly’s adult memoir, Endurance.
In this book, Scott Kelly tells an abbreviated story of what led him to become an astronaut and what it was like living in space for almost a year. It opens with Kelly’s departure from the International Space Station, where he spent a record-breaking 340 days. His identical twin and fellow astronaut, Mark Kelly, will be waiting for him on his return to Earth.
There are things that happened in his family life that led him to become better prepared to reach his goal of being a test pilot and then to become an astronaut. (Many of these things are explained under Pros.
Cons: For some, there might be a little too much frankness about family issues especially regarding his parents not always getting along. “It was scary when they argued. Mark and I would hide in our room.” It also states that he and his brothers would take risks and that sometimes they would get hurt. “But every time we took a risk, we pushed our limits and aimed higher.” Continue reading below for explanations about some of this frankness.
Pros: Regarding things that might possibly bother parents (above), I believe the author mentions these things to offer hope and insights to kids. “Watching our parents fight turned Mark and me into peacemakers. We can get along with almost anyone.” He also points out that they have learned to stay calm in tough times, which has helped them lead crews in space.
We also learn that Kelly's mother wanted to be on the police force. His dad, who was already a police officer, was very supportive of his wife and built her a training course in their backyard. The hardest part for her was climbing the wall. But with perseverance and time she got better and better until she was able to pass the test and become an officer in New Jersey. Her success was an example to the boys that she had a big dream, since being a female officer was rare in the 1970s, but with a step by step plan and baby steps, big dreams can sometimes become reality.
Kelly admits he was a terrible student that couldn't sit still or pay attention. But when he picked up the book The Right Stuff he reads that test pilots go FAST, go HIGH, sometimes SOAR, and unfortunately can CRASH. The book changes his life. He now knows what he wants to be, so he sets a step by step plan to succeed (an example he learned from his mother). His plan begins with doing homework. (I feel his earlier reference to being somewhat of a daredevil as a child preludes this decision.)
I would highly recommend this inspirational book for older children.
Though the word count is longer than many picture books, it is filled with illustrations as well as NASA photos and some family snapshots of the Kelly family.
In this book, Scott Kelly tells an abbreviated story of what led him to become an astronaut and what it was like living in space for almost a year. It opens with Kelly’s departure from the International Space Station, where he spent a record-breaking 340 days. His identical twin and fellow astronaut, Mark Kelly, will be waiting for him on his return to Earth.
There are things that happened in his family life that led him to become better prepared to reach his goal of being a test pilot and then to become an astronaut. (Many of these things are explained under Pros.
Cons: For some, there might be a little too much frankness about family issues especially regarding his parents not always getting along. “It was scary when they argued. Mark and I would hide in our room.” It also states that he and his brothers would take risks and that sometimes they would get hurt. “But every time we took a risk, we pushed our limits and aimed higher.” Continue reading below for explanations about some of this frankness.
Pros: Regarding things that might possibly bother parents (above), I believe the author mentions these things to offer hope and insights to kids. “Watching our parents fight turned Mark and me into peacemakers. We can get along with almost anyone.” He also points out that they have learned to stay calm in tough times, which has helped them lead crews in space.
We also learn that Kelly's mother wanted to be on the police force. His dad, who was already a police officer, was very supportive of his wife and built her a training course in their backyard. The hardest part for her was climbing the wall. But with perseverance and time she got better and better until she was able to pass the test and become an officer in New Jersey. Her success was an example to the boys that she had a big dream, since being a female officer was rare in the 1970s, but with a step by step plan and baby steps, big dreams can sometimes become reality.
Kelly admits he was a terrible student that couldn't sit still or pay attention. But when he picked up the book The Right Stuff he reads that test pilots go FAST, go HIGH, sometimes SOAR, and unfortunately can CRASH. The book changes his life. He now knows what he wants to be, so he sets a step by step plan to succeed (an example he learned from his mother). His plan begins with doing homework. (I feel his earlier reference to being somewhat of a daredevil as a child preludes this decision.)
I would highly recommend this inspirational book for older children.
