"Why is duct tape important in space?" NASA astronaut and spacewalker Tom Jones, who completed four space shuttle missions, answers spaceflight questions kids have probably been dying to ask ke the all-important "How do you go to the bathroom in space?" d some they might not have imagined yet. Divided into 15 sections, the book begins with questions about Jones' early aspirations and career path to becoming an astronaut and continues with 340 questions related to spaceflight training; spaceships; surviving, living, and working in space; spaceflight risks; and returning to Earth. He doesn't give pat, scientific answers but rather individualizes his responses to his own experiences. In addition to discussing his past, Jones comments on the current space program and looks ahead to the future of space travel, exploration, and even tourism. A variety of photos of astronauts in action complement the detailed text, which will inspire readers as they learn both the facts and physical sensations of spaceflight.

Gr 7 Up-The former space shuttle astronaut and planetary scientist has written a treasure trove of answers to FAQs about modern space flight. The text is well organized, with questions categorized into chapters that explain the different steps in the process of aspiring to, training for, and living and working in space. Jones answers scores of questions that he has received over the years at public forums, from "Where should we send astronauts next in space?" to "Have astronauts ever seen space aliens?" Most of the book focuses on NASA's space shuttle voyages to the International Space Station, because this is Jones's greatest area of experience as an astronaut. The technical descriptions in the answers are a bit complex, but the firsthand details and comprehensive back matter make this an ideal addition to any junior high or high school library.