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You Wouldn't Want to Be ...
You Wouldn't Want to Be on Apollo 13!: A Mission You'd Rather Not Go On
Describes what it was like to be an astronaut on the "unlucky" 1970 Apollo 13 mission to the moon.
32 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2003
7 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Ian Graham
586 books42 followersAfter working as an in-house journalist and editor in consumer electronics magazines, Ian Graham became a freelance writer. He has written more than 230 illustrated non-fiction books for children and teens, and contributed chapters to books including Dorling Kindersley’s Know it All and Big Ideas that Changed the World. He has a degree in applied physics and a postgraduate diploma in journalism.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 5, 2017
So why wouldn’t I want to be on Apollo 13? I thought these series might be a great way to get children interested in history as they explorer events from the past but in a different light. Like me, some children enjoy looking at events in a nontraditional way and this series sounded like it would provide that. It covers events from being at the Boston Tea Party, being an Egyptian Mummy, a Polar Explorer, a Pyramid Builder and a Greek Athlete, just to name a few. These are hard cover non-fiction books with bright amusing and serious drawings on shiny, thick paper. There is a topic heading for each two-page spread with a variety of text fonts on these pages and loads of information to read. The text is educational and informational, geared for the child who wants to learn more or is curious.
I was on Apollo 13 overload by the time I finished reading it, there is a lot to digest inside this book. From getting ready to board the spacecraft, to the different part of the spacecraft, to the big day, being in space, to the problem Apollo 13 had, to Mission Control, etc., this book walked me (an astronaut) through every step of the way of being an Apollo 13 Astronaut and why I should stay home. I thought it was interesting the timing of everything, the countdown, how precise they were. The cost of the spacesuit, now that is crazy! I did learn more about the Apollo 13 mission then I previously knew. Overall, I thought it was a great book about the Apollo 13 Mission, I would have liked more interesting or fascinating facts about the mission, about astronauts or space as I thought it really lacked in that department. It is definitely not lacking in the information department. 4.5 stars
I was on Apollo 13 overload by the time I finished reading it, there is a lot to digest inside this book. From getting ready to board the spacecraft, to the different part of the spacecraft, to the big day, being in space, to the problem Apollo 13 had, to Mission Control, etc., this book walked me (an astronaut) through every step of the way of being an Apollo 13 Astronaut and why I should stay home. I thought it was interesting the timing of everything, the countdown, how precise they were. The cost of the spacesuit, now that is crazy! I did learn more about the Apollo 13 mission then I previously knew. Overall, I thought it was a great book about the Apollo 13 Mission, I would have liked more interesting or fascinating facts about the mission, about astronauts or space as I thought it really lacked in that department. It is definitely not lacking in the information department. 4.5 stars
May 4, 2010
The first half of this book focuses on space flight in general--talking about things like how to pee in space, dried food, flight prep, etc. Only the last few pages talk about the Apollo 13 crisis and it includes all of the big details like the explosion, needing to fit a square tube in a round hole, losing contact with mission control, etc. Each two page spread has a new topic and is FULL of information. This book is definitely for the experienced reader or a read aloud for a child with a long attention span.
The illustrations show cartoons of the astronauts and events. While they are funny and will keep the attention of children, the goofy depictions sometimes make the astronauts seems like bumbling fools, which they weren't.
The illustrations show cartoons of the astronauts and events. While they are funny and will keep the attention of children, the goofy depictions sometimes make the astronauts seems like bumbling fools, which they weren't.
February 3, 2017
good look at the Early Space mission and how much as has changed since we started going into space.
March 31, 2020
This is my favorite of this series of books so far because it's about one of my favorite moments in space exploration history: Apollo 13. I love that it's written in second person, so you feel like one of the astronauts, and all the explanations and bonus information are clear, engaging, and fun.
November 8, 2019
Yeah, there is no way I am becoming an astronaut.
November 1, 2020
Love all the "You Wouldn't Want to Be..." books
August 5, 2022
Refreshed my memory of the dangers that the Apollo 13 crew faced!
August 9, 2023
I loved the fun facts and tips.
September 11, 2023
looks so cringey
November 28, 2011
Popular Series
The book starts out by putting you in the shoes of the astronaut on Apollo 13. I thought this was a very clever way to start the book because most every kid grows up wanting to be an astronaut so this is something they have thought about or seen themselves doing. I liked this book because it really explained most of the detaisl about what it takes to get ready for a mission. It talks about it in a way that kids can understand. The author talks about the training, the spacecraft, launch day, the lift off, and the food. Then it gets to the scary part by explaining what ha[ppens when there is a problem. This is all very informative to kids, even if they are not interested in space.