Though the word count is longer than many picture books, it is filled with illustrations as well as NASA photos and some family snapshots of the Kelly family.
December 17, 2017
Astronaut Scott Kelly writes about his life and briefly about that of his twin brother Mark. He also describes his education, family life and career path in addition to the lessons that his parents taught then such as learning to be peacemakers from hearing their parents fight and learning to plan from seeing their mother climb a wall after many attempts. This book is a quick read and has colorful illustrations and photos that give life to the story. Additionally, Scott is able to demonstrate how family shapes the lives, emotional development and the careers of children. Another perspective he indicates to for his success is a teacher who believes in him. Scott also mentions that his drive to succeed and become a pilot also grew after reading Tom Wolfe’s Right Stuff, in so doing, he demonstrates that books can change us for the better. In an interesting and fun tone, Scott gives us details of his one year life in space and his return to earth. This book can be read by children and adults because it inspires and it covers intriguing issues.
January 22, 2018
4.5 I've followed Mark Kelly because of his marriage to Gabby Giffords, so I knew a bit about his twin brother, Scott. This picture book for kids tells a little about Scott's background, including the fact that he had a tough time in school, particularly sitting still and not daydreaming. It shows his perseverance and ambition, then tells a little about his training and year in space. The illustrations, by Andre Ceolin, are wonderful, and they're interspersed throughout with lots and lots of actual photographs. Here's another great 1st or second grade biographical read aloud! (Why a 4.5 and not a five? That's because I didn't like the way the book started. It worked okay for my second reading, but put me off a bit for the first.)
July 25, 2020
55% Good
What I thought of My Journey to the Stars: A short biography of retired NASA astronaut Scot Kelly, this book was short and geared toward kids, filled with photos from his life, illustrations, and simple writing.
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Author:
Scott Kelly
Pages:48
Ages:Any age
What I thought of My Journey to the Stars: A short biography of retired NASA astronaut Scot Kelly, this book was short and geared toward kids, filled with photos from his life, illustrations, and simple writing.
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Author:
Scott KellyPages:48
Ages:Any age
March 19, 2018
This was a nice children’s book by Scott Kelly about his journey thru his life and how he got to be in space for a whole year. Did you know he has a twin who is also a NASA astronaut? I didn’t know that when I first met him at my university! I like how he put in real pictures from his life throughout the book.
October 29, 2018
This is really interesting picture book memoir of astronaut Scott Kelly who traveled multiple times to space and who stayed in space for a whole year on one of his journeys. There's a lovely blend of illustration and Kelly's photographs from his time as an astronaut and throughout his childhood.
An inspiring story of a brave man :)
An inspiring story of a brave man :)
May 13, 2021
The kids loved the real space pictures in this one.
February 6, 2018
My daughter is obsessed with space and Scott Kelly and this book does not disappoint. I loved the personal photos.
December 15, 2017
One reason I love juvenile non-fiction is because I always learn something new. Here I found out about a set of astronaut twins!
What I like most about this book is the original way Kelly inserted photos among the drawings instead of saving them for the backmatter. This helps reader investigate how illustrators work to represent real people.
What I like most about this book is the original way Kelly inserted photos among the drawings instead of saving them for the backmatter. This helps reader investigate how illustrators work to represent real people.
December 16, 2017
Kid-friendly picture book bio about Scott Kelly. It would have been cool to see his brothers perspective too. Beautiful melding of real photos and illustrations.
December 14, 2017
Scott Kelly talks about his life, using experiences to explain how they prepared him for his future job as an astronaut. A fun, quick biography about a contemporary figure.
December 7, 2017
This was a giveaway win that I thought would be a perfect read aloud book to my nieces and nephews. And it is. I really liked the mix of real pictures and illustrations. And it is a good lesson learner teaching kids to dream big, follow your dreams, and showing how to take the positive view when live gets hard. It also shows that sometimes families argue, but they always have each other’s backs. I also love his descriptions of life in space which makes kids dream big. With this book, future astronauts here we come.
December 7, 2017
I have been waiting for this book to come in for a while now and so when I saw it on our back shelf waiting to be processed I had to read it first. I find space super fascinating so I was excited to read this biography. The mix of illustrations and actual photos was especially nice to show how space life really is. A great book for anyone who has an interest in space.
December 4, 2017
Astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent a record three hundred forty days in space aboard the International Space Station, relates how the discovery of a book about test pilots and astronauts inspired him and ultimately led him to become a NASA astronaut.
The illustrations accompanying this narrative include more than three dozen photographs, many taken by the astronaut himself. While the target audience for the book is ages five through eight, grades kindergarten through third, older children are sure to thrill to Astronaut Kelly’s exciting story.
Highly recommended.
The illustrations accompanying this narrative include more than three dozen photographs, many taken by the astronaut himself. While the target audience for the book is ages five through eight, grades kindergarten through third, older children are sure to thrill to Astronaut Kelly’s exciting story.
Highly recommended.
December 4, 2017
After being at the ISS for a year, Scott Kelly definitely knows space, but I think he knows kids too. Scott shares about his struggles in school, watching his parents argue, the investment of his grandparents, and the value of his relationship w his twin brother, Mark. Perfect book for K-3rd graders who are interested in astronauts, the ISS, and the use of using twins in research.
December 4, 2017
Scott Kelly shares his story of average student struggling to figure out what he wants to be when he grows up to extraordinary astronaut. Includes photos from Scott's life and career.
November 24, 2017
A very cute picture book biography about astronaut Scott Kelly, his twin brother Mark, and the year long experiment aboard the ISS. I loved the combination of child-friendly illutrations and informative photographs. They perfectly mixed to make a picture book bio that will be of high interest to all elementary aged readers. It also teaches kids that their dreams are possible with a little hard work and perseverance.
November 28, 2017
Loved it. Scott Kelly tells a little of his childhood and his time in space. There is a combination of illustrations and pictures, and everything is told at a level that is age-appropriate.
November 22, 2017
Unique story for children - you don't have picture books by astronauts very often! I really enjoyed the illustrations and the fun combination of photographs from Kelly's life with Andre Ceonlin's warm drawings.
The prose is a bit ordinary but there's several great messages here and such a fascinating first-person story so that was not an issue for me. Lots of classroom connections here and a great book for STEM.
The prose is a bit ordinary but there's several great messages here and such a fascinating first-person story so that was not an issue for me. Lots of classroom connections here and a great book for STEM.
November 22, 2017
If you want a condensed version of Scott Kelly's book "Endurance," then this is the perfect substitute. Kelly was able to hit the 'need-to-know' about his life and understanding why he would spend a year in space. It's a perfect addition to the writings and media surrounding Scott Kelly's historic trip.
November 20, 2017
Scott Kelly's year in space for the picture book/elementary school crowd. Childhood influences (along with photographs) are interspersed with adult achievements for a peek at the journey to becoming an astronaut along with his journey to the stars. I really liked the combination of Kelly's photographs incorporated into Andre Ceolin's artwork.
November 2, 2017
I received a copy of My Journey to the Stars through the Goodreads Giveaway program in exchange for an open and honest review. This was a quick, enjoyable read that was informative regarding Kelly's life story and the process of becoming an astronaut. There were a few bits I struggled with (specifically around him mentioning that his parents fought a lot and it scared him and his brother) - this part was abrupt and then kind of glossed over, which some children might find confusing. It kind of hinted at domestic violence/concerning exposure to violence and didn't seem to play an essential part in the overall story.
Other than that, it was an interesting story of Kelly's journey to NASA with his twin brother, with a strong message about hard work and pursuing one's dreams. Might just skip entirely over those pages if I reading the story to a little one.
Other than that, it was an interesting story of Kelly's journey to NASA with his twin brother, with a strong message about hard work and pursuing one's dreams. Might just skip entirely over those pages if I reading the story to a little one.
November 7, 2017
For all of the kids out there who struggle in school or who cannot focus or who don't know what to do with your lives, this is for you. For all of the kids out there who have parents who fight and it sometimes scares you, this is for you. For all of the kids out there, who want to have big adventures, this is for you!
Terrific artwork interspersed with real photos. The story is a bit clunky at times but motivational.
Terrific artwork interspersed with real photos. The story is a bit clunky at times but motivational.
July 7, 2017
NASA astronaut Scott Kelly recently flew in space for an entire year. This child friendly picture book, autobiography recounts his life from a young boy to his one year fight in space. When they were young, Scott and twin brother Mark often got in trouble in school, and didn't perform well academically. As the twins matured, they became ambulance drivers in high school, and enjoyed helping people. Scott finally focused on succeeding and finding his passion when he read The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe, realizing he wanted to become a pilot. This finally led to the twins' supreme success in NASA, (they always did everything together) and their intense interest in the International Space Station. Scott Kelly doesn't mitigate the risks and dangers he faced as an astronaut, but his story is inspiring. The fact that he wasn't a good student, yet showed the resilience to work extremely hard when he realized his goal of wanting to become and astronaut, models the inspiration it took for him to become a success. This a a great story and message for young readers.
November 6, 2017
Pretty good - it was informative as a biography (stories about growing up) as well as about what astronauts really do. I liked the way that every time Kelly mentioned something challenging from his past - parents arguing, trouble focusing in school, helping his mom become a police officer - he then reframed it in terms of a strength he has now, later.
November 6, 2017
- I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via the Goodreads giveaway.
"My Journey to the Stars" is an illustrated children's book telling the story of astronaut, Scott Kelly. The book provides details on his early life and inspiration for becoming an astronaut, as well as his unique relationship with his twin brother, astronaut Mark Kelly. Having previously read Mark Kelly's book, I found this particularly interesting.
Overall, this is a great book and I loved the addition of personal picture as well as the illustrations, and would definitely recommend it for someone looking for their next children's book.
"My Journey to the Stars" is an illustrated children's book telling the story of astronaut, Scott Kelly. The book provides details on his early life and inspiration for becoming an astronaut, as well as his unique relationship with his twin brother, astronaut Mark Kelly. Having previously read Mark Kelly's book, I found this particularly interesting.
Overall, this is a great book and I loved the addition of personal picture as well as the illustrations, and would definitely recommend it for someone looking for their next children's book.
October 5, 2017
Twins in space?
When I grow up I want to be an astronaut.
Twins Scott and Mark Kelly were the sons of police officers. Mom taught the boys if you have a dream work hard and you can achieve it. Being one of the first female police officers she lived her dream.
School was hard for Scott, but with encouraging words from his principal, Scott would finally find his way. After reading The Right Stuff, Scott found his dream.
This is a wonderful kid friendly autobiography that has great messages throughout.
The illustrations and real life pictures help the reader see things through Scott's eyes.
I received an arc from librarything for an honest review and can say I would definitely add this picture book to my school library. @librarything. @scottkelly @puffinbooks
When I grow up I want to be an astronaut.
Twins Scott and Mark Kelly were the sons of police officers. Mom taught the boys if you have a dream work hard and you can achieve it. Being one of the first female police officers she lived her dream.
School was hard for Scott, but with encouraging words from his principal, Scott would finally find his way. After reading The Right Stuff, Scott found his dream.
This is a wonderful kid friendly autobiography that has great messages throughout.
The illustrations and real life pictures help the reader see things through Scott's eyes.
I received an arc from librarything for an honest review and can say I would definitely add this picture book to my school library. @librarything. @scottkelly @puffinbooks
October 31, 2017
Astronaut, Scott Kelly's book, My Journey to the Stars, is an engaging, child-friendly autobiography that is sure to capture the imagination of every child who has ever gazed at the stars and dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Scott shares a fascinating glimpse into his family life as a child and the challenges he faced in pursuing his dreams. The combination of simple text, charming illustrations, and remarkable photographs that document Kelly's home and career life, make this autobiography relate-able and understandable for children everywhere. Its inspirational message to fight to overcome life's challenges and to never give up on your dreams make it a must for the book shelf!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews