Amazing Answers for Curious Kids – Space Edition by Ross Austin
Publisher: Beyond Why Press
Genre: Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeAmazing Answers for Curious Kids: Space Edition
Why do planets orbit the Sun? What would happen if you dropped a hammer and a feather on the Moon? How do astronauts go to the bathroom in space? And what does it actually feel like when a rocket launches?
Amazing Answers for Curious Kids: Space Edition turns the questions children genuinely wonder about into 84 fascinating space discoveries they can understand, remember, and want to explore further.
Designed for curious kids ages 6–12, this full-color book explores the Solar System, planets, stars, black holes, rockets, astronauts, and the universe through clear explanations, vivid visuals, surprising facts, and questions that encourage kids to think before discovering the answer.
Older readers can explore independently, while younger readers can enjoy the questions, pictures, and discoveries with a grown-up.
Science is filled with endless possibilities.
The conversational writing style made this easy to read even when complex topics were being broken down into something that elementary-aged kids can better understand. It honestly felt like sitting down with a scientist and talking to them about subjects so many people may quietly wonder about but not actually bring up in some cases. This was an excellent stylistic choice and was one of the many reasons why I chose a full five-star rating.
I love how detailed so many of the answers were. For example, one section described what astronauts’ spacesuits smell like after they’ve returned to the space station from a mission. It never would have occurred to me that the molecules out in space might have a particular scent to them, although the explanation of why and how that happened made a great deal of sense. This was one of many examples of things I wouldn’t think to ask but am glad I learned about while reading this book.
Some of my favorite sections were the ones that discussed how scientists are preparing now for future longterm missions to Mars and similar places. For example, figuring out how to have enough food and water for people living that far away would be a constant challenge. There are experiments currently being done on how best to grow food on spaceships or other enclosed areas so that there could be a continuous supply of it for everyone who lived there. These topics are complicated and it will probably be a long time before we’re able to grow enough food for an entire community in such a closed system, but the exploration of some of the techniques they’re trying was absolutely fascinating.
I’d recommend Amazing Answers for Curious Kids – Space Edition to people of all ages who love this topic and want to learn more about outer space.