The illustartions were fantastic. The illustrator really made the cartoon characters show a lot of emotion and he did a great job of showing everything that the text was talkign about.
The book starts out by putting you in the shoes of the astronaut on Apollo 13. I thought this was a very clever way to start the book because most every kid grows up wanting to be an astronaut so this is something they have thought about or seen themselves doing. I liked this book because it really explained most of the detaisl about what it takes to get ready for a mission. It talks about it in a way that kids can understand. The author talks about the training, the spacecraft, launch day, the lift off, and the food. Then it gets to the scary part by explaining what ha[ppens when there is a problem. This is all very informative to kids, even if they are not interested in space.
The illustartions were fantastic. The illustrator really made the cartoon characters show a lot of emotion and he did a great job of showing everything that the text was talkign about.
April 30, 2014
We've read many of the books in the You Wouldn't Want To... series. I like that they tackle serious historical events and show the not-so-nice side of human behavior, but in a somewhat humorous and tongue-in-cheek way. The book puts you as the reader into the center of the story, so you can imagine what life in those times was like.
The book explains the space program, preparations for going into space, and the first attempts to reach the moon. The story describes the mission that was almost a tragic disaster and made famous in an Oscar-winning movie.
We really enjoyed reading this book together and will look for more of the books in this series at our local library.
The book explains the space program, preparations for going into space, and the first attempts to reach the moon. The story describes the mission that was almost a tragic disaster and made famous in an Oscar-winning movie.
We really enjoyed reading this book together and will look for more of the books in this series at our local library.
March 4, 2011
The first half of this book focuses on space flight in general--talking about things like how to pee in space, dried food, flight prep, etc. Only the last few pages talk about the Apollo 13 crisis and it includes all of the big details like the explosion, needing to fit a square tube in a round hole, losing contact with mission control, etc. Each two page spread has a new topic and is FULL of information. This book is definitely for the experienced reader or a read aloud for a child with a long attention span.
June 1, 2012
Basic explanation of early US space exploration and the Apollo 13 near disaster with a smattering of humorous factiods and illustrations. A high-interest non-fiction read to appeal to 2-5th graders (or even younger- it held my 4 year old's attention. She was most interested in how rockets work.)
Wow fact that I didn't know: a 1970 space suit cost 1.5 million dollars to make. (no note on whether this was in 1970s dollars or current value, but it was staggering all the same.) I would love to have more details on the suits, but will have to go to a more advanced book for that one.
Wow fact that I didn't know: a 1970 space suit cost 1.5 million dollars to make. (no note on whether this was in 1970s dollars or current value, but it was staggering all the same.) I would love to have more details on the suits, but will have to go to a more advanced book for that one.
January 22, 2009
This is a enjoyable book for anyone wanting to know the short version of the historical event known as Apollo 13. Filled with great illustrations, this book covers the entire history in a quick read. I do wish it focused a little more on the actual event that brought on the malfunction, but I guess it wanted to keep the book moving so it doesn't stay on one area too much. A nice resource for any library.
December 18, 2013
This is a GREAT Junior Non-Fiction. I know a lot about the story, but I learned even more from this book. It makes things clear to kids, it is told in humorous ways (Like don't fall over on the moon in your space suit and you will probably stink when you are rescued from your space capsule) Very well done and it didn't take forever to read. I want to read more in this series!
May 27, 2014
I loved the first person perspective of this book. Fun illustration keep the reader engaged and provide an insider's view of what it was like for the crew of Apollo 13. From preflight preparation to in-flight disasters, this book provides a ton of information at just the right level for elementary students. Even as an adult, I was able to learn something new from this book.
September 8, 2015
I loved this book. So much information and put in a way that makes history fun to read about. The illustrations were great. You think you know the stories behind the event but there is so much more to learn. And there are so many subjects to choose from. A great series.
March 31, 2009
I like the humor in history it gives
March 9, 2010
Format: Picture Book
Interest Level: 3rd-6th grade
Interest Level: 3rd-6th grade
May 2, 2014
My kids love this series. As always, it's full about interesting facts about the Apollo 13 mission. My kids were fascinated by it. It's a great way to open the door for further study.
August 3, 2015
I found myself comparing this book to the events in the movie, Apollo 13.
March 8, 2016
Asher (8yo) read.
August 25, 2018
Includes very important information, such as where astronauts store their poop and pee.
July 23, 2012
My 9 year old son, who does not like to read, really enjoyed this book.
January 22, 2016
I LOVE these books.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews